Our thoughts and prayers are with the Reid family. John and I were colleagues in the past but stayed in touch over the years, particularly during hockey season.  John as everyone knows was a diehard Leafs fan. I am a diehard Lightning fan. So, there was many years of banter between us over our teams. It was shocking to hear of his passing since he I had been exchanging texts as recently as this past month. I will miss our banter and our conversations. Take care my friend as you start your spiritual journey. I'm sure you will be able to put out your parade chair (the one you sat in at 14 years old to watch the last time the Leafs won the cup) when the Leafs win the cup again :-)!

I was sorry to have missed the time this afternoon to have an opportunity to offer my heart felt condolences.  

When I heard about John's passing, I felt flooded with memories of Johns kindness.  

I recall regularly running into him in the neighbourhood at the 'CoffeeTime',   John was always ready with a smile and a kind, gentle word - and a fantastic, quick & clever sense of humour.  John spoke proudly of his wonderful daughter & the dogs as well.

I am so very sorry - I know John will be deeply missed & irreplaceable.   I will be praying for peace for you all.

Thank you John for offering a glimpse of the possibility of what is right in the world.

With sincere condolences.
Warmly,
Heather




We knew John as a neighbour whose youthful appearance belied his life experience. We watched the rotation of his flags and  greeted him and his dogs on their daily outings. We saw how devoted to him his  cats were. We knew of his help and handiwork in the neighbourhood and his dry sense of humour and Meredith's struggles with the front garden. He was a neighbourhood fixture and we are saddened to lose him much too soon.

There always seems to be time to make a closer a connection and now we are sorry we didn't. But we could always tell he was a really cool guy.

My sincere condolences to John's family.
It was a pleasure to know and work with John over the many years.
You will be greatly missed. 
Rest in Peace.
Tom MacLeod

JPR came into my life at the age of 7. He was the “cool”  step-father. At time he drove a black mid 80’s fast back fire bird. I remember driving around the city with him listening to all the classic rock on Q107. Even though it was an automatic transmission he would let me shift the gears into drive reverse etc. I even remember a time when we were at a cottage that he put me in his lap and I was even able to steer the car! 

I moved into 248 Lawrence avenue east with my mum and sister Katryna. Shortly there after my mum and John had our baby sister Meredith. She brought so much love and light into the home, with her shirly temple curls. 

We had a pool in the back yard and he was always the strong guy. I remember he used to let me grab onto his shoulders and  he would be able to take me under the water to the deep end.  While holding our breaths.

John was in my life for 33 years. I never was the perfect son growing up as it was a challenge for me having two male role models. Although I went through bumpy times in my childhood and even adult hood he always had my back and never let me down. 

I will always remember his infectious laugh and love. He was hard working, loyal and trustworthy. He showed me those characteristics through example and I still carry them with me today. He will be a part of me for the rest of my life  and will miss him forever. 

I send all the love I feel for JPR to Meredith, all our family and friends who are missing him today and tomorrow.

I love you John

Blair aka Bud

Xoxo

Aside from being a great person and a wonderful father, the one thing that I remember about John, was the strength of his handshake. It was like being gripped in a vice!

I'm so sorry for your loss.   My deepest condolences to the family.
I was saddened and shocked to hear of John's passing.  He will be greatly missed.
May you get through this difficult time through the comfort and love of your family and friends.

Joanne Morris


Uncle John, you are etched into the memories of my childhood forever. I'll never hear The Mama's & the Papas "California Dreamin" without being transported back to jamming out - windows down - in the back of your old black car. 

A Lick's burger will always remind me of you. And were you just trying to shock us by drinking raw eggs and eating garlic like an apple? If so, it worked. 

The epitome of a dedicated father. Someone who was able to balance not taking themselves too seriously, while at the same time commanding respect. 

Love you forever, miss you already. 
Vanessa

Meredith and family, I am very sorry for this terrible loss. 

One summer, I was over, and we had just gotten back to the house from being out somewhere. We stood in the kitchen talking, with a tub of Moose tracks in front of us. We stood there with two spoons, digging out the peanut butter cups. As we were digging through the tub in the kitchen, John came home to witness what we were doing and couldn't help but laugh! 

