John William Reid
REID, John William – John passed peacefully at Whitehorse General Hospital on November 14, 2020 with his wife, Jeanne, by his side. Beloved and dearest husband of Jeanne Reid, loved father of Nancy Rector and husband Andy Rector, Malcolm Reid and wife Ali Lloyd, and Owen Reid. John was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Martha Reid and brother David Reid. He will be fondly missed by his brother Dick Reid, by members of the Reid/Dunn families, and his lifelong friends.
Born July 3, 1945 in Victoria BC, John grew up on a farm in West Saanich with his mother, father and two brothers. Learning a hard work ethic early on, John always had a passion for education and enjoyed his time in University where he tried out an assortment of disciplines from philosophy to accounting before becoming a teacher. He met his wife Jeanne while completing his teaching degree in Victoria. Together they moved to the Yukon in the late 1970’s living and teaching, first in Pelly Crossing before moving to Whitehorse. John enjoyed his time teaching especially in the metal and wood shop and later as the vice principal of Porter Creek Secondary School. He is lovingly remembered by family and friends near and far for his unorthodox ways and riveting comments.
At John’s request there will be no viewing or funeral service. As expressions of sympathy the family would respectfully ask that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society – Prostate Cancer. Jeanne and family wish to thank the staff at WGH for the professional and compassionate care extended to John and themselves during these past few weeks while he was in their care.
There’s gold, and it’s haunting and haunting;
It’s luring me on as of old;
Yet it isn’t the gold that I’m wanting
So much as just finding the gold.
It’s the great, big, broad land ’way up yonder,
It’s the forests where silence has lease;
It’s the beauty that thrills me with wonder,
It’s the stillness that fills me with peace.
(Robert W. Service)
Marg. Paton (neeReid)
He’s be u was so sorry to hear about your loss. John was a great guy. He will be sadly missed. I hope you snd the kids will remember his love for you.
Liz Candline
My sincere condolances Jeanne, Nancy and family on John’s passing. He was such a dedicated family man and teacher with a great sense of humor. Our family is thinking of you with much love during this difficult time. Liz
terry horsman
so sad to hear of johns passing , our daughters both got a great good story of how he would have fun in teaching!! we at the horsman repair shop always enjoyed his visits and to figure out his next problem he sure had a good outlook on things!! god just needed him home for a bigger problem to fix ! he definitely taught me to look at things with a smile no matter how big the hill !
Pat Allan
Oh Jeanne, Malcolm and Nancy, we were so sorry to hear about John’s passing. We have been reminiscing about those memorable suppers we had at each other’s houses so many years ago when the kids were small. The laughs as John proclaimed his latest outlandish idea, his energetic and inventive turn of phrase as he expounded on some new nonsense he had learned of, his dedication his students year after year, which were a rich source of amusing stories. We will always picture him energetically scratching his head as he searched for just the right creative phrase to explain a new idea.
If I could, I’d thank John for being a good friend during our time in Whitehorse.
During this difficult time, I wish you peace of spirit. Our thoughts are with you all, and we know you’ll find strength in each other.
Jeanne Reid
Thanks so much Pat!
It still seems like a strange dream ; any minute he will walk in the back door with his latest project or some other crisis to deal with.
It’s going to be strange getting used to a “new” normal.
Ken Taylor
JR was a great guy, friend, educator and character. He was always ready with a smile and a story. I enjoyed working with him at PCJSS while I was there, and on YTA committees over the years. I particularly remember his measured approach on the Bargaining Team, and his very unmeasured approach to dancing! John will be missed by his family and friends and the world is certainly a less interesting place with his loss.
Springfield Harrison
We are so sad and sorrowful that John’s rich and eventful life has ended so soon. John was always larger than life and like his brothers Dick and Dave, such a good friend.
We will be thinking of you all in the coming days and weeks. Such a great husband and father, we’re sure you will miss his unorthodox ways and riveting comments!