Obituary of John George Reep

On Sunday June 19, 2022, John Reep passed peacefully at the age of 79. He was the loving father of Tori Buggeln (Brendan) and Jonathan Reep, and cherished grandfather of Kaitlyn and Simon Buggeln. 

Born in London, Ontario, John’s life was shaped by the countless hours he spent riding in the truck with his Dad in rural southwestern Ontario, and the influence of his mother’s Scottish roots. John moved to St. Catharines in 1968 to begin a 30-year career as a high school teacher of history, English, law and driver’s education. John left a lasting impression on countless students at St. Catharines Collegiate, Westpark, Merriton and Laura Secord.  

A love for motor sport spurred John to acquire his racing license and build his own race car engines culminating in his winning the Canadian National Formula V Championship in 1980. He went on to teach driving skills across Canada for the Porsche Advanced Driver’s School. John pursued his passions for skiing, cycling, travelling, sailing and writing. In retirement, John worked as a bus tour guide and a cycling wine tour guide sharing his vast knowledge of viticulture, winemaking and Niagara history. John was a published travel writer and author of the Toronto Tour Guide Handbook. He was proud to have written a cover story for the National Post’s travel section. 

Forever a friend to the mothers of his children, the late Lynda Holden (2015) and Kim Peagram. John’s family thanks Kim, Nancy, Diane and Karen for their loving support. It meant the world to us.  

Visitation will be held at George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines on Wednesday, July 6 at 12:30 p.m., with a memorial service at 1:15 p.m. The family also invites friends to a celebratory reception to follow at the Dalhousie Yacht Club, 74 Lighthouse Rd., St. Catharines from 3:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m., with remarks at 4:00 p.m. Donations to Hospice Niagara would be appreciated by the family.