Obituary of Roger Anthony Reader

*Please join us at Ganong Nature Park (350 Todds Point Rd. Dufferin, NB E3L 3R8) for an informal gathering to celebrate our father's life. We are looking forward to hearing yout stories, listning to your music or anything else you would like to share in Tony's memory. Come anytime between 1PM and 4PM on Tuesday August 09, 2022.*

Roger Anthony “Tony” Reader - at Charlotte County Hospital, June 18, 2020. Tony is survived by his loving and beloved partner Jaqueline Hiltz and her daughter Stacey, and his daughters and their partners: Jennifer and Tony Lane (NL), Rosemary Reader and Philippe Marsolais (QC), Jillian and Bradley Roland (ME); grandchildren Brian, Devon, Roxanne, Louis, Zackary, and Adam; and many nieces and nephews. Tony was predeceased by his wife, Barbara (Dunphy) in 1999, and his sister, Faith Porter in 2013. Tony was passionate about the outdoors and shared many excursions and adventures with family, friends, students, and even strangers. There were many paddling trips and events with the St. Croix Canoe Club in the 70s, and he thoroughly enjoyed his canoeing and work with the St. Croix International Waterway Commission after he retired from teaching. Family and friends have wonderful memories of many other outings Dad organized such as canoe-sailing around Oven Head, hiking or skiing at Moosehorn Game Refuge or Ganong Nature Park (Todd’s Point), canoe-camping at Red Rock Lake, skating on the Dennis Stream, raspberry-picking on Navy Island off St. Andrews, and cycling wherever a bike could go. Tony enjoyed riding his bike to school whenever possible, and after retirement enjoyed some lengthy trips with cycling friends from the St. Stephen area. The Sunday morning cycling routine of later years was a regular favourite though, and they would cycle to the “Big Stop” for breakfast and conversation. His riding slowed in recent years and Jackie would drive him so he could still enjoy their company and debate. Music was a big part of Tony’s life. His harmonica was never far away and after teaching himself to play the guitar, the fiddle, and the accordion, he found himself at many a musical gathering. He and Jackie and other musicians in the “Tony Reader and Friends” group played at all the seniors homes from St. Stephen to St. Andrews on a regular basis. Dad organized and participated in weekly Monday morning music sessions for patients at Charlotte County Hospital for almost 15 years and, along with Jackie, welcomed many music students into their home each week. Those of you who knew Tony also know how he loved being a teacher. His career choice was a source of great pride and he was always keen to get to work in the mornings and share his love of history and geography with his students. Even outside of school, Tony would look for opportunities to teach. Once he happened to meet some French tourists and paddled them to St.Croix Island sharing early history and French folk songs along the way. After retiring, Tony continued to enjoy the part of educator, joining in and supporting various organizations that he felt strove for both nature preservation and outdoor education and activities. Dad always shared fond memories of his connections with many friends, colleagues and acquaintances. It’s heart-warming for us to remember you at this time as well. There will be no visitation or service. Family and friends are invited to join Tony with his donation (bequeathment) to the Ganong Nature Park or their charity of choice. On line condolences to the family or donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care & direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506-466-3110)