John R.T. Reid, 1924-2004

John Rodman Thorald Reid was born Sept. 8, 1924 in Kinistina, Sask. and spent his childhood there. As a young boy John started developing his carpentry skills by building toboggans out of cheese crates. He enjoyed sliding down the banks of the Carrot River on these toys.

At the age of 11 years, John, his father, younger sister and two brothers moved to the Hythe area where they farmed.

In 1954 John married Jeanine Thibodeault and they took up homesteading in the Whitemud area. Four children were born to them: Betty, Shirley, David and Paricia. In addition to farming, John helped build elevators in Falher, High Prairie, Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek.

In July 1967 John and his family relocated to Joussard and later that fall to Big Meadow where they leased some farmland. In the winter months John worked in bush camps skidding logs in Red Earth. John returned every two weeks (paydays) with chocolate bars and pop in his backpack that he bought at the commissary in camp.

John took up seasonal employment with the railroad and shortly afterwards was working on a full-time basis. They left the farm and moved to Wagner into the railroad house. John worked on the railroad for many years and retired as a result of complications from surgery on his hand.

After retirement John occupied his time by spending many summers at Shaw's Point where they rented a lakeshore lot. John made improvements to the lot and spent a lot of time fishing.

John was always busy puttering around outside; either fixing something, building something, making firewood or maintaining the yard.

Some of John's interests and pasttimes were carpentry, playing horseshoes, fishing, watching hockey games (local and NHL), playing cards, dice and board games, going to auction sales, trapping and ski-dooing, riding his quad accompanied by his two dogs, Ben and Ginger, and later in life bowling with friends from the community.

John was very creative and made many useful contraptions. There was never a problem that John couldn't find a solution for. He would lay down for a short nap to "think on it". When he woke up he knew exactly what to do and how to do it. He made a potato hiller for the garden tractor, a wool cutter for Jean's hooked rugs, card holder for rummy games, a potato gun (maybe John had too much time on his hands!) and numerous boxes for specific storage. Most of the furniture in their house was made by John; from bedroom furniture to gun cabinets.

John always remained on the quiet side but always his humour and jokes surfaced. He loved to have a laugh and often would play tricks on people. He also enjoyed friendly teasing.

The past year and a half of his life was spent dealing with health problems and many doctor appointments and hospital stays. Despite his gradual deteriorating health, John continued to be positive and determined to make the best of it.

On behalf of John, the family wants to thank the many friends and family members who visited and supported him in his time of need.

John is survived by: his wife Jean; three daughters, one son, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and his two brothers, Wilfred and Arnold.

John was predeceased by: his older sister, Victoria; mother Myrtle; father John; and younger sister, Averil.

Interment of cremated remains will take place at a later date in the family plot in Kinistina, Sask.