John Rexe

Obituary of John Rexe John Paul Rexe, B.Sc., M.A., C. Dir. Rexe, J. Paul passed away peacefully August 9, 2010 at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre after a determined battle with cancer in his 67th year. Predeceased by his parents, John and Ruth Rexe, he is survived by his cherished daughters, Deanna (Gerald), Jessica, and Katherine; beloved grandchildren Hillary, Georgia, and Charles; siblings Stephen (Maureen), Michael, and Jeffrey (Janet); a large and loving extended family; and former wives Ann Lewington, Sally Adams, and Karen Marshall, and their families. Paul lived a wonderful life with many chapters: chartered accountancy with McColl Turner; computer programming with Canadian General Electric; Director of the Trent University archaeological field school; secondary school teacher at Thomas A Stewart, Kenner, and Crestwood, and professor with Queen's-Trent Concurrent Education Program; farmer; consultant; union leader; long-time municipal politician; award-winning Peterborough Examiner columnist; and in retirement, Vice-President of Safe Harbour Developments Inc. As a member of Trent University's first graduating class (1964), Paul obtained a B.A. in History and Economics (Trent), a Honours B.Sc. in Anthropology (Trent), Diploma in Education (University of Toronto) and an M.A. in Canadian Studies (Trent). A dedicated lifelong learner, he never stopped wanting to learn, becoming a Chartered Director in 2006. He was proud to be only one of eleven people in Canada to be certified as Audit Committee Certified by McMaster University in Corporate Governance. Paul's passion and skill for public policy was always near and dear to his heart. He served as Councillor with the City of Peterborough, (1971-73, 1980-87, 2003-2006), for both Otonabee and Ashburnham Wards. He served on many boards and commissions, including: Kenner Foundation, Peterborough Community Legal Centre, Peterborough Utilities Group of Companies, Canadian Canoe Museum, Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation, United Way of Peterborough, Peterborough Police Commission, St. Joseph's Hospital, Peterborough Centennial Museum, Fairhaven, Trent University Liaison Committee and over forty other municipal boards and committees. He ran as the NDP candidate for Peterborough in the general federal election in 1979 and provincial election in 1981, and from 1998 - 2003 Paul wrote the weekly column "Rexe Appeal" for the Peterborough Examiner, tackling local issues with insight, enthusiasm and great relish. His thousands of hours of community and public service and acts of kindness will never be forgotten. As a dedicated teacher and a coach, Paul encouraged and helped countless young people to develop their goals and achieve their dreams. As a teacher-educator, he mentored hundreds of young teachers, and delighted in working with them during his eight years teaching for Queen's University in the Concurrent Education Program. As a politician, notable contributions include the establishment of the Peterborough Community Race Relations Committee, the introduction of senior citizens bus passes, and early in his career, the implementation of the city's capital reserve system, which to date has saved the city millions of dollars. In 1984 Paul was awarded the Ontario Bi-Centennial Medal in recognition of his contribution to the lives of citizens of the province through his dedication and public service, and in 1992 was proud to be a founding member inducted into the Kenner Hall of Honour. Visitation will be held at Sadleir House of the former Peter Robinson College of Trent University, 751 George Street North, Peterborough, on Wednesday, August 11th, from 6 to 9 p.m. Services will be held at St. John's Anglican Church, Hunter Street West (west of Sheridan Street) on Thursday at 11 a.m. Reception to follow. A private family inurnment will take place at Little Lake Cemetery. If desired, directions to the services, condolences to the family and donations to the Kenner Foundation, of which Paul was the chair for 15 years, would be appreciated and may be made at www.CommunityAlternative.ca or by calling Community Alternative Funeral Home at 742-1875. Special thanks to all the family and friendship support over the years. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Rexe, please visit Tribute Store