It is with sadness that we announce the passing of James Reid on October 12, 2022, at the
age of 93 surrounded by loved ones at the Heart of the Valley Centre.
James was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, on November 5, 1928, to William Reid and
Maggie (Biggins) Reid. James had two sisters, Christina and Ina. The family moved to Hamilton,
Ontario, when James was a young boy.
In his youth, James showed a great interest in singing and sports. He loved basketball and
played football at both the high school and university levels.
He met his wife, Beverley Christie, in high school, and they married on June 28, 1952, in
Hamilton, Ontario, where they began their life together. They had two children, Laurie and Scott,
whom they loved dearly. Throughout their marriage their love for music was ever present.
Together they sang in the church choir at Melrose United Church, were season ticket holders to
the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s pop concerts, made frequent trips to the Chanhassen Dinner
Theatre, and were known for their voluminous collection of classical music records.
In 1966 James left his work with the Federal Department of Forestry and accepted a
professorship in botany at the University of Manitoba. The family moved to Winnipeg where
James would later become department head and eventually be honoured and awarded the
Professor Emeritus for his contributions to the field of botany and his work with blue stain fungi.
James loved his work and continued to conduct research and publish in academic journals well
into his eighties.
The family resided for over forty years in Winnipeg, where they formed a wonderful
community and enjoyed time spent with their neighbourhood friends. During James time at the
University, they travelled on sabbaticals and lived in several countries, including England,
Norway and New Zealand. Their numerous adventures while living abroad were often told and
retold to the delight of their grandchildren. James and Beverley moved to Bridgewater, Nova
Scotia, in 2011.
James had many interests, including photography, chess, billiards, and reading. It was not
uncommon to find him reading several books at a time, the majority of which were history
books. James loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much and attended their
sporting events or extra-curricular activities whenever possible. His investment in their lives will
forever be remembered.
In mourning is his daughter Laurie (Elden) of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia; son Scott
(Connie) of Stonewall, Manitoba; grandchildren Chris (Cora), Meighen (Mat), Liam (Marie-
Odyle), Max, and Dexter; great-grandchildren, Maverick, Seth, Esmé, Jack and Madeleine.
James is predeceased by his wife Beverley Reid, parents and sisters.
There will be no service at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of the R.A. Corkum Funeral Home, Wileville, where on-line condolences may be made by visiting www.corkumfuneralhome.ca