Reg Alcock

I first met Reg when I worked on his campaign for the Liberal federal nomination and was fortunate enough that our paths crossed many years later when he was my professor at the Asper School during my MBA education.

I always found Reg to be both incredibly bright and approachable. He was very kind with words and encouragement, and easily saw both the gravity and humour in life, business and politics.

My heart and best wishes go out to Reg’s family at this difficult time and hopefully you can find some solace in the simple fact that, to many, he made a difference.

Sincerely,

Craig Milne

Hi Karen

I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family. I was just as surprised to hear what had happened to Reg. He will be missed by all of us.

Mike

It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing this tonight. I first met Reg when I was quite young; he and Karen hired me to babysit their three children. This was my first job, and one that I will never forget, especially now. Reg had to travel a lot with work, but always made sure to find the time for Sarah Matthew and Christina… It was clear how much he loved them. When he would get home from a trip to Ottawa they would go running at him to greet him, Sarah used to count how long until he would be home. From the first day I met Reg I was in awe of his intelligence, larger than life presence, and accomplishments. He always took the time to ask how I was doing and continued to be present in my life from time to time as I got older. He was not only a reference, but the best reference I could ever ask for on a resume. Everyone in this city seemed to look highly upon Reg, and it was amazing to hear all the wonderful things people had to say about him. He was glad to help me out in any way when it came to getting a job with the government, and was especially happy when I was looking into Child and Family Services a few years back. When anyone saw that I worked for Reg, they always had something they wanted to add about how they knew him and what a great man he was. I had never sat back and thought about how much Reg has done for this city until the day I heard of his passing. I was and am still in shock, this city has lost an incredible and irreplaceable man. However the contributions that he has left behind with us will never be forgotten.
To Karen and the kids, my heart aches for you. In these hard times find comfort in the fact that there are so many people praying for you and remembering Reg as one of the most kind, intelligent, friendly and successful men they have ever met. As someone who saw Reg with his kids so often, this is what I will remember most fondly about him- he was an outstanding father. RIP Reg ( In the arms of the angels)

To Reg and his loved ones –

Reg, you had an insatiable curiosity for the nuts and bolts of public policy, administration, and parliamentary affairs.

We worked on a lot of files together over the years and I will always remember your child like enthusiasm to tackle every little constituency issue, immigration, government IT & all public administration type projects from Ministerial Accountabilities to managing the public service.

I also will never forget your passion for Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada. You have accomplished soo much for soo many.

You never came to Ottawa to watch the paint dry or to collect your pension. You came to change things for the better and therein lies your legacy.

I will remember you always Reg!

With every warm wish to your family left behind from this untimely departure.

Marc Khouri
Calgary, AB

I will always remember how he cared about his students. His advice about school, life, and business was welcomed and helpful in our education. Being Reg’s student will always be a great privilege to me.

Karen
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Reg believed in the work of my Office and was a great inspiration to us all.
A big hug to you,
Carol

Karen and family,

There are times when families lose loved ones and we are sad, there are times when communities lose someone and we mourn together, and there are times when people across a city, a province and a nation stop and think they were all better for having known someone.

This is one of those times when were sad, we are mourning and we are celebrating a life.

Reg was a leader through actions and not words. He was caring, respectful and was constantly teaching people around him while he was also learning himself.

I will always remember our time in the Legislature and in Ottawa but it is the little things he did for people that nobody ever saw. Little gestures that helped people but weren’t advertised – that’s the Reg I remember.

I will remember him as a man of ethics, big ideas and actions that made a difference.

Reg, we will miss you! We are sad, we mourn and we celebrate!

Michael

Reg

It was an amazing experience to have worked for you. You gave me a chance when you didn’t even know me. Fresh out of university and with no political experience it was you who directed my path into my current career.. And it was working for you that I got to meet the most interesting and dynamic people!!

Your wisdom and your personality will always be remembered and cherished! I still talk to our former colleagues about our office stories and the quarkiness of our group! I made friendships that will last a lifetime!

Winnipeg south was never the same when you lost in 2006… So many constituents call me still and wish you were still their MP!

My heart and prayers go to Karen and the kids at this time and that you rest in peace with our lord.

Forever cherished and missed

Rosanna

Hi there..

My thoughts and prayers to Reg’s family during this difficult time.

Just to share a few thoughts..Reg was my foster dad during the early 80′s, I was a kid from seven oaks home for kids on drury ave wpg man.

Reg made a huge difference in my life even though i din’nt realize till years later, he believed in me when i didn’t even know how to believe in myself.

Thank you Reg..you were a great foster dad, a great man and you will be greatly missed..

God Speed..<3

I will miss you Reg,
As I read through this book of remembrance one thing is clear, you were and always will be a man to look up to.

When you first introduced me to politics I was 14 years old and had just lost my father. You took me under your wing and taught me so much over the years, much of which has made me the woman I am today both personally and professionally.

I will miss our talks where you continuously referred to me as “kiddo” and I called you “Papa Reg”. But most of all I will miss knowing you were only a phone call away if I needed you for anything. That’s the kind of man you were. Completely selfless, generous and kind.

My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with your family.
Rest in peace “Papa Reg”.

Caroline M. Mehra

It is with a heavy heart that I offer you condolences for your loss. It is a loss for everyone whose life was touched by his presence as mine very much was. Karen and Joan if you ever need anything please feel free to ask. Reg was a big man with a big heart. He was much loved and will be greatly missed.

I was in Montreal when I saw the news report about the loss of Reg Alcock, and I felt very shocked and sorry. Our society needs his gifts of insight now more than ever. He worked very hard to help improve government efficiency and accountability, federally and in small communities too.
On a personal note, I was very grateful to Reg when he came to the E-day wrap up after my loss as a candidate in a provincial by-election. He was then an MP and a cabinet Minister, but he took the time to speak to volunteers at the wrap-up gathering about the campaign, and about what had been done well. His thoughtful words helped to make everyone’s hard work feel worthwhile. I am grateful still for his vision of politics as honourable service.
I send my sincere sympathy to family members.

I fondly remember the parties held at the back of the Tuxedo police station when his folks were at the lake…sometimes becoming a bit rowdy…but always fun. Reg was an excellent host even then.
RIP ‘ole buddy.

We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Reg’s sudden passing.

We will miss Reg’s kindness, wisdom and sense of humour.

Our sincere condolences to Karen, Sarah, Matthew and Christina.

Sylvia & Jim

My deepest sympathies go to the family. In the past few years I have become very involved in the Liberal Party both federally and provincially and had the pleasure of working with Reg again. I say again because my first brush with politics involved Reg when I was a little kid. I would go with my grandfather, Ted Plouffe, to Reg’s office to stuff and lick envelopes. I remember seeing this towering figure of a man with a booming voice come in the office and spend time personally thanking everyone who was there helping. Reg’s commitment to Manitoba and Canada can’t be talked about enough. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.