- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
DONALD JAMES REID
Born: Nov 04, 1935
Date of Passing: Oct 04, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDONALD JAMES REID
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!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2023
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
-
I am so happy we were able to connect with Don and call him family. Due to finding pictures in an old bible of Dons adoptive father Herb holding him and through the help of his grand daughter we were able to find each other and connect my mother and Don. We welcomed Don and Sue into our family after many long years. We were honored to call them family. He was a man of honor and respect. We will miss you Don. Thanks for sharing your memories and filling in the information that would have never been known without your involvement, friendship and commitment to family. - Posted by: Debbie Dubeau (Family) on: Oct 12, 2023
-
My condolences to Dons family and Sue. I met Don through Sue but I was fortunate to be able to say he became my friend too. Don was able to have a conversation with anybody and immediately made them comfortable. He had a sense of humour that kept everybody in stitches. He had a genuine interest in what was going on in my life and always ended our conversation by telling me not to be a stranger. My life has been enriched by having known him. RIP Don - Posted by: Michelle (Friend) on: Oct 09, 2023
-
“Don’t be a stranger” is what Don always told me after visiting with him. His sense of humour sure left a lasting impression as well as his genuine interest on what was going on in your life. Before you knew it what was to be a short visit ended up being hours later. . I will forever cherish the memory of those visits. He always had kind words for me and made me feel like family. My condolences to his family and to Sue. Your dedication and care to him gave him much comfort as he knew he was well loved and cared for. RIP my friend my life has been enriched from knowing you. - Posted by: Michelle (Friend) on: Oct 07, 2023
-
Don and Sue came to Calgary for a visit I really enjoyed Don a fun, great guy. So sorry you have lost him, but having him in your life was a gift. Keep your treasured memories forever. Love to all Deanna - Posted by: Deanna H Turner (Sue was my sister in law when I was married to Dave) on: Oct 07, 2023
-
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your family. - Posted by: Brenda Adair (Friend) on: Oct 07, 2023
-
Our condolences to all the family. Don was a great friend and co-worker for a time early in our careers. We had many laughs in the office and business trips together. He was an influence on our decision to buy on the lake and we continued our friendship. We will miss that big smile and hardy laugh. Deepest Sympathy to all.... - Posted by: Wayne and Judie Oldfield (Friend of the family) on: Oct 07, 2023
