Bill Reid was a great citizen and a great friend of the Surrey RCMP.
Bill’s community involvement included being a big part of our community policing programs, particularly in Cloverdale and South Surrey, where he was highly respected and very involved. His wise counsel and always positive and cheerful attitude will be truly missed.
Bill worked closely with the Cloverdale/Port Kells office of the Surrey RCMP as a member of the Cloverdale Community Consultative Group, Integrated Services Group, and of the Homeless Committee, since 1998.
Through the years he took on many endeavours, which had a direct and positive influence on the well being of local citizens.
Through his efforts a soup kitchen was established which included laundry facilities and donated clothing for those that required it. The soup kitchen is no longer in existence, however, those who originally operated it,still partner today, by providing meals at a local church.
In later years, Bill garnered community support, funds and assistance by establishing the currently operating Cloverdale Hyland House – a place for the homeless to go to for accommodation and support.
Bill took pride in ensuring Cloverdale remained graffiti-free by working closely with the RCMP and Surrey bylaw department. Bill was extremely supportive of the Cloverdale/Port Kells RCMP office by lending support over the years as an “auctioneer” for the various volunteer fundraising events, or by simply garnering and offering support for various community initiatives.”
As the executive director of the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce, he worked closely with us for all local community events, such as the annual Santa Claus Parade, Rodeo parade, and Blueberry Festival ensuring the safety of the public at all events.
Bill Reid’s passion for the community of Cloverdale and for the City of Surrey was outstanding and will not be forgotten. He has given thousands of voluntary hours to various community endeavours and is a role model for everyone in the community. He has been an inspiration to all those who have worked with him to go above and beyond their normal course of duty to the citizens in the area. He will be missed by all those who have had the privilege of working with him.
For Bill’s efforts, he was recognized by the City of Surrey and awarded the Good Citizen Award this year, as well as being presented with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012.
On behalf of the Surrey RCMP, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Bill’s wife Marion, their daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and extended family.
Bill Fordy, Chief Superintendent, Officer in Charge
Surrey RCMP
Enthusiasm and generosity were legend
Bill Reid was the heart and soul of the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and worked tirelessly for 12 years as executive director.
Around the board table and particularly at the microphone, Bill’s upbeat attitude and constant smile was an inspiration to us all.
He believed in community involvement and tirelessly and constantly involved his many friends and acquaintances in Cloverdale events and Surrey fundraisers.
His enthusiasm and generosity were legend and everyone enjoyed working with him simply because he was fun to be around.
As Surrey’s Citizen of the year in 2013 and a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, Bill was very proud of the honours, but he was proudest of his achievements in the Cloverdale Business community by uniting those who believed that a supportive business organization that gets involved in the community can make a big difference in the economic prosperity of that community.
Bill was a leader, a mentor, and a very good friend to all of us. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife Marion and his four daughters and their families.
It is with heartfelt sadness we face the loss of our friend and executive director.
Farewell Bill. Rest in Peace.
Addison Hubert, President
Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce