It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Lillian Reid, 93 years of age, in Comox, B.C. Lillian was predeceased by her loving husband Alex (1982), parents Robert and Anne Henderson, sister Marguerite Saunders, brother Robert (Bob) Henderson. Lillian will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children Sheila (Bob), Jim (Linda), Sandy (Joanne), and Mary-Ann (Victor); her grandchildren Catherine, Candice, Kevin, Sean (Kiyomi), Colin, Andrew, Jennifer (Michael), Alasdair (Melissa), Mike, Cameron, Scott, Jason, Lindsey, and Kate; and her great grandchildren Kayla, Madeleine, Abigail, Kennedy, Haley, and Kyle, as well as her sister-in-law Polly Henderson, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Lillian was born in Winnipeg Manitoba. She attended Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute, and was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church. While there, she met her beloved husband Alex. She loved to sing and she, her sister Marguerite, and another young woman formed a trio called “The Three Beautiful Tones.” They sang on both stage and radio. Lillian had an incredible zest for life and a joyful disposition. People were drawn to her as she was always kind, friendly, and a good listener. She was also a very sensitive and caring soul with a big heart for people less fortunate than herself.
In 1949, Lillian and Alex moved from Winnipeg to Vancouver. Lillian continued to be active in church life at Marpole United Church, where she sang with the choir. Once her children were all attending school, Lillian worked for the Vancouver School District in a number of roles, retiring as a Teacher’s Assistant. She and Alex were very active in Scottish organizations, including the Gaelic Society, Sons of Scotland, and Highland Games. Lillian loved to cook and bake and was famous for her Scottish oat-cakes! Lillian and Alex loved to travel and made frequent trips to the UK and Ireland, where they visited their large extended families.
After losing Alex, Lillian continued to enjoy traveling with friends and family. She especially loved her many cruises. She joined the Vancouver Gaelic Choir and enjoyed a number of years singing and travelling with them. For many years, Lillian attended the School of Celtic Studies in Winnipeg, where she set up a bursary in honour of her husband and his passion for the Gaelic language and piping.
In 1999, Lillian moved to Comox, B.C. She continued to enjoy an active life and regular visits with her four children and their families.
We will miss her beautiful smile, twinkling eyes, kindness, generosity, wonderful stories, and very quick Irish wit.
The family deeply appreciates the generous support and care given to Lillian by Dr. Susan Hunter and the staff at Stevenson Place, as well as the Transition Unit at St. Joseph’s General Hospital for the last two months.
A memorial service will be held on November 24th at 2:00 pm, in the sanctuary of Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive, Comox, BC, V9M 1P9, Rev. Maggie Enwright officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.