Our Founder

Reginald "Reg" Ernest Jones

(August 7, 1943 – August 12, 2013)

Reg was born August 7th, 1943, in small town Madoc, Ontario where he grew up in a houseful of music and a group of school chums he still gathered with each time he went back for visits.

Reg was a fine musician. During most of his life, Reg played guitar and was part of the band Land O’ Lake Cruisers in Ontario for many years. Reg described Cathy Whalen, Gerard Freeman, Ruth Young and Bob Young as his brothers and sisters.

The latter part of his career Reg worked for Corrections Canada in Ontario where he retired and moved to Manitoba marrying Gail. This created a blended family of seven children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

“We were truly blessed with an amazing father. He never held back from telling us what we meant to him or how proud he was of us and his grandchildren. When we were young children, Dad would read a story from “Aesop’s Fables” – tales that taught a lesson or moral of the story. Many mornings we’d wake to find him already up, with his guitar, learning and practicing a new song. Music was his passion. Although our hearts are heavy, I will always hold close my many special memories, his humour, his smiles, our heart to heart talks, his love of family, music and friends. Love you Dad.”  Connie Harvey [Bill] daughter.

“We were so lucky to have such a wonderful Grandfather. I have so many fond memories of him; his quick smile, humor and love of family, and of course all those stories of when he was our age.  Love forever.”  Jayna Harvey (granddaughter).

“I remember when we were little, dancing and singing and being silly while Grandpa Jones sang and played guitar. I don’t know who had the most fun, us or Grandpa.”  Samantha Harvey (granddaughter).

“I know Grandpa was proud of the fact that I have been teaching myself the guitar. He always encouraged and inspired me to keep practicing, not to give up. He made it fun and was always the patient teacher.”  Sarah Harvey (granddaughter).

"Dad was an excellent example of a great Father; he was always kind, fair, and gentle. You knew you were loved from the special look in his eyes. I will always remember hearing Dad’s voice singing so early in the morning and into the evenings learning new songs. It was an example of how he raised us to be true to ourselves and to go after our dreams. Dad, I’ll miss your smile, your honesty, your silly jokes and your encouragement in our lives. My heart aches and you’re gone too soon, but you’ll never be forgotten, and lovingly thought of everyday. Boo”  Cyndi Jones [Dan Tantalo] daughter.

“I know how much Dad enjoyed playing guitar with Thomas when he visited. He was proud that Thomas taught himself to play guitar and continued to be impressed with his character as he watched Thomas grow into a fine young man, the husband to Emilie and Father to Ellie-Anne.”  Thomas Wilson (grandson).

“Fond memories of Grandpa playing the banjo while we were on vacation and all of us playing cards and talking about his earlier life. Words of wisdom will stick with me. Everett (great grandson). Really took to him at our last visit, it was so natural.”  Miranda Traynor [Joe] granddaughter.

“When nerves overtook him at our wedding, Reg blurted out “don’t have anymore kids.” What I heard and what Reg meant was “you have a beautiful family”; a sentiment that I whole heartedly agree with. But family does not end with us and the kids, it includes all of our family. At our house, Reg was Grandpa Jones. He was always there to encourage and celebrate each milestones the boys strove for. Ever listening, teaching and guiding; he was adored by the boys and by us. Forever he will be loved and remembered as part of our beautiful family.”  Kerri Schmidt [Trent] stepdaughter.

“I love you grandpa. Grandpa is the best, cause your special. You’re the best at music, cause you’re the greatest. I love you grandpa.” Hunter Schmidt (grandson).

“look up, see the brightest star….that’s Grandpa’s star” Mason Schmidt (grandson). 

“…will also remember the Red Light, Green Light game they played. All our love.”  Brandi Symonds  [Josh] step daughter.

“I have discovered a love for playing guitar and for music that never existed in my life until I met Reg. We might not share all the same tastes in music but I am immensely proud to tell people who got me started in guitar and who lit the spark in my love of playing music. Reg was the person who enriched my life’s journey with this powerful and meaningful gift. It is truly one of the most meaningful gifts anyone has ever given me and I will always be grateful to Reg for this.”  Kris Farmer (step son) Cory and Ashley Jones (son and daughter). 

Reg had three best buddies, Cameron Haggerty, Wayne Morrissey and Ken Marshall, whom he shared his life thoughts and ideas. This led into many adventures not soon forgotten.

Reg had a kind and generous way with his gentle and understanding nature. He shared his love and passion for music in a way and on a level that few will ever achieve. Reg had a dream to create a venue where he could share his love and passion for playing music with others in hopes that they to could enrich their lives through the shared experience.

From this dream of Reg’s was sparked the creation of Westman Jams.

His humility would credit others, but without Reg Jones there would have never been a Westman Jams. Reg’s vision, drive and hard work has let many to have a wonderful experience in music. The sense that something profoundly positive, inspiring, and meaningful is taking place is palpable in the room each and every time.

It is a legacy that Reg created and no doubt will carry on. Its effects spilled out and into communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan who now hold regular jams, many of whom Reg attended the first one to help get them started.

Created out of this wonder was a scholarship program for the International Music Camp held at the Peace Gardens each summer. Because of this many Westman school children have the opportunity to share in Reg’s dream to play music.

Reg was a strong member of Manitoba Old time and Bluegrass Society, having shared with many musicians who enriched his life. 

"I walked beside you as your wife and best friend. There has been no greater joy than to have known you and all you are. I’ll always see your face and hear your music, Reg. I love you."  Gail (wife).