Obituary of James Edward Reinbold

Jim Reinbold was born in Provost, Alberta on June 23, 1940, the third child born to John and Caroline Reinbold. On July 18, 1964 he married his high school sweetheart, Fontella Schlosser and together they continued ranching on the original Reinbold homestead. Inspired by his father Jim had a love for horses and for ranching which lead him to a passion for "all things rodeo". Jim began in the rodeo circuit in 1959 and tackled with enthusiasm, Saddle Bronc riding, bull riding and tie down roping. His achievements were many and the wall of trophies in his home speaks loudly as to how accomplished he was. In 1966 Jim won the S.A.R.C.A Saddle Bronc Riding Championship and runner up in the high point for the year. In 1967 he was again declared the Saddle Bronc Riding Champion and runner up in the Bull Riding. Jim became a full-time rancher when his father passed in 1971. He also took a significant interest in Percheron horses acquiring a team of heavy horses, entering in heavy horse pulls and he and Fontella drove in many parades together. He willingly took on the challenge of mentoring several young people in the rodeo circuit taking a genuine interest in their lives and accomplishments. He invested many hours giving unselfishly of his time as he travelled to take in as many of their events as he could and in many instances paying for their entry fees. Jim was very proud of the Black Angus herd that he and Fontella raised over their ranching years. There were very few places Jim didn't travel to in Alberta and Fontella also enticed him to travel to Hawaii (where they toured the Parker Ranch - Jim impressed them with his ranching expertise). They enjoyed a cruise to Alaska and, for their 50th Wedding Anniversary they cruised through the Panama Canal sailing through Aruba, Columbia, Costa Rica and Mexico. For 41 years they travelled to the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma and Las Vegas and every year since its inception in 1974 they went to the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton and Red Deer. Jim's last day was spent doing what he loved to do, working with cattle and helping family. A very unfortunate accident took his life on June 3, 2019. He is survived by his loving wife, Fontella sisters, Blond (Willy) Walz and Sophie Heck; brother, Hank (Joanne) Reinbold and brother-in-law Del (Bonnie) Schlosser; many nieces and nephews; and long-time special friend Betty Couch who has become family. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Caroline Reinbold; parents-in-law, Matt and Ceil Schlosser and brother-in-law Albert Heck. His was a life well lived and he was loved and respected by so many. He will always live on in our communities and the lives of those he touched. If family and friends so desire memorial donations are gratefully accepted to: Charity Of Your Choice Masses Diabetes Canada 1300 - 522 University Avenue, Toronto, On M5G 2R5 Edmonton Rodeo Cowboys Benevolent foundation P.O. Box 1480, Edmonton, AB, T5J 2N5