Jim Lehman, a passionate harness racing enthusiast who wore many hats within the industry, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, September 11, 2011
at St. Mary’s Hospital at the age of 64.
Jim was a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier Business and in 1973 received his designation as a chartered accountant. He was an owner and President of Reitzel Rentals Ltd. He was active in the community with Boy Scouts, Waterloo Minor Hockey, Waterloo Girls Softball, St. Agatha Children’s Village (Kidslink), School Sisters of Notre Dame (Waterdown), R.A.I.S.E, K-W Serra Club, Rental Association of Ontario and Venture Creation.. He was a member of the Waterloo Knights of Columbus (Council 5135), was heavily involved in the “New Toys for Needy Kids” toy drive and a member of the 4th Degree. He was an active member of St. Agnes Parish, St. Mary’s Hospital Spiritual Care Group, Standardbred Canada and Grand River Raceway.
He retired in 2000 and spent his time with family and friends, travelling, fishing, golfing, and enjoying “The Property” in Mount Forest.
Jim became involved in harness racing in 2005 and enjoyed following his horses Secret Weapon, Part Shark, Fast Standing Still and Secret Addition to all the race tracks in the province. The pinnacle was travelling to P.E.I. to the Gold Cup and Saucer with Part Shark winning in 2010 and Secret Weapon winning the consolation in 2011.
Beloved husband of Barb (nee Hunter) for 39 years. Loving Dad of Becky and Jenny Lehman. Dear brother of John (Phyllis) Lehman of Kitchener, Sandra Dietrich (the late Bob) of Drayton, Diane Denomme (Vince) of Waterloo. Jim will be missed by his sister-in-law Clara Lehman (the late Norman “Tom”).
He will also be remembered by his nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents Norman (Tim) and Rosanna (Lauber) Lehman and his sister Shirley.
Jim’s family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday and Thursday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Waterloo Knights of Columbus prayer service 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Prayers will be offered in the funeral home chapel at 10:20 a.m. on Friday, September 16th, 2011 followed by procession to St. Agnes R.C. Church, 75 Bluevale St., N., Waterloo for a Funeral Mass at 11 am
Immediately following the Funeral Mass a reception will take place in the church hall.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Mary’s Hospital – Cardiac Care or the Canadian Liver Foundation would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).
Special thanks to all the family and friends who have supported us over the last nine months. A special thank you to Dr.’s LeClerc, McNamara, Casey, McEachern, Ciccotelli and all the Doctors and Nurses of CV I.C.U., I.C.U. and 3rd Floor Cardiac Care of St. Mary’s Hospital.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jim Lehman.
Above all else, Jim was a
Above all else, Jim was a GENTLEMAN.
From the short time that I
From the short time that I knew him, Jim made an lmmediate and lasting impact. He was a man of passion and integrity. My deepest condolences to all family and friends.
Barb: You will have to
Barb:
You will have to updates Jim's Standardbred Canada's membership to include 'driver,' I am sure he helped to drive Secret Weapon from above and will continue to in the future.
Jim was a big big help to me as Chair of SC when he sat on the Executive Committee and was able to help me with 'real world' business at SC.
My thoughts and prayers are with Barb and the rest of the family and continue your driving career from above Jim!!