Vernon (Vern) Harvey Reaburn
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Vernon (Vern) Harvey Reaburn on Monday, May 12th, 2025. Vern was a proud and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.
Vern had a zest for life and a genuine love for people of all ages and was always ready for a conversation. At just 18, he began his career with the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller in Moose Jaw, SK. His service took him across the country and abroad, with postings in St. Jean, Quebec; Rockcliffe/Ottawa, Ontario; MacDonald, Manitoba; Goose Bay, Labrador; Baden-Baden, Germany; and back to Moose Jaw, where he retired after 20 years of dedicated service.
Following his military career with the RCAF as an ATC, Vern continued to serve the public through his work with the Saskatchewan Film Classification Board, the Saskatchewan Department of Justice and Corrections, and later with the Commissionaires, primarily at the Regina Airport.
An adventurer at heart, Vern earned his pilot’s license, became a member of the Regina Flying Club, and served as a past president. He was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and the Wawa Shrine Temple Klown Corp, where he volunteered as a clown. He served as deputy sheriff with the Regina Buffalo Days Rowdy Gang. A passionate sports enthusiast, Vern participated as a player, coach, and official. He also loved reading, movies, and travel — especially visiting family in Owen Sound, ON and vacationing in Cuba.
Vern was grateful for the love he experienced in his two marriages — first to Ethel Shreeves in 1958, and later to Myrna Pfingstl (Fiesel) in 1981. He held both dearly in his heart and often spoke of them with great fondness.
He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred Reaburn and Ada Emke; brothers: Ken, Jim, and Gord; and niece, Kim. Vern will be lovingly remembered by his son, Ross (Glennys); granddaughters, Amanda (Greg) Olson and Samantha Reaburn; great-grandsons: Sebastian, Liam, Lucas, McCoy, and Justin (Kamree); great-granddaughter, Taylor (Evan); great-great-granddaughters, Meah and Kacey; nieces: Barb, Cheryl, Linda, and Bonnie, and their families. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Nancy, Mike, and Kevin, and their families; as well as many friends.
We wish to thank the paramedics that attended to his accident and to thank the health care professionals at the Regina General Hospital for their care for him in his last days.
A celebration of Vern’s life will be held later at a date yet to be determined. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Sending our condolences to the family. He was one of a kind, and will be missed.
To Ross and Glenny’s and family………On behalf of our family here in the East we are saddened by Uncle Vern’s passing. We have so many great memories growing up with his visits here. From helping coach our girls softball practice when we were just young or taking us to the CN Tower, getting on the majorette bus just to help, going to watch our boys race at the beach…….or a SURPRISE visit showing up at the attack game there are so many many more memories……… For always being here when we needed his support. For being such a positive person always willing to embrace a new adventure……….. We shared so many wonderful times together. We had the pleasure and privilege to share so much with an unforgettable man !!! Full of ZEST for life. He could talk to anyone willing to sit beside him.
May the memories that you all shared be comfort to you at this difficult time.
I worked along side Vern for years out at the airport. He always met you and left you with a smile. It was a joy to have shared that time with him.
Ross, Glennys, Amanda and Samantha: So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad and Granpa. Dad’s and Granpa’s are special people in our lives and we know you will miss him. Know that we care and are thinking about you all! Love from Dan & Linda
Sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. I worked with him at the Regina AIrport for about 3-4 years.
Great teacher as he taught me a lot but also a friend . Gord Neale
Condolences to Vern’s family, sorry to hear of his passing. I worked with him at Regina Airport for many years, plus Corrections prior to the airport. He had a great sense of humour, was a good friend, and great mentor at the airport. He will be missed by all. Bill Gallagher
My deepest condolences for your loss. I had known Vern for almost 40 years since our days of working together at The Regina Correctional Centre. I also used to see him when he was employed at the Regina airport. Vern was truly a wonderful person. He was a loving, caring person and always carried himself in a manner of distinction. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May your memories of him bring you joy and peace in this very difficult moment.
Rahul Banerjee
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Vern’s presence will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. We will miss his surprise visits to Ontario. He always brought joy and wisdom to every conversation specially his views on politics During this difficult time, we hope you find comfort in the cherished memories and the legacy he’s leaves behind.
RIP Vern you’ll be missed by many but never forgotten my condolences to the family and friends
Sending our deepest condolences to the families.
It was our pleasure of getting to know Vern he lived in the same building down the hall from our aunt Liz. They became friends and Vern was always there to help Liz. We appreciated his friendship with Liz. Sorry for your families loss.
My condolences to all the family.
Well Uncle Vern, I’m going to miss those surprise visits from you whether I was living in Toronto or Port Elgin. If I think of all the memories and pictures I have of you, they go way back to my childhood. I can remember when I was quite young and you were travelling the little things you’d bring for me, like a pennant or other souvenir. In fact I still have a pair of fur and suede gloves that you gave me way back when, they go almost to my elbows and were great when I was watching a hockey game as they kept my legs warm too sitting in an arena. The day I met you at Ontario Place after marching with the band and then up the CN Tour. We had our dinners out, just sitting and talking, reminiscing and dreaming, and talking on the phone. I could keep listing all the memories that we have, for now they are locked deep in heart where I will hold them forever. I will miss you dearly. Say hello to Daddy for me❤️