Obituaries

William R. Reich, 69

January 31, 2015

Bill peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord he loved and served on January 31st after a courageous eight year battle with Interstitial Lung Disease.
After graduating from Cairn University, Grace Theological seminary and Rio Grande Bible Institute’s language school, he served the God with Word of Life Fellowship in Quito, Ecuador. Later he joined Avant Ministries and continued to serve in Quito as a church planter, leadership trainer, and teacher. Bill dearly loved the people to whom he ministered. Studying the Word of God and how to best share it with others was so important that he completed graduate courses with Azusa Pacific College and with Baptist Bible Seminary. Using the knowledge that he gained, he taught young people, highland indigenous peoples and groups of adults. When he returned to the US, he taught at Rio Grande Bible Institute.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Carolyn, his children, Rebecca (David) of Winthrop, NY, Rachel of Lancaster, and Robert (Esther) of Philadelphia, PA. There are 6 grandchildren, Eric, Hannah, Melody, Elias, Samuel, and Gabriel who will miss their “Abuelo” and Pop-Pop. He is survived by one sister, Margaret Mott, but was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.
After leaving Rio Grande Bible Institute, he worked at Bomberger’s Store in Lititz and Everence Credit Union in Lancaster. In addition he delivered flowers for Royer’s and drove cars for Keller Brothers’ Ford.
Bill was a member of Calvary Church where he served on the Elder board, taught an adult Bible fellowship class, and served on the Global Ministries Team.
A memorial service will be held at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA on Sunday, February 8 from 2 to 4 pm in the chapel. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall. At the request of the family, a private interment will be held. In lieu of flowers contributions may be given to Global Ministries at Calvary Church or towards his granddaughter Hannah’s mission trip to Mexico. To support this trip contact Calvary Bible Church at 717-248-5409.

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Condolences to the Family

February 06, 2015

It has been many years since our student days together at 1800 Arch Street which has now become Cairn University. It was a delightful experience to read the review of Bill’s life and service to our God. Certainly he is a “Model” Alumnus of our school. I remember Bill most from singing together in Chorale. Carolyn, we know you will miss him and this is no time to preach sermons about how to keeping going on, but I pray God will give you the comfort and strength to do just that as I’m sure the Lord has more for you and your ministry to your family. I’ve watched the example of my mother who is now 96 and how she has served the Lord after my father’s passing 33 years ago. May you find strength for each day before you as you continue to live out Bill’s example. Hope we’ll see you one of these days back in Lancaster, my home birthplace!
In His Grip,
Dave Givens

February 05, 2015

We are sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, but know that he is with the Lord he loves. May God’s peace and love comfort you during these difficult days. Tim and Lorrie Orr

February 05, 2015

I’m so sorry for your loss! I’m Carl and Anne Saalbach’s granddaughter, and while I didn’t know Bill terribly well, I enjoyed the times in which your family and my family were able to gather and play. Poppop and Mommom loved missionaries and supporting them, and I remember hearing about your work whenever i came to visit

February 04, 2015

We have many great memories of Bill – he was my roommate at College, and we developed a friendship that lasted for many years. A fun loving guy who loved the Lord and took the Christian life seriously. We visited the young family around 1976 in Ecuador and preserve great memories of that visit, and the last time I saw him was at our mission conference in Guayaquil. It’s hard to believe that he’s gone – but he’s gone to a much better place and we’re lookng forward to enjoying eternity with him. God bless Carol and the family at this time! Bob and Fritzie Strong

February 04, 2015

So sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. So many good memories. May God give you the peace only He can give. Cousin Sadie Denise Brenner

February 04, 2015

We as a family and church are praying for you at this time.
Love, Walt and Amy Ramsdell

Visitation: Sunday, February 08, 2015; 4:00 PM; Calvary Church; 1051 Landis Valley Road; Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Sunday, February 08, 2015; 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM; Calvary Church; 1051 Landis Valley Rd.; Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >