William "Willie" Reid

Willie passed away on Friday September 17th, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat, Alberta.  He leaves to mourn his wife, Gladys of 59 years; and two daughters, Janice Allen (Reg), and Linda Reid-Collins (Samuel); one son, William Jr. (Kristi) Reid four grandchildren, Edward Parsons (Jolene), Andrea Collins, Danielle Collins, Izaac Reid; sisters, Julie Higdon and Florence Williams (Jasper); along with numerous nieces and nephews. Willie was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Leah Reid of Dildo, NL; grandchild, Samuel Keith Collins; brother, Elijah Reid; sisters, Lucy Reid, Lillian Thorne and Martha Smith; father and mother-in-law George (Rachel) Day.

Bill was born and raised in Dildo, Newfoundland and left home when he was 17 years old to peruse a career in teaching. At which time he also was active within the church by becoming a Lay-Reader for Sunday services. But his real passion would to become a Radio Operator. To accomplish this, he obtain employment on the Newfoundland Railway better known as the (Newfie-Bullet) as a waiter. After going to school for this trade he obtained a 98% average on completion. Willie would go on to work as a Radio Operator for Transport Canada, at Signals in Gander, Newfoundland. Along with the “Maned Radio Stations” in Corner Brook and Stephenville, NL.

Anything outdoors! He loved being out in a boat and was an addiment fisher man who enjoyed tying his own flies. He loved to catch and have a good feed of rabbit. Willie would hunt in the fall of the year and loved to boil the kettle in the woods and have a boil up. But, he really loved eating lobster, scallops and mussels. To wash all this great food down his choice of beverage was “Whisky” or “Bear”! These spirits made an ordinary event into a fun filled event, everyone who knows Willie, knows how he could laugh and carry on! Let the fun begin…

He had many accomplishments that consisted of, obtaining his drivers licence with only 4 miles of driving on a stick shift back in 1940; he crossing the Arctic Circle in summer of 1961 as a Radio Operator aboard the “Sir John A. MacDonald” an Icebreaker. He could send and receive and Morse Code. He was an active member in the Lion’s Club, The Masonic Lodge in Stephenville, NL and Rod and Gun Club in Corner Brook, NL.  He completed 8 return trips driving across Canada, the first time in 1998 and the last time 2019. He build and fixed numerous campers. The last camper he completed building was 2021.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date in Dildo, Newfoundland. Memorial gifts in William’s name may be made to the Cancer Society.

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