Mr. Robert Rea

THE death has taken place in Canada of Mr. Robert Ivan Rea.

Formerly of Inch and Ballygally, he died on November 9 at Parkwood Mennonite Home in Kitchener, Ontario. He was in his 86th year.

Born on October 26, 1928, Ivan’s father, Robert Hutton Rea, formally of Annacloy, was evacuated to Inch from Belfast during the blitz in 1942. Ivan attended Inch Primary School and then Down High School before joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1950.

Ivan rapidly rose through the ranks with an exemplary record to become the youngest sergeant in the RUC before resigning and emigrating to Canada in 1958 with his wife Margaret and son Desmond.

He joined the Ontario Provincial Government and again had a most successful career of 25 years, rising to become Director of the Retail Sales Tax Division before retiring to enjoy his life in Canada.

Ivan was greatly admired by his peers and was responsible for the introduction of many new and novel managerial practices within the departments he managed during this time.

He retired at the age of 55 and enjoyed a most enriched life with his many friends, travelling and playing golf.

Ivan is survived by his beloved wife Margaret, son Desmond and his wife Michelle, grandchildren, Lindsay, Jessica, Alexandra, Stephen and Lauren, and great grandchildren Kayden and Mathew.

Ivan will be sadly missed by his Irish cousins, Mabel McComiskey, Hazel Rea, Margaret Clements, Edward Rea, Geoffrey Rea, Dorothy Ferguson and Jane Rogers.