Robert John REID
Robert (Bob) John Reid, beloved husband of Betty (Markle), died August 22, 2016 at the age of 85. Bob was married to his best friend, Betty, for almost 65 years. He was a loving father of 11 children: Frances Hill (Ken), Robert John (Sue), Patricia Fetherston, deceased, William (Edel), Mary O’Reilly (Dan), Catherine Callaghan (Tom), Thomas (Ginny), Susan Duggan, Deborah, David and Brian. Bob and Betty were blessed with and enjoyed 18 grandsons and 13 granddaughters. He was also great-grandfather to 11 children. Bob was predeceased by his brother Vincent Reid (and wife Joan), and sister-in-law Barbara McCann (and husband Paul). He leaves behind brother-in-law William Markle (Carolyn) and sister-in-law Bonnie Dennis (Lowell).
Bob was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania to Vincent and Margaret Reid. In 1934, his father moved to Canada to start The General Tire and Rubber Co. Bob attended De La Salle College “Oaklands” and The University of St. Michael’s College. He received his MBA from the University of Toronto. Over his career, Bob was Vice President and General Manager of The General Tire and Rubber Co., President of Aerosol Packaging and President of Franklin Mint. He ended his career as General Manager of the law firm of Paterson MacDougall.
His community involvement included his time as President of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. He was a director of Catholic Charities and the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews. Bob loved his golf and served as president of the York Downs Golf and Country Club.
Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, August 28th at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, Ontario. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 29, at Our Lady of Grace Church, 15347 Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario.
The family would like to thank Dr. Remo Zadra and Dr. William Fetherston for the exceptional care Bob received over the last several years of his life. In sympathy, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Ministries, 412 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario, or to the charity of your choice.