The Calgary man killed in a massive avalanche near Revelstoke while enjoying an annual snowmobiling trip with family was an experienced rider who always put safety first, says his grieving brother.
Kelly Reitenbach, 31, known to friends as “Chopper” was snowmobiling Friday in the Eagle Pass near Revelstoke with a group of friends and about 20 family members, including his brother Lorne, as well as cousins and uncles from his native Saskatchewan.
His brother Bob Reitenbach who stayed home from the annual five-day reunion, said the group was about to leave the area when Reitenbach decided to take one last run.
He and another rider not in his group were up on the top of the hill when the avalanche struck, he said.
“Both triggered the avalanche, we believe,” Bob said.
“And we believe he was killed instantly.”
He said his brother, who was the youngest of the three, was buried very deep in the Category 4 slide and it took 45 minutes to dig him out.
But Bob said the group was “extremely prepared” for an avalanche risk, which was rated moderate to considerable — and had both training and equipment.
“They were trying to mitigate the risk — based on their training and knowledge and family members saying, ‘Be careful,’ ” he said.
“It’s important to know that they were aware if the risks and he had no doubt what he wanted to do that day.
“It wasn’t evaluated very well.”
Now his family is remembering him as a sociable guy who loved life and everyone who was in it.
Reitenbach was born Dec. 5, 1978, and moved to Calgary from Langenburg, Sask., about seven years ago, Bob said.
He was single and lived on 17 Ave. S.W. because “he enjoyed the lifestyle,” Bob said.
“He was a guy’s guy.”
“He had a tremendous zest for life.”
He also worked as a linesman with the WHL but more recently concentrated on his career in the oil and gas automation industry.
He was also an avid golfer and a highly social guy, said Bob.
“I think he has 486 Facebook friends,” he said.
“He was on top of his game — he was exactly where he wanted to be in his career, with his friends and his family.”
“I lost a very, very good friend.”
katie.schneider@sunmedia.ca
