Robert Ellwood Reay

It is with a heavy heart that I share Robert Ellwood Reay passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025 with his wife, Kerrie, by his side. Robert was born on January 7, 1957 to Robert and Dulcie Reay in Penrith, Cumberland, England. The family immigrated to Canada in 1963 and arrived in Terrace, BC in 1964. Robert graduated from Caledonia Senior Secondary in 1975 and then took Carpentry graduating top of his class and holding the designation of Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter. Robert worked on major projects in the BC Northwest, including the Methanex plant in Kitimat and the Johnny Mountain Gold Mine north of Stewart. 

In March 1989 Robert met Kerrie and they were married that same year on the 2nd of September and making Terrace their home. Soon after, Robert shifted from union work to self-employment when he and Kerrie established Cumbria Construction. Robert quickly became a well respected ‘spec’ home builder and in 2002 Robert accepted the Site Superintendent position for the construction of McConnell Estate, Seniors Supportive Housing. In 2003, Robert and Kerrie moved to Chilliwack, where Robert managed a heavy timber business and worked as a Site Superintendent; in 2008 Robert retired when he and Kerrie relocated to Sooke BC. A huge part of Robert’s life was his beloved pets, Mister accompanied him to work every day building houses, Walker who chased the wildlife away from the property, including a cougar but not the moose and her calf, Cromwell for walks at Harrison Hot Springs and keeping Robert’s feet warm, Dana a sweet old gal, and Loxley for daily walks, snuggles and snoozes in Sooke. Although Robert never openly admitted it, he enjoyed the kitties as well, Masset and Charlotte; all of them having now gone over the rainbow bridge. Robert and Kerrie enjoyed travelling with trips to England, Ireland, the East Coast and in the last few years, yearly trips to Telkwa in northern BC. Robert was an avid football fan, following the CFL and NFL since his teenage years. In his earlier years he enjoyed horse riding, fly fishing and 4x4ing in the Telkwa pass and the Seven Sisters, then, after moving to Sooke, Robert took-up bicycling the Galloping Goose topping more than 14,000 kms.

Heart felt thanks to Dr. Oscar Cruz Pereira and Erin, Dr. Forsberg and the countless other doctors, nurses and health care staff who provided care during Robert’s illness and to Patricia, Robert’s home care Nurse, Elene, Sooke Fire Rescue, Justin and Nurse Practitioner, Sarah Shaw, for their kindness and compassion shown to Robert in his final days.

Robert was a kind and gentle person; solid in his commitment, support and love for his wife, Kerrie ~ Forever Remembered with Love.

I have lived and laughed, And did my best, But now it’s time to rest.

No Service by Request, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local Animal Shelter.