KENNETH ALEXANDER REID

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KENNETH ALEXANDER REID December 30, 1927 On Monday, August 19, 2013, after one last "helluva" fight, the family of Ken Reid lost their best friend and hero. Left to celebrate the memories of his life are his wife of 61 years Joyce, his five children and their partners, Joanne Trakalo (Brent McDonald), Murray (Debra Smithson), Mary-lou and Jack Wiens, Barbara and Cam Loney and Bruce (Doreen Devloo), as well his ten (10) grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Ken was predeceased by his parents Alec and Isabella Reid, sisters Barbara Bain and Helen Stack, grandson Jarrod Reid and numerous in-laws. Ken was born and raised in the Weston area of Winnipeg where he attended Cecile Rhodes School. As both his parents had emigrated from Scotland, he discovered early, his love for traditional Scottish sound, leading to his determination to learn to play the bagpipes. His hard work and dedication lead to an individual Western Canadian Junior championship, but his true love was playing in a pipe band, which he was a proud member of a number of throughout his music career. Ken's adult work career started off with CP Rail as an apprentice electrician. He left the railroad to join a group of companies, which at that time, were starting the farm electrification program of the late 1940s. As careers change, he became a delivery driver which led him to meeting a special person who would be by his side for the rest of his life. It was during this career that he met a pretty, young lady named Joyce Buffie, who worked at Gray's Wholesale. With a twinkle in his blue eyes and a sly grin, he convinced that young lady this was a good thing and they were married in November of 1952 and ready to start their family of five. In 1953, the couple purchased their first home on the corner of Kent and McCallman in East Elmwood, where they resided for 19 years raising their family. During that time, weekends were spent going out to Selkirk for many Buffie family gatherings or to the little cottage on Ash Street in Winnipeg Beach to spend time with the Bain and Stack families. These strong family ties meant the world to Ken and the importance of this was passed down to his children to carry on. With the change in the fifties to the delivery business and with a wife and four children at the time, Ken made a decision in 1958 to join the Winnipeg Police Services. This decision would lead to a 28 year career that gave Ken the opportunity to raise his family comfortably. This also led to the meeting of many life-long friends and stories that may "have had to be changed to protect the innocent". In 1972, with two adults, five children, and a dog, Ken took the opportunity to upgrade and move the family to Glenlawn Avenue in St. Vital, where the couple still calls home. In 1976, the family purchased property on the newly proposed Sandy Hook Golf Course and built a family cabin that was enjoyed by all until 2004 when Ken and Joyce decided to move on. Ken retired from the WPS in 1987, embarking on his final career as a part-time traveler, part-time house and yard keeper - but a full-time husband and grandfather. His love for his family and his newly found free time allowed Ken to attend sporting and important events of the grandkids whenever possible. Dad loved his family, but adored his life-long partner of nearly 61 years, Joyce. In November of 2012, this couple had the pleasure to celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends at their side. What an accomplishment! For the last several months, Ken's health was starting to become a concern, but in the last month it had taken a turn for the worse. But with the pride, stubbornness and fight that all who knew him would expect, Dad gathered up all he had for his last battle. Though he fought as hard as he could, we had to bid good-bye to our husband, our dad, our grandpa, our great-grandpa, and our friend. Our family wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation to the amazing staff of 5A and the Cardiac Care Unit at the St. Boniface Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota Street, Winnipeg. Viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken's name to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, C1026-409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 2A6. With his grandchildren at his side as his pallbearers, Lee Trakalo, Jeff Wiens, Colin Trakalo, Scott Reid, Alec Loney, Brett Reid, Reed Loney, Cheryl Wiens, Ashleigh Reid, and Lisa Reid, Grandpa will be taken home. In the words of our hero, "I may be small, but I'm mighty." Thanks for teaching us how to be mighty. Sleep well Dad. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 23, 2013