On behalf of Trinity Western University’s Board of Governors and President, we respectfully pay tribute to Dr. Donald Sanford Reimer (January 22, 1933 - November 12, 2023), a faithful supporter and esteemed friend of the University.
"Dr. Donald Reimer will be remembered as an extraordinary individual whose entrepreneurship, intelligence, and courage created tremendous value. Dr. Reimer’s leadership, service, and philanthropy is a moving illustration of Christian stewardship and calling," President Mark Husbands remarked.
"TWU is grateful for Dr. Reimer’s long commitment to excellence in Christian university education, and we seek to honour his legacy and long obedience to Christ.”
Dr. Donald Reimer exemplified a life of excellence in business and philanthropy. At age 19, he founded Reimer Express Lines, and he led the company for over 40 years. He was executive chairman and chief executive officer of Reimer World Corp., the parent company that included Reimer Express Lines. In 1989 Reimer Express Lines was the recipient of a Canada Award for Business Excellence in Quality. Dr. Reimer received the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Award in 1987 and the National Transportation Person-of-the-Year Award in 1994.
He established the Reimer Express Foundation in 1985, using it mainly to support annual gifts to Christian charities. Dr. Reimer is brother to Del Reimer, who is among the founding members of Trinity Junior College before the college became Trinity Western University.
In 1994, Dr. Reimer contributed significantly to the building of Reimer Student Centre. He chose to dedicate the Reimer Centre in recognition of brother Del and to uplift their shared passion for “a Christian vision of excellence in education.” In addition to the Reimer Centre, he also contributed to the Science Centre building in 1993.
Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Reimer invested generously into the lives of many TWU students and graduates through his gifts towards the Student Impact Fund, scholarships, and major operational campaigns.
Giving his time and expertise to society, Dr. Reimer served as a board director for many educational, business, and charitable organizations, including the Bank of Canada, the Health Sciences Research Foundation in Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba, Trinity Evangelical School in Chicago, World Vision, and Youth for Christ International.
TWU awarded Donald Reimer a Doctor of Humanities Degree in 1988 in recognition of his significant contribution to the University and to his spheres of societal influence.
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 campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.