Obituary of Ronald Daniel Reinhardt

REINHARDT, Ronald Daniel – Age 77, of New Cumberland. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Karen Reinhardt and Ron Reinhardt of New Cumberland, within 10 days of each other. On the evening of December 12th, 2024, Karen passed away peacefully of cancer at South Shore Regional Hospital, with her partner of over 50 years, Ron, by her side. She was 81 years old. Ten days later, Ron died of a cardiac event on the afternoon of December 22nd, 2024. He was 77 years old.

Karen was born in Portland, Maine to John and Myrtle Neilson in January 1943, and was the eldest of two daughters. Ron was born in Vogler’s Cove to John and Velma Reinhardt in April 1947, the middle of three sons. Karen met Ron on a trip to Nova Scotia in 1971, and the two were married soon after. They lived their entire lives together on 100 acres of farmland in rural Lunenburg County and raised two children, Nathaniel and Morgen, as well as many dogs, cats, chickens, and goats.

Karen had a true entrepreneurial spirit and found great joy and excitement in starting businesses and community organizations, from nursery schools to Christmas tree exports to a fresh fish store. She loved music and spent many years bringing talented musicians to perform at SeaSide Folk, a monthly concert series that she single-handedly created and managed. For the last twenty years, Karen found a new calling as an international elections observer, travelling across the world to help ensure that democratic processes were upheld in elections across the globe. She was a long-time volunteer with the Red Cross and spent many days and weeks deployed to disaster zones across Canada and the world to aid in recovery efforts. She was incredibly passionate about her work as a fierce supporter of community, the environment and social justice, allowing her to form strong friendships around the world.

A graduate of Dalhousie University, Ron loved animals and was most likely to be found walking his dogs on Crescent Beach. Ron was a gifted carpenter, whose handiwork can be seen on countless homes and buildings across Lunenburg County. He was a beloved school bus driver, whose kindness and sense of humour left an impression on generations of children attending Petite Riviere Elementary and Hebbville Academy. He loved being active, especially outdoors, and spent many hours playing rugby, baseball, cycling, running (including full marathons!), cross-country skiing, and walking on the beach. Ron was a prolific gardener, a true DIY expert, and well read on everything from monetary theory to passive solar greenhouses. Ron loved to chat, and while he didn’t stray far from home, he knew almost every person in his community, always available to help and support people and animals in need.

Ron and Karen were stalwarts of their community, supporting everything from swimming holes to local ballfields, school boards to emergency response. They created a beautiful and honest life together on their homestead where they cared for many people and animals who crossed their path. Perhaps their greatest joy was in their grandchildren, Scarlett, Finn, Lachlan and Hildy, who held their hearts in their sticky hands.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Myrtle. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, John and Velma, and stepfather, Glen Zwicker. Karen is survived by her sister, Kathy (Philip) and Ron is survived by his brothers, Doug (Barbara) and Kevin (Billie). They are both survived by their children, Nathaniel (Leitha) and Morgen (Trevor); grandchildren, Scarlett and Lachlan Reinhardt and Finn and Hildy Kendall; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Memorial Service to remember and celebrate both Ron and Karen at the Petite Riviere Fire Hall, on January 11^th, 2025, from 1-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SHAID Animal Shelter or the Red Cross. Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater.