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James Sinclair Reid

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James Reid Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and The Province on Jan. 2, 2006.

REID _ James Sinclair. Born October 7, 1913 in Stronsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland passed away peacefully on December 30, 2005. Predeceased by his loving wife Annabelle (nee Buchanan), his parents James and Elizabeth Reid, and his sister Margaret Ellen (Meta) Gibbard. He is survived by his children Sharon (Gale) Dowd, Tyrone (Elizabeth) Reid, Jane (George) Donatelli, Duncan (Debbie) Reid, and Alistair Reid. He will be lovingly remembered by his 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, his brother Pat (Edith) Reid, sisters Jean (Derek) Dickson and Gladys (Charles) Nicol, cousin Gordon (Ruth) Ellwood, and many nieces and nephews. Jim will be remembered for his devotion to his many students during his 40 years of teaching in the Abbotsford School District. He began his teaching career as the first principal of South Poplar School. He celebrated the school's 70th anniversary in 2003 with many of his first students. He finished his teaching career as the principal at Philip Sheffield Elementary. In 1998 he had the honour of having the library dedicated in his name. Jim also farmed on Matsqui Prairie where he raised Registered Holstein cattle. He will be remembered for his love of children, his great sense of humour, and his amusing stories. He has indeed left a legacy for his children and grandchildren for which they are eternally grateful. A Celebration of Jim's life will be held on Friday, January 6, 2006 at 1:00 pm at the chapel of Henderson's Funeral Home, 34537 Marshall Rd, (at Sumas Way), with Rev. Robyn Ross officiating. Donations may be made to ADTA Scholarship fund in memory of Jim. Henderson's Funeral Home 604-854-5534 hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com

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Darleen Murphy

January 5, 2006

I first met James Reid in 1965 when, as a friend of his daughter Janie, she took me to the Reid farm to meet her family. I was immediately enveloped in their warmth and authenticity. Her father was particularly engaging and always entertained us with stories of his childhood. I was always impressed with his deep love for his family and particularly for his wife, Annabelle. They made me feel as if I had a home away from home.

Throughout the years we maintained the connection and I have so many memories. One particular memory that stands out in my mind is when Jim and Annabelle were visiting in England (where I was living at the time) and we all waited with great excitement to hear about the birth of Eden...Janie and George's second child. When I married and returned to Canada they visited Victoria a few times...once as they were taking a cruise to Alaska. I can remember at that time, Jim (although I always called him "Mr. Reid") regaling us with stories of his youth, his years as a principal and, of course, anecdotes about his children. He would often be affectionately chastised by Annabelle (who I called "Mrs. Reid") for being so long-winded and as she expressed 'boring'! I didn't care what he talked about, I just loved to be in their presence and to experience their 'realness'.

I was very saddened when Annabelle died and I know that Jim missed her terribly. However he was so fortunate to have the love and respect of his family and friends.

Although he was obviously a very intelligent man he always retained a simplicity which allowed everyone to feel so comfortable in his presence.

For his last years he was so lucky to be surrounded by his family and to live in Janie's home and to be cared for so lovingly by her and to be able to participate in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was greatly loved and he will be sorrily missed but never forgotten.