Reid, William Forrest
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Forrest Reid on
Friday, December 18, 2020, in his 90 th year. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Janet Patricia Reid
(Wilson) and devoted daughters, Lorelei Reid and Melanie Reid; predeceased by his adored son, Brad
William Reid on October 7, 2020. Bill was born on March 1, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, son of Forrest
MacDonald Reid and Marion McMillan Reid (Thomson). He was the quintessential gentleman, married
to Patricia, the love of his life and soulmate for 68 years. His first priority was always his wife and
children. Bill began his lengthy career in Montreal, in real estate expropriation with the oil company,
Petrofina, ultimately retiring from Petro-Canada as Company Development Manager, Ontario, in 1986.
He subsequently spent five years with Burger KIng as Senior Real Estate Representative (no more
managerial headaches!). Thereafter, Bill spent three summers doing contract work for Canadian Tire.
Bill grew up and lived in Montreal, until he accepted a promotion that resulted in moving his family to
Mississauga, Ontario in 1972. While in Montreal, he was President of the Recreation Association at
Petrofina; President of the Montreal Chapter Appraisal Institute of Canada; founding Board Member of
La Société des Evaluateurs Agréé du Québec; President of the Rockliffe Home Owners Association;
Pierrefonds, Québec. In Ontario, he was a member of the Board of Directors of PCC191, Mississauga.
Over the years, he and Pat enjoyed travelling. They went across Canada and visited most of the United
States, including Hawaii. They cruised the Caribbean, visited England, Scotland, Spain, Italy, Venezuela
and Mexico. After retiring, they wintered in their Florida home for 23 years, where they spent their days
on the golf course and evenings socializing with their large circle of friends. Bill was a kind and generous
man; a bon vivant and consummate host; a great friend to many and the perfect husband and father.
His loss will be deeply felt by many, including his granddaughters, Lauren Reid (Kornel Szucs) and Jaclyn
Reid, his great grandson, Thomas, many nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, Yvonne Wilson, and cousin,
Ann Smith (David). Although he was an only child, Pat’s brothers, Tommy and Billy Wilson, were like
brothers to him. Together with Tommy, Billy and son Brad, Bill will make up a foursome on the great
golf course in the sky. No doubt, they will spend lots of time on the 19 th hole!
Cremation has taken place and, due to COVID restrictions, a private family gathering will take place in
the future.
If so desired, a donation in Bill’s name may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Auntie Patsy, Lorelei and Melanie-I was profoundly saddened by the passing of Uncle Bill and my condolences go out to each of you. Uncle Bill was a terrific, warm and kind person and I always will remember him for his sense of humour. When he and my dad got together it was nonstop laughing, joking and just having a good time. Auntie Patsy was the love of his life and you could see it every time you were around both of them. I will think of uncle Bill often and send the family my love.
Dear Pat, Lorelei and Melanie
I’ve spent days digesting this terrible news I’m heartbroken for you all. He loved his family so very much and always looked at Pat with such pure love in eyes. We loved and respected him very much, all I thought when I read this was all the fun times and the closeness are parents shared for so many years , even writing this I have a hard time keeping it all together. The memories I had of the 4 of them and even golf games and fun times with we had with them just John and I. It has had me in tears for days. I have had major spine surgery and for years now I let relationships slide due to my health and it makes me so sad. I want to pass along my condolences about Brad as well, I’m still not over the shock of hearing that, I re read that 100 times and I’m still don’t believe it. Please give Pat a big hug for me, the same loving one she gave me when Mom passed. I can’t even put into words how much he meant to us and how sorry I am for your loss of both Brad and Bill.
Much Love, Maureen,John,Ashley and Ryan Newport.
Lorelei, Melanie and Auntie Patsy, please accept our sincere condolences. Uncle Bill was a kind and gentle person, so fun to be around. Our family times in Glen Nevis were the best and even more enjoyable when Uncle Bill was there, especially when he would entertain us with his Donald Duck impression. I remember your home in Pierrefonds too and spending time with Brad and all of you there. Johanne remembers how Uncle Bill rescued her when she stranded herself at a Mall in Mississauga without her bank card or cash to get home when we first moved there from Montreal. He came right over and drove her home. He was a sweet soul. Our thoughts are with you all. Love Marc and Johanne
Lorelei, Melanie, Aunty Patsy – Our thoughts are with you at this saddest of times; however, my personal sadness is tempered with great memories of family get-togethers (especially summers in Glen Nevis and Ipperwash Beach). Your bang on description of Uncle Bill as the consummate host is what I remember most fondly about him. Gracious, witty, good humoured and quick to smile, he was an easy person to love…and we all did love him.
The last time I was with Uncle Bill, I was lucky to spend an uninterupted 2 hours with him and my dad driving through a rain storm in Nova Scotia to the airport in Halifax. The time was spent talking golf, wine and the ridiculous difference in the price of booze between Canada and the U.S. LOL!! Spending that time with them both was an extra special experience that I will cherish forever.
Shanon and I are sending all our love to all of you and your families. OXOX
So sorry to hear about Bill! He was a great guy and visited me a few times… until recently, I did not see him around so was wondering.
Be at peace William, Bless thy soul!
Aunt Pat, Lorelei and Melanie, we are so sorry to hear of Uncle Bill’s passing, especially so soon after Brad’s. Our most heartfelt condolences to you and his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. Colleen and I loved getting Uncle Bill’s email messages — especially in the last year or two 🙂 He left a strong impression on Colleen is his few, memorable meetings with us, including a way-out-of-the-way visit to us in Kelowna to meet our daughter Flora. Whenever I hear the phase “tall, dark and handsome” Uncle Bill’s image is what pops into my mind. Elegant, charming, funny and warm are other thoughts I associate with him. His message to us when my Dad died is something I cherish, and I hope you all find some solace in knowing he was so admired. Love to you all, and we’ll have more communication with you in the weeks ahead.