Obituary
George planned to live forever and was active into his hundredth year.
He leaves behind his sister, Bunty Reid; granddaughter, Tresa; two grandsons, Derek and Kolin; and many friends who were very special to him.
George was predeceased by his wife, Jean (née: Ellis); daughters, Janet Berube, Linda Fald, and Beverly Reid; granddaughter, Karen Peacock; grandson, Ken Berube; and brother, John M. Reid.
Born in Scotland, George arrived in Alberta before the age of two. He started his education in a small rural school before moving to Edmonton where he attended Highlands and Eastwood Schools.,
As a teenager George spent time at the CFRN studios in the old CPR Building on Jasper Avenue and was tutored by exceptional men, Gordon Shillabeeer and Syd Lancaster, who patiently answered all his many questions .He was given the opportunity to host a children’s show on Saturday morning called Pink Elephants but after a few mornings it was clear he was more interested in the technical part of radio. He worked at the transmitter and one summer when the Exhibition was on George manned the controls while Syd broadcasted from a Roloplane high above the midway. He also worked on the broadcast from the High Level Bridge when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth toured Edmonton in 1939.
An early interest in radio and electronics morphed into a business venture at age 19 when he started Alberta Radio Company, then Alberta Alarm Company (the first such business in Edmonton), then on to Acme Protection Ltd. and Allied Communications. He then branched out to form Garneau Flowers and Dial Travel. He was very proud of his 80 years in business.
George was very active in the community as a long-time volunteer serving in various positions from swimming instructor to serving as President of the Alberta & N.W.T. Division of the Canadian Red Cross Society from 1967-1968. He was active with the Kiwanis Club and for many years dressed as a clown selling apples throughout downtown while giving guidance to the youth housed in the home operated by the Club.
His membership with the Burns Club of Edmonton from 1959 to present day maintained his interest in his Scottish heritage and good fellowship with like-minded men. He was active in the placement of the Robbie Burns statue in front of the Macdonald Hotel.
He trained and obtained his private pilot’s license through the Edmonton Flying Club and volunteered his services to the club in various positions. He truly enjoyed flying his own plane and the camaraderie with other pilots. He was also active in the Aviation Council of Alberta.
He strongly supported keeping the Municipal Airport open.
George was a member of the Edmonton Boy’s Pipe Band which gave him an interest and appreciation for bagpipe music as well as organ music. As a young lad he tamed a billy goat on an uncle’s farm by playing his bagpipes until the goat let him ride on its back. A few years later George built an electric organ which is still in use in an Edmonton church.
As per his wishes, George will be cremated with no service to be held.
Thank you to all who responded to George’s needs over the last few months while he resided at Garneau Hall, especially to Luba for her concern and caring heart.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of George C Reid 2020..
Foster & Mc Garvey funeral homes
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta