I am so thankful to find this obituary, I knew George only for a few summers, he would stop on his way to and from Nanaimo to Calgary and we would spend days exploring some of his old haunts and finding new ones, he was a very pleasant and easy going man and I often wondered what had happened, I knew he was excited about having a grandchild, my condolences to his family,


George I will miss your laugh and fishing stories at coffee ever saturday, you  our token man ,  I hope you are ok and in a better place Im blessed that i knew you ..  Joanne

George..........  I will always remember the way we used to laugh when we talked and kidded with Gary about his and my short time in school!   But the Thursday Lunch Boys will always remember you for your wonderful discussions on trout and your wonderful company, and the good times we all had! And like a good friend some time ago said  YOU WERE SPECIAL .......... Your old Pal Bob Mayes

I worked with George for 30 years. A professional from day one, a mentor and a good friend. What a legacy to leave.
Graham Turnbull. Conservation Officer.ret.

George was one of the funniest men I ever knew.  We went to Western Canada high school and had great dances and lots of laughs.  Our sincere condolences go out to Diane and the family. Love all the stories told by his many friends.
One of the "good ones".
Joanie Jefferies

I had the honour of being George's god daughter and I am weeping with sadness at his loss. I am also grateful for having shared some very special times...

One of my fondest memories was when I was a little girl, Diane and George came to visit at Christmas time and George dressed up as Santa Claus. He was such a kind, jolly and larger than life figure with the patience of a saint as I hauled out all of my dolls and introduced him to each of them while sitting on his lap. Memories of George always bring a smile to my face and he will live forever in my heart.

Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss.

I worked with George at the Environment office in Nanaimo when I first started working for Government.  George was always up for a great conversation about anything and soon we were sharing our love of poetry.  We each shared our own poetry and I really cherished his insights and encouragement.  I hope that my putting one of his poems below is ok:
Coastal Cutthroat
The Cutthroat lives in lakes and streams,
And other places too, it seems.
In the chuck they are found.
Large wood and rocks they hang around.
Off channel places they will use,
Found even in Backwater sloughs.

Spawn at four and live to eight.
A gradient of two is great.
They like it cool, with lots of cover,
If 25 they can't recover.
They spawn in fall, and winter too,
In nice clean gravel, that will do.

But shade and cover are disappearing,
Protection shrinks, where they are rearing.
Development, it takes it's toll,
And fast is robbing the cutthroats soul.
Their habitats we must protect,
Lest the cutthroat we forget.

By George E. Reid

I truly cherished those years and conversations, George, you will be missed!
Sincerely, Sherrie (Jordan) Carter

George was my boss for a year of the steepest learning curve I had ever had on the job. His patience, humour and support made that year easy. No matter what my stage of learning he always made me feel valuable and knowledgeable. He encouraged me to help other staff out in the field to gain skills he knew my job description would never provide, giving me critical experience for future jobs and keeping me happy! That type of kindness came naturally to George. I will never forget it  and know I was lucky to have known him. I always enjoyed running into George after he retired. Ever approachable and welcoming, he still always would give a big hello with that great smile and the twinkle in his eye.

     I first met George while attending Mount Royal Elementary School in the seventh grade. I remember spending many early evenings and weekend day's with the Reid family. Sandra always liked to pick on me and it was always good to hear laughter from George, Mrs. Reid, Sandra, Linda, Gary and Mr. Reid. I also often spent sleep overs with George and remember getting up a five o'clock to deliver the Albertan paper as we both had routes and rolled our papers in the Taxi shed at 17th Ave. and 14th St. along with Bob Whipple for about three years.  George would cover for me and I for him if we were sick or on a holiday with family.  We would meet after our delivery's at Model Dairy's were we got free day old chocolate milk.
    George had Henry Epp, Bob Whipple and myself join the Calgary Highlander Cadet's. For several years we would walk to Mewata Armories dressed in our kilts to parade.  George would try his very best to be the best dressed Cadet making sure he pressed his uniform to knife like sharpness only to have Henry win the honour whom we all thought spent little time in preparation.
     Being on the Mount Royal volleyball team and winning the City Championship with George is another great memory.
     One of my fondest memories was a fishing trip George and I went on to the Okanogan. Several pictures were taken and in every one we made sure one of cowboy boots was in it. I still have those pictures and will treasure them.  
      It was an honour to be an Usher at his wedding and have him be an Usher at mine. I do not think there is a person whom ever met George that will forget his smile and great laugh.
     Sandra and Linda my thoughts are with you and I think you know the sorrow I feel as I will miss George a lot but know he will be catching fish in a better place.
     Love Ya!!
     Ron Parry

