In Memory of Brigitte Reimer
September 20,1935-November 15, 2025
“I first met Brigitte as a volunteer to CMK over 15 years ago, where she opened her home on Barnaby Road to the board and others to carry out the many tasks that were necessary to keep CMK functioning. There was always fine food and drink provided in a warm household setting.
After holding most board positions over the years, she resigned, but continued to assist in preparing the preconcert receptions, providing the RCA Green Room with food and drink for the artists, and performed many other activities related to concert production. She was also a most valuable resource regard the history of CMK and the persons involved over the years. Brigitte was also remarkable outside musical activities. Her home on Barnaby had a pool and tennis court, and I recall her playing tennis as an early octogenarian. I have met former school students of hers who have high praise for her, both as a teacher, and as one they could turn to for counselling and advice.
After Howard’s passing she moved to Lexington Avenue where her home and grand piano were available to visiting musicians for practice. She continued to attend CMK concerts into the 2025 – 26 season and always contributed as a donor.
During my term as president Brigitte formed a close friendship with then artistic directors Lorna Patterson and Charles Schneider. In recent years this led to Brigitte’s travel with them to the Banff International String Quartet Competition and intervening Festivals. She added greatly to the enjoyment of the group attending from Kelowna
Chamber Music Kelowna evolved from an Okanagan College committee organized by Howard Reimer and other faculty members to bring visiting performers to its music program. Brigitte is the last person closely associated with those pioneering endeavors.
Brigitte’s passing is a great loss to CMK, and I will miss her.”
-Derald Oldring, Past President
“Brigitte was the longest serving CMK board member, having been an original founding member with her husband Howard in 1979. She once mentioned to me that over the years she had served in every Board position: President, Secretary, Treasurer and wherever else her skills were needed. CMK acknowledged her long term service with a lifetime subscription, the cost of which she always covered with a donation.
During my role as President, Brigitte actively volunteered her services – helping Barbara Walker with concert flower arrangements and managing the concert “day-of” preparations, including post-concert receptions for the artists in the Green Room. When pianists wanted extra practice time, she would offer the baby grand in her living room and enjoyed making them welcome at her home. One pianist practiced for hours without a pause. She finally convinced him to break for some sandwiches, which she had made.
Brigitte was a beautiful, intelligent, and caring person who expressed her love of music through her dedication to CMK. We will miss seeing her at concerts.“
-Hazel Christy, Past President
“Brigitte Reimer was a vital board member of the chamber music society from the early days of its conception in the seventies. While her career was that of an English teacher, she at first assisted her husband and founding member, Howard, in hosting meetings of the fledgling society and billeting the artists in their home. When Howard became ill, it was Brigitte with her many years of experience who came forward to lead the organization and continue its progression into its current format. Her dedicated involvement continued actively for 36 years and continued beyond that in an advisory capacity. Apart from working with Brigitte on chamber music business for many of those years, our lives also intersected during the time I taught school at KSS. She was a senior guidance counsellor then and coached the successful Debate Club which included my daughter, Melanie. Coincidentally the highly respected son of the Reimer’s, Doug, was coach of the UBC Volleyball team in which Melanie and other girls from KSS took part. I know that Brigitte enjoyed tennis and was an active member of the University Women’s Club. She will be greatly missed.”
-Denise Griswald, Past President