KOBERSTEIN, REINHOLD GUSTAVE
On Sunday, August 2, 2020, Reiny Koberstein passed away peacefully at the age of 84 years.
Reiny was born in Gardenview, AB (near Barrhead) on April 10, 1936, he was the youngest of 4 children of Gustave and Emilie Koberstein. Reiny was a generous man who lived a full life surrounded by a large family and friends too numerous to count. He spent some of his finest years as a coach of the Barrhead Jr. Elks hockey team. His effort and commitment has impacted the lives of many young men, brought entertaining competitive hockey to Barrhead, and added value to the community as a whole.
He is remembered by many as the large coaching figure from Barrhead that wore the big cowboy hat. He was a lifetime farmer, sharing a passion for the land and livestock with his boys. He loved farm equipment and had a gift for both operating and repairing. He participated in farming activities right up until his body told him, “no more” much to his dismay. Reiny had several part-time jobs along the way such as brand inspection and supervisor for Feeders Association.
In his younger years, Reiny was very active with his church, Barrhead Lighthorse Association, Barrhead Feeder Association, Kinsmen, men’s baseball and fastball, basketball, boxing, and Air Cadets. In recent years Reiny loved sharing stories and memories with friends and family whenever the opportunity presented itself. His keen memory, vast experiences, and desire to joke around made his long visits at local businesses or the coffee shop memorable. He cherished the many friendships he has made along the way.
Reiny was predeceased by his wife, Alma, and 2 infant daughters.
He leaves to mourn, his children; Don (Mona), Bev (Jim), Brian (Monica), and Tracy (Brent) as well as 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and his special friend, Shirley Penner. Reiny is also survived by a large extended family.
Reiny loved children and supported children’s charities whenever possible. If you kindly wish to make a donation in his memory, he would have loved to see it go towards, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation or Barrhead Minor Hockey Association.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions on service size and Reiny’s large family, a closed service with family and only a few friends was held in Barrhead on August 8, 2020. Reiny would have been disappointed at not being able to have a proper “send-off” inclusive of his great many family and friends.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the Staff at the Barrhead Hospital and Keir Care for the above and beyond the call of duty level of care.
Arrangements in care of Scott Green of Rose Garden Chapel, Barrhead, AB.
780 674-4644