George's quiet intelligence, his wonderful sense of humor and his positive, helpful attitude were inspiring and encouraging during the years I worked with him in Nanaimo. He was a great role model and I shall remember him always with respect and admiration.
So long George and Tight Lines,  Skip

George was a wonderful man with a delightful sense of humour, a contagious laugh, a wonderful smile and sparkling eyes that made everyone feel like an old friend.  
 
My regret was knowing George for only a few years. It was a great honour getting to know George and sharing our mutual experiences of working for the government in the environment field with such a fine and intelligent gentleman. .

Jim is sorry he did not have a chance to spend a day or two with George enjoying his favorite pastime of fishing.  They shared many conversations discussing fishing and camping destinations. 
 
George will especially be missed by his Beban Pool swimming buddies and his Timmy's coffee club.  

Farewell George and thank you for being a good friend.
Jim and Peg Brownie
Nanaimo

George was a wonderful man whom I will miss dearly. He had a huge influence on  advising me on my early biology career. Marilyn and I were always greeted as best friends at every meeting no longer how long apart. To the family our deepest condolences. An intriguing, honest, brilliant and fun loving man.

A good person gone too soon. Many of us, as former colleagues, are regretful we didn't make more of an effort to stay in touch with the big guy in the years since he left the good ship Environment. Regardless, he will never be forgotten.

We are so sorry to hear of George's passing. We will cherish all our happy memories. So sorry we will not be able to attend the service. We will attend Mass on Saturday and light a candle for George.  Joan and Murray

George was a character.  We became good friends at Mount Royal College in downtown Calgary and later at the U of Calgary as we chased our BSc's in Science in 1966+. I remember wondering why he was into Marine Bio in Calgary. Now I know!  We shared a table in the library for years, and we had many laughs together in our group of 4 while we studied. We were all 'older students'.  He will be a part of my memory for the kindness, the laughs, and comeraderie that he offered.  One of a kind...a role model!
Dennis Ming, Calgary

Memories of George:
  ~ his quick little laugh
  ~ his great big smile
  ~ his great sense of humour
  ~ always up for a chat
  ~ Santa
You will be missed big guy.
It was a great privilege to have known you.

I met George about eight years ago.  He was part of our Saturday morning coffee break.  George, the only man, with between 3 up to 8-9 women.  He was wonderful, a kind, gentle man. I loved his emails and he will be greatly missed.

I enjoyed working with George for many years. He was a cheery, pleasant guy with a strong ethical core and a passion for fish. Can't think of a better legacy to try and emulate.

George was the kind of person who made everyone feel comfortable and at ease, weather about a work or social topic. This made him the perfect Santa Claus for the office party. 

George was a great colleague and lovely person. I'm feel lucky to have known him 

Pleas accept my sincerest condolences

I had the great pleaure of knowing and working with George for many years.  George always had a big smile for everyone and made time for a chat.  I'll never forget the excitement he brought to the ministry kid's Xmas parties as he arrived dressed as jolly St. Nick.

Always the professional and dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environment and that which depended upon it.

My condolences to George's family and friends.

Diane, Michelle, Morgan, Kristy and Rowan.  Thinking of all of you on your great loss.  Please accept our sincerest sympathy - wish we could be there for you. Love Doreen and Duane

I first met George at the Esquires coffee shop, shortly after moving to Nanaimo. 

George had retired by the time I met him, so we had lots of time to meet for coffee and talk about all manner of things.

George was a brilliant thinker and a pleasure talking with. He was kind, accepting of others, thoughtful of others, and I was proud to have him as a friend. I'll miss our chats and his laughter.

OBITUARY

George Edward Reid

December 20, 1939 – July 27, 2017

First Memorial Funeral Services

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