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Thomas REID Obituary
Tom was born in Alexandria, Scotland in 1934 and moved to Canada at the age of 18. Joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1953, Tom quickly earned his pilot wings and flew as a fighter pilot amassing some 5,000 hours on jet aircraft. Tom flew operationally with 421 Squadron, was an RCAF Acceptance Test Pilot, an A1 Instructor; as well as a Commanding Officer of 427 Fighter Squadron and the Commander of the Canadian Forces Flying Training School. With his considerable experience in mass formation flying gained on Sabres, T-33s and CF-104s, Tom was instrumental in the formation of the Canadian Armed Forces Aerobatic Flying Team the "Snowbirds".
The many commendations and accolades Tom received during his staff tours with NORAD and NATO highlighted a keen intellect in operations, planning, policy making, and international relations. His career took him across Canada and around the world. Tours in Portage La Prairie, Winnipeg, Moose Jaw, North Bay were interspersed with multiple tours in Germany, Belgium and the United States. Tom retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989 after 36 years of service and attaining the rank of Colonel. Throughout, he served the RCAF and his country with distinction and honour.
Tom was an excellent soccer player and skier. Moreso, he was an outstanding golfer much to the chagrin of many he played and competed against. Over the years, Tom had many and varied involvements outside his military career. He was active in scouting, service clubs and sports / recreational organizations and was awarded the State of Rhineland-Pfalz gold medal for civic activity.
In 'retirement', Tom continued to be active in community affairs. With a knack for administration and planning, he organized a multinational float plane competition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the completion of Alaskan Highway, was a federal political campaign manager, was the Municipal Emergency Programme Co-ordinator for Metchosin and a member of the Greater Victoria Regional Emergency Planning Committee. Never one to shy away from controversy and perhaps even enjoying the debate, Tom was a frequent contributor to the 'Letters' section of various newspapers. A devoted husband and family man, Tom's sense of humour kept everyone on their toes.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Metchosin Golf Club on 23 September from 1300-1500 hrs. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to either the BC Cancer Society or the BC Alzheimer's Society.
As Tom would see it in his final days: He was on short final, to a full stop landing. The flight is over. What a great flight.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas REID
13 Entries
Sheila Mackay
November 9, 2017
My condolences to the Reid family. I was fortunate to have known Tom and receive one of his medallions with a coin from my birth year. Such kindness elevates our lives.
September 4, 2017
Condolences to the Reid family. I served on several RCAF stations with Tom and played soccer with him often. He was a fast tough winger.Great person . Great leader.
Hank Morris
RCAF Rtd.
Armin Karcher
September 3, 2017
My condolences going to Graham,Gordon, Grant and Fiona
Armin Karcher
September 3, 2017
My condolences to his family.
David Dobson
August 31, 2017
Simple words typed into a text box are perhaps not the best way to try expressing the proper condolence to the Reid family.
I remember first meeting (At the time S\L Reid) Mrs. Reid, Gordon, Graham, and Fiona when he and Dad were on the 104 course in Cold Lake. Our families did a tour in Baden, then went in several different directions.
I will add him to my list of fine people (and pilots) that have served us so well for so long.
My heartfelt prayers and wishes to the Reid Family.
August 31, 2017
My condolences to the family of Tom.
WC Harrington
John Swallow
August 30, 2017
Tom:
You will be missed.
The wind at your back; the sun in your face; blue skies above.
God speed.
Percy Conners
August 29, 2017
My sincere condolences to family and friends. From a retired RCAF veteran.
August 29, 2017
If I may, for the family's benefit, may I add a few more testimonials:
1. in 1973, in advance of Robbie Burns day, I flew to Edmonton (on a duly authorized mission) and while there, I purchased a haggis.
Upon return to Moose Jaw, I had my wife prepare it properly (She was not impressed) and the next day at noon, I had it properly piped-in, with a piper in full regalia, with all HQ staff and Flight Commanders present.
Tom was very impressed.
2. Soon thereafter, just ahead of his transfer, I commissioned a graphic artist to document his time as Commandant, by painting a depiction of him in the captain's seat (taken from behind) committing many of the the standard errors that his pilots had made over the years he was there.
It was presented to him at his retirement dinner and he, very gracefully said, "I think that Ab Lamoureux had something to do with this:. Thank you!"
Ab Lamoureux, Major. Ret'd
August 29, 2017
A salute to Tom.
I worked with him as BFSO in YMJ for 2 years when he was Commandant and I was a captain.
Even though I worked for the BComd directly, I was a faithful member of Tom's staff at 2CFFTS HQ.
He was an honest, fair, but tough commander, who led his school with an iron fist, because, in my opinion, they needed it.
He was not very popular with QFIs, but they were wrong.
I have the utmost respect for him, as he led the school through some very tough times in the years that he was there.
In later years, we became good friends.
RIP Colonel.
Ruth Maa
August 28, 2017
On behalf of the JuanDe Fuca Senior Centre Chair Exercise group Tom will be greatly missed. We share your sorrow and and know that Tom will be up there flying around keeping an eye on all of us
Ruth Maa
August 26, 2017
Condolences to the Reid family on the loss of your Father, Grandfather, Greatgrand. Tommy was part of our lives for many RCAF years.
per ardua Ad astra.
410, 439, 427, 421 sqns
John and Arlene England,
Qualicum Beach BC
MGen Dave Wightman RCAF
August 26, 2017
My condolences to the Reid family. I remember Tom as my neighbour, both in the married quarters and on the flight line, at Baden-Sollingen, Germany. He was a good neighbour in both places!
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