TWU

In Memory of TWU Founding Board Member Delbert J. Reimer

Honouring Delbert J. Reimer's dedication to Christian higher education. 

Trinity Western University honours Delbert J. Reimer, a founding Board member of the University, after whom the TWU Reimer Student Centre is named.

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Honouring Delbert J. Reimer

Delbert "Del" James Reimer (14 March, 1929 – 28 September, 2024) was among the first to champion the establishment of a campus for Christian higher education in B.C. His vision, leadership, and service helped to establish Trinity Junior College in 1962, which eventually became Trinity Western University in 1985.

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Delbert J. Reimer speaking at the inauguration of President Emeritus Bob Kuhn. (TWU Archives)

A founding Board member of the University, Mr. Reimer passed away on September 28, 2024 at the age of ninety-five after a long and vibrant life. 

“Del Reimer expressed his love for the Lord through the way he lived, and through the investment of his person, career, relationships, and resources into God’s kingdom work,” TWU Board Chair Matthew St. John remarks. “Mr. Reimer’s life is an inspiration for Trinity Western’s community, as we seek to live faithfully in the times and places that Christ has called us to today.”

"On behalf of Trinity Western University, we pay tribute to Del Reimer, whose life expressed his love and faithfulness to Jesus Christ," Interim President and Provost Dr. Todd Martin remarks. "Through serving his family, church, and community, and investing his passion and giftings in business and leadership, Mr. Reimer demonstrated a life lived fully for the glory of God."

A vision for Christian education

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Mr. Delbert James Reimer. (TWU Archives)

Mr. Reimer served on the Board of Governors of Trinity Junior College, Trinity Western College, and Trinity Western University during more than thirty years of the Institution’s development.

The Reimer Student Centre at TWU’s Langley campus is named after Del Reimer, honouring his longstanding support for a Christian vision of excellence in education. 

Dedication of the Reimer Student Centre 

The Reimer Centre was unveiled through a dedication ceremony on Oct. 6, 1997. A dedication plate in the main lobby commemorates that the building is “dedicated to the glory of God” and highlights a beloved verse of Scripture, “The Lord has…told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) 

The building of the Reimer Centre was completed through significant contributions from the Reimer Express World Corp., a company headed by Dr. Donald Sanford Reimer (1933–2023), brother to Del Reimer. The Reimer family have been longtime supporters and influencers within many educational, business, charitable, and Christian organizations, including Trinity Western.

At TWU, the Reimer family have invested generously into the lives of many students and graduates through gifts towards the Student Impact Fund, scholarships, and major operational campaigns.  

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Photograph of Delbert and Noreen Reimer, This photograph was taken during the naming ceremony for the new Reimer Student Centre, October 1997. (TWU Archives)

Life and career

In addition to being a faithful champion and supporter of Christian higher education, throughout his career, Mr. Reimer served as an officer and director of the Reimer Express Group of companies. 

Mr. Reimer is survived by his beloved wife Noreen Marie Reimer (Wiebe), his children: Marcia (Tim), Debby (Doug) and Ross (Wendy), nine grandchildren: David, Sara, Erin, Elizabeth (Nathan), Allison (Tim), Alex, Riley (Eric), Jillian, Taya, four great grandchildren: Jack, Charlie, Austin, Elliott and sister: Grace Betzold (Ken) and many nieces and nephews.

Service in business, church, and higher education

Born and raised in Steinbach, Manitoba, Mr. Reimer attended Prairie Bible Institute. Following graduation, Del and his wife, Noreen, served a term as missionaries in Panama. Upon their return, Del joined his brothers in building Reimer Express Lines Ltd. He served as Treasurer and Vice President until his retirement. He then devoted his life to being present and available to his grandchildren. Throughout his life, he served faithfully in his church and numerous mission and ministry boards, including board leadership at Trinity Western University, which was very dear to his heart.

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Delbert and Noreen Reimer at a TWU annual fundraising event. (TWU Archives)

Faithful servant to his Lord

A tribute from his family affirms that Mr. Reimer was a friend to all and known for his generosity. Most of all, he was a faithful servant to his Lord and Saviour. He was an eternal optimist and encourager who shared the gospel at every opportunity and his true heart’s desire was that everyone would know the love and salvation of Jesus. His pace in life can be described as “fast.” Everything from his walk, his talk, his projects and tasks were done at a quick pace. Del was a loving husband, and he cherished his precious “Deary” with all his heart. His love for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was always evident. He was always dependable with a work ethic and values that shaped his personal and business life every day. Mr. Reimer's children remember him as a father who was able to balance his busy life with fun, including the game of golf which he enjoyed, long walks, and regular treats of pie and ice cream.

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The Reimers at the inauguration dinner of President Emeritus Bob Kuhn. (TWU Archives)

About Trinity Western University

Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.