WILSON WILLIAM REID

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WILSON WILLIAM REID Wilson William Reid passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2000 at the age of 90. He was born on July 11, 1909 in St. Boniface and chose to stay in Norwood Grove his whole life. There were many happy memories as he grew up on Braemar. The childhood friends made at that time continued to be close friends for Wilsons entire life. He had a great talent for building and fixing things. It was while working at Brown & Murray in his early 20s, that Wilson thought of the value of rewinding armatures and rebuilding automotive electrical components on an exchange basis. In 1940 he founded Wilson Auto Electric on Main Street believing that providing good service would pay off. With the help of a number of partners, especially Fred Lewicki, the business grew. By 1959, the business operations moved to a large plant in East Kildonan, having established Fort Ignition to take over the retail/service side of the business. Fort Ignition prospered under the leadership of Cy Russell. Building on a strong western Canadian presence, Wilson Auto Electric has become a successful international automotive rebuilder. Norwood United Church was an important part of his life - from young peoples groups to serving as an elder, he was a faithful servant of the church. He especially appreciated the music and singing of the choir. When he could no longer attend regular Sunday services, he valued listening to the recorded services. He was a member of the Norwood Masonic Lodge and of the Shriners (Directors Staff). He was a man with a generous and giving nature whose primary concern was the well-being of his family. By example, he raised a family of talkers - conversations and arguments around the kitchen table are fond memories for the family. He enjoyed television and keeping up with events of the day. He had a wonderful sense of humour. Survivors include his loving wife of 26 years, Irene; his children, Ruth, Shelagh of BC, Bob (Theresa) of Saskatoon, Bill (Pat) and Marg (Mitch) Oakes; his grandchildren, (Ruth) Christopher, Irene; (Shelagh) Kathy, Denyse, Christine, Jaime, Sasha; (Bob) Ian, Heather, Jennifer, Kevin, Laura, Gillian; (Bill) David, Joanne, Tanya, Maxine, Michael, Janine, Gerry; (Marg) Jennifer, Melanie, Allison, Rebecca and his great-grandchildren, (David and Kathleen) Meghan, Wilson, Jillian, Katelyn. Predeceased by his parents, William and Wilhamina Reid; sisters, Margaret (Love), Mary and brother Charles. His first wife Margaret (Lawlor) died in 1973. A memorial service will be held at Norwood United Church, Wednesday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m. The family is thankful for the attentive care provided by Dr. Wollner and the staff of Home Care, especially Jocelyn, Mario, Edwin and Edward. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Memorial Fund, Norwood United Church, 160 St. Marys Rd, R2H 1H9.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2000