By Julie Cole

D r. Donald S. Reimer’s business achievements and his generosity to God’s work have earned him an honorary doctorate from Briercrest College and Seminary.

The honour will be given at graduation ceremonies on April 21.

Dr. Reimer is the chairman and chief executive officer of the Reimer World Corporation, headquartered in Winnipeg, Man., with numerous transportation subsidiaries in various cities across Canada.

“One example of the leadership and vision that Dr. Reimer has lived is the transportation company that still carries his name,” Briercrest President Dwayne Uglem said.

Under Reimer’s leadership, the business experienced amazing growth.

Reimer says he is “greatly honoured” by the award and he credits his success in life and business to “great, unbelievable, unmerited blessing.”

Dr. John Barkman, Briercrest chancellor and a personal friend of Dr. Reimer’s describes him as someone who is “gifted in business, brilliant in economics, and global in his thinking”. Along with this entrepreneurial gifting, Barkman also said that Reimer is “very generous, loves the Lord, cares for family and friends, and is ethical in his business dealings.”

Doug Hindmarsh, an employee of Dr. Reimer’s for over 40 years, praises his former boss.

“He maintained his Christian testimony at all times, whether the economy was good or not. He was able to keep his main team of executives together for many years with very little turnover. It was a pleasure to work for a man who was committed to give substantially to the Lord’s work.”

Reimer says many of his role models have “gone on to be with the Lord,” but he lists Billy Graham as one of his role models who is still alive.

Reimer is very practical when it comes to being a person of faith in the business world.

”Living for the Lord makes sense,” he said.

On this journey of “living for the Lord” Reimer has managed to be generous to many Christian leaders and organizations.

“His investment has gone well beyond financial contribution,” Uglem said. “It has included a deep personal interest in the leaders of Christian ministries and their welfare. He knows what it takes to lead in this world and has been a remarkable coach and mentor to leaders across the nation.”

Uglem is presenting Reimer with the honorary doctorate for “his legacy of business development in our nation, his interest in the practice of leadership in the profit and non-profit sectors, and his commitment to live with integrity.”

In spite of all the accomplishments and honour Dr. Reimer has received throughout his lifetime, the legacy he desires to leave behind is a simple one. He would like people to remember him as “an undeserving man saved by grace through faith.”