Obituary of Clarance Jeffery Rinehart

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved husband Jeff Rinehart on Wednesday, March 18, 2009. Jeff lived a full and loving life of 46 years and has left our heavenly earth to take on a new life of everlasting peace and love with our Father God. Jeff – a wonderful and loving husband to Tracy; “Big Daddy” to daughter Shelby; mother Wilma; sister Linda (Doug) Sawyer; brother Art (Bev) Rinehart; uncle Don (Shirley) Rinehart; sister-in-law Jody (Mike) Duffy; father and mother-in-law Lloyd and Cathy Pope; two nieces Sonia Schaab and Keri Rinehart: and two nephews, Steven Sawyer and Chris Rinehart. Jeff was Jeff from the moment he was born in Olds, AB and lived on the Rinehart family farm in Westcott, AB for four years. In 1966 the family moved to Calgary where he spent his entire adolescence in St. Andrews Heights. Jeff was a family man and always looked up to his big sister and brother. Whatever they did, Jeff was right behind all the way. He was introduced to Tracy in 1992 through one of his dearest friends. They were a match made in heaven and married shortly afterward in 1994. Jeff and Tracy shared the fondest memories together from their love of water, and travels to Cozumel, Mexico to get certified in diving, and to their countless annual celebrations to bring friends and family together. Their love for diving and being near the water called them to Ambergris Caye in Belize where they were wed “Barefoot on the Beach” on April 27, 1994. In three short years their daughter Shelby was born and as a family their love for water carried on at our cabin in Seymour Arm, BC. Jeff loved his daughter more than anything on earth and was the proudest Dad when she was baptized, her figure skating, spring board diving, and just recently, when they went scuba diving together. Jeff was a dedicated and well-respected employee with the Calgary Board of Education where his career started when he was just fourteen years old when he had a summer job working in grounds. He went on to develop a very satisfying career in Management and he accomplished many achievements and goals. Jeff was respected by many people at the CBE. He has many, many life-long friends and “brothers” with whom he kept in touch with since elementary school. Friends called Jeff the “glue” that kept them all together. He had an uncanny ability to talk you into anything, including a number of friends who also got certified in diving and went on to enjoy many dive trips with him. He always kept in touch and would do anything for his friends and his family. He was always there to lend a helping hand. If anyone called to ask for his help, there was never a hesitation. Some of our fondest memories with Jeff are his deep love for music, his desire to be close to friends and family, his unbelievable gift of the gab, and all the great times in “Garage Mahal”. He also found great comfort and peace through his daily relationship with God. Jeff, we will miss you and the legacy you leave behind will live on forever. We will miss your songs at the fire, your crazy Billy Bob teeth, your teasing, your love for life, our great dart games and dance off’s in “Garage Mahal”, and your loving support. Remember: “Who Loves Ya Babe!” Funeral Services will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 – 40th Street S.E.) on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. Thanks to the many friends and family that supported Jeff over the last six years. In living memory of Jeff Rinehart, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.