Caledon Golden Hawks

Reese has had the most amazing coaches over the years and this unquestionably contributes to his character. Today Pat Cerveira had written this beautiful tribu...te below and was prepared to speak at Reese’s funeral. I wanted to share this in Reese’s honour but also to say thank you to Pat and all of Reese’s coaches that have had a profound impact on who he is. Reese Meyer Hi i’m coach Pat, I have known Reese and the Meyer family for about 6 years. Of those 6 years I have had the honor and priviledge of being Reese’s coach for 5 of those years, and was able to be a part of the bench staff with his father Glenn for all those years. Glenn has always been the ying to my yang. I'm more of the loud yeller and motivator, Glenn was always a motivator but he was able to do it in a much calmer sort of way. For the first 2 years of select hockey, I was Reese’s defence coach. Honestly for the first 2 years I don't remember Reese saying a word, in either a game or practice. He was just a shy and quiet little guy back then, nothing at all like his mom Jen. She was always the proudest mother watching Reese play. Always screaming Go Reese Go, and blowing her horn as loud as she could for Reese and his teamates. Jen and Avalon were Reese’s biggest fans. Anytime I would talk to him he would always look me straight in the eyes as I spoke, and when I was done he would smile and simply nod Yes to acknowledge he had understood what I was saying. He would then go out and do exactly what I had just said to him. Even back then by the age of 8 or 9, you could tell he was very mature beyond his years. You could tell that he was a special kind of kid. Reese and my son Seth were D partners for those first 3 years, and developed a special kind of bond. I remember asking Seth on the drive home from pratice one day if Reese ever talked? He said Yes Reese is funny, and says one liners and jokes all the time. I was in shock because I hadn’t seen that side of him. Over the following years I got to know Reese and his smart quick witted sense of humor. I’ve always been a coach who likes to chirp and throw digs at the players. I used to throw digs at Reese and he would just smile. The last couple of years he would reply with some great one liners, that are probably best not to repeat here today. We will just keep that between me, him and whoever was in ear shot at the time. I would like to bring up one quick little story of Reese and how strong and determined he was as a kid. On November 2nd, Reese’s second last game Reese played for us this season and before his diagnosis. Reese showed up to play with a brace on his wrist that had been bothering him, he was having what we all thought up to be possible growing pains or something that was possibly pulled in his wrist. He didn’t mention anything to any of the coaches, he just showed up ready to play. Reese gave his everything that game and ended up scoring the game winning goal in the third period, against a tough Halton Hills team. It was a wrist shot from the high slot, it was an amazing moment for him and the team. Reese’s final game was on November 7th. A 1-0 win, against Halton. Although that was the last game he was able to play he was always part of our team. Only to find out days later after his diagnosis that Reese played these games with only half of his body functioning properly. He truly was remarkable. After we found out about Reese’s diagnosis we knew we were now playing for a bigger purpose. We play for Reese became our motto. Although it was extremely emotional, his teamates went out and battled each and every game the way Reese would’ve wanted. When news spread in town and in the hockey community of the battle Reese had ahead of him, it became awe inspiring. It brought our communities together. From NHL players sending messages of support for Reese, to a huge candelight vigil held at the Caledon East arena and the Missisauga Steelheads dedicating a game in his honor, to our biggest competitiors supporting and praying for Reese. It was so amazing to see. Teams from all around had reached out and had Reese in their thoughts and prayers. The hockey community really is the best. Reese has taught all of us so much this past year. How to never give up, love harder, try harder, fight harder and to love and appreciate more . I envy his courage, strength, fight and determination. And he did it all with such grace. He truly is one of a kind, a true warrior. He will be missed by all who had the privalidge of knowing him and those who didn’t but were inspired through his journey. I will always make sure Reese Meyer is a name that will be remembered forever. Like Reese said, God gives his hardest battles to the strongest soldiers. He definietely picked the strongest one. No matter what team I coach, you will always be a part of my team Reese. No player will ever wear # 3 on any team I coach. The Meyers will forever and always be a part of our family. Reese you will always be missed dearly, remembered always and loved forever. Fly like a Hawk Reese, and watch over your hockey family. They need your strength, courage and determination. They all loved you and will miss you dearly. You not only earned your wings but, you earned your cape and armour. You are a hero in all of our eyes. Reese you always were and will be a big deal. Love you champ Coach Pat

It’s with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to young Reese. Rest in peace. http://www.caledongoldenhawks.ca//jrcgold/news/news_532887

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