REICHE, Eric

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eric G. Reiche on January 16, 2026, age 91, from complications of advanced Parkinson’s Disease at Wellington Terrace, Fergus, Ontario. Husband of Mary Ann Cyphers, loving father to Michael David and Ingrid Marie. Predeceased by his mother, Anni Lau; his father, Paul Willi Reiche; his stepmother, Minna (Dunger) Reiche. He will be missed by all friends and extended family. Eric was born in Berlin, Germany in 1934. After his parents divorced in 1939, he was raised by his paternal grandparents during World War II, until his father returned from a POW camp in the spring of 1946. He apprenticed as a tailor in Berlin. Seeking further opportunities, he immigrated to Hamilton in 1953 at the age of 19, with $50 in his pocket. Eric was an independent, resourceful, and determined man who embarked on this new life on his own, with no help from his family. He faced the unknown with willingness to learn and resilience. With sparse knowledge of English and little money, he worked at numerous jobs while obtaining high school equivalency. Encouraged by a high school teacher to pursue higher education, he applied and was admitted to the University of Western Ontario at the age of 29. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in history, and then pursued a PhD in European history with a focus on modern Germany from the University of Delaware. It was there that he met his future wife Mary Ann. In 1971 they were married and he was hired by the University of Guelph, where he taught German, Russian and European history. He was Chair of the History department for 2 terms, from 1989-1998. He retired in 1999. Apart from his devotion to teaching, he was interested in politics and social justice, spending his free time volunteering for the NDP party and Amnesty International. Eric loved music from classical to jazz, but had a particular fondness for opera, of which he had a large collection of recordings. His interest in technology, including audio/video and computers afforded the family home a wide array of entertainment.. He enjoyed travel. While his research took him to various cities in Germany, he was equally interested in experiencing and understanding the diversity of Canada from coast to coast. He was always supportive of his childrens’ desire for adventure and knowledge, and he encouraged them to pursue their own paths in life. He enjoyed walking, whether it was to work or for leisure. He also liked working with his hands, whether it was renovating the basement, building bookcases, gardening, or cooking. Sunday family dinners and holidays meals were not to be missed. Friends and guests would remark about the care put into meals. Christmas was one of his favorite times of the year. Decorating the tree and making a variety of baked goods and sweets were memorable times. One of the last family endeavours was to make a chocolate cake at Wellington Terrace this past Christmas, a memory we will cherish forever, and for which he was very grateful. Although the last three years of his life were spent at Wellington Terrace, the devotion of his spouse, Mary Ann, made his time there as comfortable and home-like as possible. Mary Ann was a dedicated and compassionate advocate for his care. Eric looked forward to being taken outside. He and Mary Ann often sat watching the swans in the pond on the grounds. The care provided by Dr. Stickney, the nurses, PSWs, and staff at Wellington Terrace were excellent. They were always interested in learning about Eric and supporting the complexities of his care. As a family, we are most grateful for all their efforts and their dedication. Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph. Friends and relatives are invited to a celebration of life to be held on Friday, March 27th for visitation at 11:00am, and a funeral service at 12:00pm. A Family Committal Service to be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park at 3:00pm. As expressions of sympathy, donations made to Parkinson’s Canada would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences can be made online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com