Robert G.B. Reid BSc, PhD, professor emeritus University of Victoria, passed away on May 28, 2016. His professional interests were marine biology (especially malacology), evolutionary biology, physiology, and the history and philosophy of biology. Gourmand, gardener and single malt enthusiast.
Survived by daughter Clio. Robert will be sorely missed.
Condolences to the family may be offered below.
Sequoia Gardens Memorial
www.mccallbros.com
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Tom Cockburn
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Anne Mayhew Dear Clio –
For us, a family mourning – from Morgan and Rhondda (Price), and myself, and a mourning for the many happy dinners we had in Cordova Bay, walking up the hill to your house.
Morgan immediately shot back to me, “This is a big one” – and he sent the news of Robert’s death to one of his fellow students now in Australia. Rhondda remembers collecting salamanders with you in the Doumac Ravine. I remember Alison counting those infinitesimal creatures in the glass bottles. It started when I received an offer from International Wildlife mag to write text for some terrific underwater photos showing giantism in Pacific NW creatures. I didn’t know where to turn, and Rhondda said, “Clio’s dad knows about things like that.” Indeed.
Robert treated me a few years ago to a sumptuous seafood lunch at Shawnigan Lake, and after that, we seemed to drift. He showed me his stunning flower garden where you were married, and probably photos too.
The connection between our small families has been intense and valued, and long-reaching in our lives since.
Please give my love also to Alison.
Anne.
annemayhew@shaw.ca
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John McInerney Dear Clio: Very saddened to hear of Robert’s passing. He was a highly respected and valued colleague in U Vic’s Biology Dept. As one of the “new” faculty in the mid 1960’s he contributed much to the development and evolution of the Marine Biology program and the transition from college to university. Dare I say his contributions were emergent ? His three books on evolution, and especially on the role of emergent properties, were outstanding works of scholarship, thought provoking, controversial and insightful. Even in the midst of deeply held scholarly criticism he never lost his charming sense of humour. It was a privilege to know him. John McInerney
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Tom H. Carlson BSc, CA I was the first lab assistant back in the 1960’s for Dr. Reid. He was a pleasure to know and work with. A quiet Scot with a dry sense of humour, he gave good lectures and his physiology course I took was interesting and worth while. Fortunately, he stayed at UVIC long enough that our second son William took a course from Dr. Reid. We reconnected but life got in the way and we never had that evening to “catch up”. I am sorry that opportunity was missed because of his sudden passing. My sincere condolences to Clio and family.
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Barry Boettger Damn! Sean just told me that Robert passed. One of my favorite memories was a weekend I spent at Sean and Donna’s place….. We sat around talking about whatever with Robert….. I’ll miss him. I’ve pulled out a special bottle of Don Julio Tequila. I brought it back from Mexico in 2009 and have saved it for special occasions. I was planning on saving it until July 6th, but I’m going to take the last shot tonight and drink a toast to Robert.
Dear Clio,
I was one of Robert’s first grad students. He was one of the most thought-provoking profs I ever had, and a good friend. I fondly remember our many evolution discussions while sailing on “Restless” and all the great dinners and parties at his place. He was a kind man and always had time to listen to his students. He will be missed.