Meredith, although I had only met John a handful of times, one thing that is very clear is how he loved you with all his heart. He raised a truly wonderful, thoughtful, and compassionate human being. Sending lots of love xo 

When we'd chat most recently he'd lovingly complain about you 
When we'd chat most recently he'd lovingly complain about you overly attending to his needs, but I always felt he was oh so very proud of this.  You know him, quiet and unassuming when it comes to that sort of emotional stuff, but deep down, a proud poppa he was.
As much as he was a very independent man in all ways throughout his entire life, watching this from afar and him becoming dependent upon you, when he needed you the most, was so heartwarming and beautiful to me, and I feel privileged to have experienced that with him as a parent's heart can only know.
Your Dad held a very special place in my heart, and that place he will hold until I too pass.
We are here for you always, and will continue keeping you lovingly in prayer, now and for always 'May Shay'.  We love you so much.
Your loving and adoring, Auntie Moe & Doug x

Often times just for a loud and crazy ride, but just as many back to 170 for a sleepover.  Oh the fun you two would have.  Who could never get cross with our John, a big kid himsel - just in an adult body.
Your Dad had one of the biggest hearts I knew, and he showed that always to me.  Even when I journeyed back across the border from Flordia, he helped me out many a time financially through painting jobs on weekends, bringing back the job skills I too once used.  He even went so far as finding me my first "white car" back home, through a neighbour friend and helped to negotiate it's purchase.
I sure will miss our chats.
I will remember John for his love for life, for the simple things that meant so much to him in life, and his adoring love of you, Meredith, his one and only.
(continued)

When I remember your Dad, Meredith, I am reminded just how every time we would greet each other it was with that wry smile he had, twinkle in his eye as he thought about just how he was going to kid you along, or utter a gentle sarcastic remark about something you did, or said, or something he was just thinking that he had to goad you about.  Always with a huge hug and a reminder of how he loved you.  He gave the 'best' of hugs, all of the time.
We spent many a Friday night steak night on Richlea Circle.  The brood of kids playing in the Circle having their fun, and the adults with a glass of wine or two celebrating life and the end of another busy week.  We all had so much fun just being together raising our families, and when the night would draw to it's close for you guys, off to bed you'd go, and the adults would start a rousing game of euchre.  John was 9/10 times my partner (seemed to work better instead of the couples thing lol), and he always played ignorant on a poorly played hand, or boast about his prowess in the game.  He always had that smirky smile on his face to let you know he had the best of you before you even knew it! 
There were lots of those Friday nights where I'd be standing outside on the street while John loaded both you and Vanessa into the back of his black, shiny Charger, windows rolled down, with oldies music playing and me freaking out because he hasn't once told you to put your seat belts on!  Seat belts...what's that...??  Amost his entire life he didn't wear one, so why should you have to??  I'd be mouthing that request, while he's staring at the two of you laughing and chewing gum ignoring alllll of what I was saying, then with his lip turned up, look at you with that quizzical look he had, and nod like he still didn't get it (but finally would), and ask you both to draw that big ole seat belt across your laps. (not that that was any safer, mind you..ho hum), then, off you'd go for a spin.  (continued)


Meredith - our deepest condolences to you and your family. We’ve lived across from John on Cranbrooke for the past 21 years, yet it was only in the past 4 years when we got a dog (Wookie) that we really got to know him. Always friendly and helpful, John was someone you were happy to run into and have a chat. In fact, if Wookie saw John and Max at a distance, he insisted that we go over to say hi. And we all know that dogs are great judges of character. 

John will be missed. It’s amazing how many people in the neighbourhood knew him and how he touched our lives. 

Jacqui Hurd and Terje Engen

We are so sorry for your loss, Meredith.

Your dad was a true gentleman and had a great compassion for animals.  He always had time for a chat during a dog walk.   He will be missed by his many neighbours and friends on Cranbrooke Avenue.  



Bonnie Levine and Fred Potash 
“A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved.”
My husband and I lived on the same block as John. We moved away during the pandemic and so when our next-door neighbour from Cranbrooke told us about John’s passing, we were completely devastated. We loved John, as did everyone in the neighborhood. He was such a beautiful soul - so kind and compassionate, such a hard worker, so generous with his time to anyone in need, and a huge animal lover. He took in stray cats and dogs and I think at one point he had 5 cats and 3 dogs!
Meredith, I met you when you were a little girl and I had the privilege of watching you grow into the most beautiful (inside and out) young woman. No surprise there - like father, like daughter. I’m sure you know just how much your dad adored you; you were the light of his life. May his memory be a blessing.
Rest in peace dearest John.

