Near, Reginald

Reginald Near 86 of St. Marys died peacefully at his home in St. Marys on August 11, 2014. Reg was an employee of the St. Marys Post Office for 38 years and lived in St. Marys all of his life. Reg is survived by his nephews Michael McKinnon of Oakville and Brian McKinnon of Point Clark. He will be sadly missed by Ron McKinnon, Alexander, Dianne, Cheryl, Christina, Adam and Noah. Over the years, Reg participated in tennis, curling and lawn bowling. He was an active member of the Order of Oddfellows for over 60 years. He played trombone as a member of the St. Marys Marching Band for a number of years. Reg was an avid collector of historical post cards from St. Marys and surrounding Perth County and presented his collection at Heritage Days since it began 18 years ago. He served as a member of the St. Marys Museum Board for many years and has been an active local historian for most of his life. He was awarded with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario David C. Onley to honour his commitment to the preservation of information about our heritage. He was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for a number of years and was always there to support people in need with car rides to the hospital, in and out of town; he was glad to help people without need of thanks or recognition. He will be greatly missed by the family, friends and residents of St. Marys. Visitation at the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, 47 Wellington St. S. St. Marys (519-284-2820) on Friday, Aug. 15, from 2 -4 & 7 – 9 p.m. The Memorial Service will be conducted at ST. JAMES ANGLICAN CHURCH, 65 Church St. S., St. Marys, on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 11 a.m. Burial of cremated remains to follow in St. Marys Cemetery. In lieu of flowers can be made to the St. Marys Memorial Hospital Foundation. Online condolences at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.