November 4, 1935 – October 4, 2023
With great sadness, we would like to announce the peaceful passing of our father, Don Reid on October 4, 2023. One month shy of his 88th birthday.
Our dad was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Gloria Reid (nee Bourget) in 2011. They married young, had kids young, and we had a blast! Thank you mom and dad.
Mourning his passing are his two sons James (Wendy) and Gordon (Judy); daughter Heather (Bob); grandchildren Cheryl (Mathieu), Wayne, and Jason; and great-grandchildren Kaya, Carter, Austin, and Grayson. Also mourning his passing are his loving partner Sue Hiem, her son John, and daughter Jennifer and their families.
Our father was adopted in Wabagoon, Ontario by Herb and Margaret Betts. Sadly, Herb and a friend drowned while driving across Rock Lake, Ontario while looking for work at a camp. Our dad was only 2 years old. Our grandmother, Margaret moved to Winnipeg after that and married James Reid when our dad was 6 years old. That is how our dad came to be Donald James Reid. Despite a tough start to life, our dad would always say he had a great life.
Our dad grew up in St. Vital as an only child where he made lifelong friendships. Thank you to those friends. Our mom and dad met at school, fell in love, married and had us kids. Our dad got into the trades as a pipe fitter where he built the systems that provided the heating and cooling for buildings. He eventually got hired on with Dearborne Chemical Company where he sold the chemicals that treated those very same systems that he built. He had a long, successful career with Dearborne where his primary role was in new construction.
Once retired, our parents bought property on Route Bay, Lake of The Woods where they built their dream home and wintered in Pharr, Texas. They had many great years at both places where they had many good friends and good times. To all of you, thank you for being a part of our parents’ lives.
Sue and her husband Tony were neighbours and friends at the lake. After both spouses passed we were happy when Sue and our dad were spending time together as Sue brought happiness back into his life. Together they enjoyed the lake, Texas, golfing, pool, travel and a glass of red wine.
Sadly, our dad’s health started to decline and he was moved to a care home where Sue still cared for him daily. Thank you Sue!
A private family graveside service will be held soon.
Thank you for being an awesome dad. You will be missed.
Until we meet again!
“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never living. It is not about what you had, but what you gave. It is not about how you looked, but how you lived. And it’s not just about being remembered. It’s about giving people a good reason to remember you.” Donald James Reid did just that.
