Skip to content

October 15, 2021
It is with both great joy for a life well lived and profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Dickson Reid on October 15, 2021 in Comox, British Columbia. John passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and after a lengthy struggle with vascular dementia.
John was a prairie boy who was born in Edmonton and had a wonderful childhood in Vegreville, Alberta. He had a great love for the outdoors, Scouts, wooden boats, and paddling a canoe.
John graduated from the University of Alberta with an Education degree. After graduation, he moved to Toronto and was an educator-consultant with the North York Board of Education for 5 years. Missing the prairies, John moved to Edmonton and taught at L.Y. Cairns school for 25 years. Paramount in importance to John was supporting his student's achievements with infinite amounts of time, attention, and absolute commitment to their success. Secondments to the University of Alberta for research and teacher education permitted John to champion other teachers.
John married the love of his life, Cecelia, in December, 1979. Family was everything to John and he loved being a dad to his two children, Meaghen and Matthew. He especially enjoyed involvement with them in Girl Guides and Scouts and taking numerous road trips across Canada and the US. Summers at the Cold Lake cottage with his family and friends paddling on the lake and enjoying bonfires were cherished times.
After John retired from a privileged career working in the field of education, he and Cecelia moved from Edmonton to Comox to be closer to their children and their families. They immensely enjoyed travelling. Hiking with friends from the Comox Valley, exploring the island through historical boat tours, and taking classes at North Island College were some of John's favorite activities.
John is preceded in death by his parents Dr. James Fredrick and Margaret Dickson Reid and elder brother Michael Reid. He is survived by his partner Cecelia; daughter Meaghen (Nathan) of Vancouver; son Matthew (Anna) of Nanaimo, and two grandchildren, including Nora Ann Taylor-Reid and Charlotte Emily Reid.
A celebration of life to follow at a later time. In lieu of flowers or contributions, offer a smile and kindness to a neighbor or friend.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.