I remember  the first time I met John Reid, being a little on guard around him - he looked intimidating, tough, and to be honest, kind of scary. He was quiet and intense, his handshake was like steel, and his arms were pumped. I glanced over as we first talked in front of his home in North Toronto, and  saw the bench press in his garage and understood his ripped physical demeanour and his commitment to staying physically strong was important to him.  I also remember that John  wore an American Flag bandana on his head,  which of course only made him all the more Steven Seagal-like to me. But of course, as soon as we started talking and I got to know him, I saw that we were going to be friends. That hard, buff unemotional exterior was actually the opposite of my instant impression of him - the strong, steely outside belied a man who was actually a warm, sensitive and thoughtful gentleman.  John was very sweet, soft-spoken, and always strived to do the proper thing, the honourable thing, the right thing. We had many conversations, meals and encounters after that and I realized his still waters ran deep. I'm so  sorry to hear of his passing, and my condolences go out to his children (whom he adored) and his entire family. We lost a good one. 

﻿We had the pleasure of living on Cranbrooke, beside John for 21 years. He was always on the go, hauling paint cans or a ladder, walking his beloved dogs, or going to work. He kept an eye on the neighborhood, never imposing himself but aware of what was going on.

We had a tree in our backyard that hovered over our glass atrium and swayed menacingly during all kinds of weather. My husband who had NO EXPERIENCE, said he was going to take it down. I told him No, and went out for the day. When I got home it was like a bomb went off in my backyard. Branches, leaves and parts of the tree trunk were everywhere. Half of the trunk remained, naked of branches and leaves, still threatening the atrium. I was furious and called a tree service and told them they better come quickly or my husband may go thru the glass with the next cut down. When I next saw John, he told me the whole story. He had been watching the demolition with concern and offered to help….and I’m sure he would have known not to cut down the part where the professional needs to support himself to get the job done. John told me he stepped in again when he saw that my husband had got my 10 year old son, outfitted in a hockey helmet, to hold the ladder, while my husband tried to reach the higher branches. That’s when John suggested he stop, for now. He saved all of us! That was John Reid, quietly observant and ready to step when it was necessary.

Judging by the reaction of the people of Cranbrooke, past and present, John was loved and appreciated and will be missed not just by us but by his friends from work, the many people he encountered walking Max, and by the many people he approached to say  “can I give you a hand”

Meredith, you must have so many wonderful stories, I hope our small one gives you some comfort.

There is such an emptiness now in the nighbourhood. We are deeply saddened by John's passing and send heartfelt condolences and a huge hug to Meredith!  We have been neighbour with John for 10 years and a more caring and considerate man does not exist! Often we would be in the yard to bbq and would hear John's music coming from the garage as he worked out - we would turn our music off to here his which was always much better! Seeing John almost daily walking Max or just chatting in the front yard are wonderful memories and experiences that we will always cherish 
and miss. A dear friend and neighbour is gone but we will continue to play Neil Young, CCR, Gordon Lightfoot, Skynard and many other wonderful bands in his honour for years to come! John and Annica

We are devastated to hear about the passing of our dear friend John.  Anyone who had the privilege to have John in their life  knows that there has never been a more principled, honest man. He had more integrity than anyone we have ever known. 

John had a wonderful sense of humour, he was a gentleman, a modest and  beautiful human being who was quietly cool, without trying.  He loved his family immensely. 

Meredith, you were the centre of your Dad's universe and he adored you. You were everything to him and he was so proud of you .  We hope you take solace in knowing he will live forever in your heart. 

We will always treasure our memories of John,  and  while we are deeply saddened that he is no longer with us, we feel fortunate and thankful that he touched our lives. 

A wonderful caring neighbour. Always friendly and ready to help with a smile! He was a beautiful person. He will be missed by all who knew him. Photo taken with myself (Ivy) and a neighbour in 2008.

John was one of the most likeable persons I have ever met. I will always remember him as a wonderful kind neighbour to my mother "Ethel" and myself when we lived on Cranbrooke. He was always willing to offer help. It was shocking and sad to hear of his passing. Photos above (taken in 2008) include John with my mom and friends.

