It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to Lester (call me Les) Reid – JoAnn’s beloved husband of 42 years, Jenny’s ever-so-proud father, Jamie McEachern’s grateful father-in-law and baby Lily Page’s delighted grandfather. Les was pre-deceased by his parents, his in-laws Fred and Page Beeson, and his much-loved and missed son Matthew (1978-1987) who, like his father, died of cancer.
Les was born in Glasgow, Scotland to Hyman and Minna Calton. His father, a Royal Engineer, died in Italy (1944). His brave mother brought her small son to Vancouver via New York. She married John Reid and Les grew up in Burnaby, graduating from Burnaby South and UBC. Starting his career as a probation officer in Duncan (1973-1981), Les loved his work and the long-standing friendships made there. He became Local Director of the Sidney probation office in 1981, commuting from Shawnigan Lake to Sidney until the family moved to North Saanich in 1989. Les went on to supervise several probation offices in Greater Victoria before retiring in 2002. “One-speed Reid” will be remembered for his love of family and home, his dry wit, his golden ‘radio’ voice, his amazing recall of movie and music trivia, golfing and kibitzing with his buddies, his love of classic cars and good Scotch, playing the ponies, and his sure-fire lottery system that was, in his mind, never quite good enough. “He was one of the good guys”.
No service at his request. A gathering for friends, family and former colleagues will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2016. Please contact reidon1@shaw.ca for further details.
In lieu of flowers, donations to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, BC Cancer Foundation or charity of choice would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
15 Responses
JoAnn,
I’m so sorry to hear of Les’ passing. He touched many in our family with his wit and his goodness, and we were all enriched for it. I will certainly always remember him as “one of the good guys”. Blessings to you and the family.
JoAnne, you are so often in my thoughts………and now again.
Dear Jenny,
I want to offer you my condolences on your Father’s passing. Though I never met Les, my Father has always spoken highly of him and he always looked forward to their walks and coffee dates. I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m looking forward to seeing you when you’re back from mat leave.
Katie Lister
Les will be remembered for me as the relaxed local manager of the Sidney Probation office who mentored me and allowed me the freedom to do my job easily in a potentially stressful environment. He managed a diverse group of people with a simple “do your job and if you have any problems, come and see me.” With his great analytical mind, it did not surprise me of his windfall profits on the stock market, he never talked about losses with that twinkle in his eye. He loved his family and I am glad he was able to travel with JoAnn through Panama, etc. A true friend who will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Les, the pain is over.
JoAnne, Jenny and family – my heart shares your sadness over the passing of this very special man. His wit, charm, betting abilities, and dry sense of humor were part of my life while he worked with my Mom (Olive Robson)in the Probation Office in Duncan. I was deeply touched when he attended my Mom`s funeral service eight years ago and hope you will find comfort in knowing how special he was to so many people. Sending healing hugs.