It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John
Donald Reid of Saint John, which occurred on Friday, February 3, 2012
at St. Joseph’s Hospital, after a seven year battle with
dementia. Don faced his diagnosis and death as he lived his
life, with dignity, determination, and a positive outlook.
Born in Saint John on April 29, 1931, he was the only child of the
late John Donald and Anne (Broderick) Reid.
Don was a business man at heart, opening his own taxidermy
fur business in the early 1950’s. He also owned
other businesses in the city over the years. He was employed
from 1954 to 1991 at Moosehead Breweries, working his way from
sweeping floors up to district sales manager for New Brunswick and
Prince Edward Island. Active in his community, Don was a
member of the Thistle St. Andrew Curling Club, Branch #2 of the Royal
Canadian Legion, the United Commercial Travelers, and Ducks
Unlimited. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and in his
spare time enjoyed fishing, hunting, and carpentry. He was
also an avid reader.
Don was the husband of the late Genevieve (Keleher) Reid, to
whom he was married for 51 years. He was also predeceased by
his infant daughter Patricia in 1959 and his son Donnie Jr. in
2003. He leaves behind his daughters Karen Burr and
Katherine Reid, both of Saint John; his only three grandchildren,
Chris (Samantha), Alisha, and Matthew Burr who loved "Papa"
so very much; his special niece and care giver Cheryl Potter and her
son Kyle Potter, Don’s special great nephew; a special
cousin, Eileen Cusack, as well as several other cousins. Don
is also survived by his devoted best friend, care giver and companion,
Donna Cole.
Don was a wise, loving, caring, and devoted man who will be
missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Using
his favorite phrase we say, "I love you, you’re
beautiful". We will miss you Papa.
Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111
Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on
Monday, February 6, 2012 from 7-9 PM. The Liturgy of
Christian Burial will be celebrated privately on Tuesday, February 7,
2012 at Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment
will take place in St. Joseph’s
Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to
Meals on Wheels, Romero House, St. Joseph’s Hospital
Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Canadian Cancer
Society, or to any charity of the donor’s choice would be
appreciated by the family. Please place online condolences
and remembrances at www.BrenansFH.com.
Condolences
Karen and family, so sorry to hear of your great loss. We know how close you were to your dad. You have shared so many funny stories about the adventures of your dad in recent years. We'll be thinking of you.... lots of love Holly and Mark
— Holly and Mark Glennie
I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad and Papa..I know he was loved by all of you..Thinking about you on these sad days..
— Bonnie Graves
We are so sorry to hear about Don ,Don and Jenn were the most gifted people that God put on earth.They will be missed Take care Marina and Jimm
— Marina and Jim Wiggins
Dear Karen and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. We certainly look at this with a very warm heart, since we have just been through this. There is nothing that we can say that will make you feel any better, however we can tell you that talking about your Dad, sharing funny memories, and stories all do make it much easier. We seem to be doing that every day. Our arms reach out to give you a hug ... and our thoughts and prayers will do all they can to hold you up over the next few days and months.
Give Sherry a hug too !!
Love,
Avril and Patrick
— Avril and Patrick Toner
We send your family our condolences and so sorry for your loss Corey, Allan Brittany, Lorna and Paul
— Corey Goodine and Family
Thinking of you and your family. In my thoughts and prayers
Love Colleen
— Colleen Smith
Karen, Kathy and family please accept our sincere sympathy for the loss of your dad and "Papa". He have thougts of him as a kind loving man who was devoted to his family.
— Marguerite Howe (cousin)Evelyn and Michael Moreau and David Merrithew
Karen,Donna and family.I am so sorry to hear about Don's passing.My heart goes out to each and everyone of the family.My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Donna Armstrong Nurse on 8th floor St. joes [THE SINGING NURSE]
— Donna Armstrong Nurse 8th floor St joes
Karen, Cheri and families, Know that you are in our thoughts at this time. Kenney and Lynn Parks
— Kenney & Lynn Parks
SO SORRY FOR YOUR GREAT LOSE!!
— JOAN MILLS (REID) (COUSIN)
so sorry to hear about Don. he and Gen were the very best. he was so devoted to his family and will be greatly missed by all
— debbie campbell
It is with Great sadness that we learned of Don's passing away.Our prayers and thoughts are with the family in these difficult times.There will be a candle burning in memory of Don at the Bathurst relay for Life which will be held on June 23, 2012 at the Bathurst Centennial Park. Sincere condolences J.P. Pickard & Pauline Picard, Clifford & Elvira Kennan
— J.P.Picard & Pauline Picard, Clifford & Elvira Kennan
So sorry to hear about your dad. May you find comfort in the happy memories of him.
Sincerely
Pauline Freeze Robinson
— Pauline Freeze Robinson
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Don. Don and I worked together at Moosehead for a number of years and he certainly taught me alot as a young university guy fresh into the business world.My thoughts and prayers go out to your family , Don will be missed. John Mc
— John McAloney
Dear Karen and family
I was very saddened to hear of your dad's passing although I can't help but smile when I think of the reunion that is taking place on the other side.There is an old Christian song that says "Won't we have a time when we get over yonder." My thoughts are with you all and I pray you will have His peace and assurance that all is well.
God Bless Leanne
— Leanne "Perry" Boudreau
Karen, so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Didn't see the notice until this morning or I would have come up to the visitation last night. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Leatha
— Leatha Howe, Moosehead Breweries
Sorry to hear about Don`s death.I was out of the province this past week-end and only returned Monday evening.I wish to pass on my condolences to the family and my prayers for Don. I worked for Don at Moosehead for some years and always considered him a great mentor not only in the brewing industry, but life in general.
— Joe Richard
Karen, what can I say...I am so sorry, I just found out, you & Kathy are in my thoughts and prayers... Your Mom & Dad are together now, take comfort in knowing that. Love you! Sharon XoXo
— Sharon Pursey (Brookins)
Donna,
My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your dear friend.
Marg
— Marg Cobham-Mollins
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
— ColleenCallen-Wicks(Freeze)