I’m so very sorry for your loss. I remember John being such a kind and gentle man/father. sending hugs and prayers xox

We were so saddened to hear of John's passing.  As everyone has pointed out he was a very kind man, full of warmth and generosity.  He was always willing to help you out and always concerned for the well being of others, including my family.  We will miss chatting with him on our dog walks.  

I'd like to picture him walking with Max in the clouds above us, watching over us.

Condolences to you Meredith on the loss of your wonderful dad. 

I am so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your father.  Our (dog) walks and chats will be missed. He was always so kind, friendly, and funny and spoke very fondly of his family. He was very proud of you. May you find comfort and strength in your memories. With my deepest sympathies.  

Meredith,
It is with much sadness we heard of the passing of your dad.  Brett and I were neighbours of yours on Cranbrooke for several years and he always had a wonderful kindness to him that the world will surely miss.  We are sending you and your family hugs, and hope all the wonderful memories you have of him  sustain you during what is surely a difficult time.  Xo
Brett and Becky Channer

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing.  His kind soul, gentleness, and care  was palpable.  Sending warmth to his family. May his memory be a blessing. 

My deepest condolences to Meredith and the entire family.  John was a true gentlemen, devoted father, and true friend. It breaks my heart that we will never be able to hang out and build more decks, more fences and paint more houses together.  All the weekends John, Jaime and I spent together working on projects will forever be engraved in my mind.  All of John’s stories he shared with me of when he was younger and overseas experiencing things that I would never see in my lifetime, showed me how much of a giving and brave person he really was.  John and I worked together at SAE for over 20 years, and I will miss his visits in the Engineering Lab and our regular lunches at Subway’s. May you rest in peace my friend, until we meet again. 

Meredith, our deepest condolences to you and your family. Your Dad was a wonderful neighbour and friend. He was so kind and had such a great sense of humour.  May he rest in peace.

My family and I will miss you John. You left us too soon.  You were a gentleman and generous man that always wanted to pay for my coffee at Coffee Time 
Love you 🙏🙏🙏

My condolences to Meredith and family.  John was quite a character.  I have worked with him for a long time and will miss his funny comments and his unique way of looking at things.  You will be missed.

Meredith, our deepest condolences. Your Dad was a great guy, a great handyman and the best neighbor possible. I am also sorry for all his well-loved animals. We’ll miss seeing him on our dog walks.  Again, we are terribly sorry and saddened. Janice Brown & Robbie Byrne

John was a popular neighbour on our street.  A devoted father to Meredith and an animal lover,  he would return from work to find the cats waiting outside the door for him!  He was honest, kind, patient, helpful, hard-working and funny. Over the past twenty something years he has helped us with so many of our household jobs both large and small, that I would not be able to list them all.  

He will be very much missed by neighbours and friends on Cranbrooke Ave. and in the Bedford Park community, where he was a familiar sight, walking Max, or more recently, little Griffin.



I met John in 2007 through work. John was a very personable, funny, outgoing man. During our business relationship, we developed a friendship and shared many stories about our lives and families. I looked forward to our conversations, calling him old man and waiting for the banter back. I will truly miss him and my condolences to his family, both personal and at SAE Power Co.

Shocked by the news as most were.  John was a salt of the earth guy.  He would give you the shirt off his back and never ask for anything in return.  Most times that shirt was used to pickup the paint he just spilt or the Gatorade that he just knocked off the ladder.  Good Times......He will big missed by his weekend bud.

John was well known in the neighborhood and he was well liked. John was a kind and helpful person. We often saw John walking his dogs. He spoke lovingly of his daughter. Condolences to John's family and friends. May John rest in peace.

I have had the honor of working closely with John for more than a decade.  During that time he was one of the most genuine and professional people I have worked with.  We also became friends during that time and have shared family moments, funny stories and a few tears over the years.  John, I will miss you so much.  I'm so used to talking to you multiple times a week.  Your family, friends and co-workers are in my thoughts and prayers.  I'll see you again one day, friend!

"True friends never leave you.  This is because you carry on their legacy and memories in your heart."

To the Reid Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am in complete shock as i'm sure 
everybody is.  We worked together for many years.
He was a great guy and I will miss him.

Nathalie Lederman
 

OBITUARY

John Patrick Reid

August 15, 1952 – May 29, 2023

Paul O'Connor Funeral Home

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