Paying respects to my son, David Reiss

This past weekend on September 1, my son David Reiss, passed away unexpectedly from an anaphylactic reaction. In this often overwhelming time of the year, I’m asking you to step back, take a look at the bigger picture, hold the ones you love, cherish every moment you have, and understand what truly matters.

It sounds easy to do and I wish I did it more. David excelled at everything he set his mind to. If there was something he wanted to achieve, he would do it, and you better believe he was going to be the best at it. 

I remember when he was in university in London, Ontario studying communications and technology; there was a course that I can’t recall at the moment, but I remember David telling me about how the professor asked him to help teach the course about halfway through the curriculum because David had a better understanding of the topic.

That’s what David was like. He was always looking forward, improving systems, finding efficiencies, and researching, researching, researching. Sometimes I feel like he even did too much researching. He seemed to know everything and always had an answer. If anyone went to him with an issue of any kind, he was always quick to help. He was the most loving brother, uncle, grandson, friend, and son.

When he graduated, BMW offered him a position right out of school to help them develop their Internet program for Canada. He instead decided to dedicate his skills to the new home building industry. 

Ever since the mid ‘90s, David has been considered an online marketing guru among industry leaders. He worked with Montana Steele to set up their Internet division and also at Camrost coming up with intelligent, strategic marketing campaigns. His latest career move was working with his best friend Richard at Goldhar & Associates, where his experience improved business significantly.   

David also worked with me on New Home Buyers Network and Newinhomes.com. The work he did to support me, our family, and our colleagues will not be forgotten. His understanding of the Internet in the early days, and his unwavering dedication to building a brighter future helped make the new home industry what it is today. 

He was a brilliant man - one of the nicest, most sincere and understanding people I have ever known. He always gave 110% and went above and beyond. I can tell he impacted so many lives by the amount of friends and family who joined us at his funeral last Monday. 

To those who wish to pay respects, we are hosting Shiva visits this week at 15 Ridge Hill Dr. in Toronto (near Bathurst St. and Eglinton Ave.). Visits started yesterday and will continue today and Thursday from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm, and Friday 12 pm to 3 pm (Shiva visits will be private on Saturday). 

Our family appreciates all the love and support we’ve received over the last few extremely difficult days.

David, I love you and always will.