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JOHN MATTHEW (MATT) REID
Born: Aug 01, 1919
Date of Passing: Jan 10, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN MATTHEW (MATT) REID August 1, 1919 - January 20, 2014 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, John Matthew Reid, on January 20, 2014, at the age of 94 years. Matt was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Kathleen, and his grandson Lee Doyon. Left to cherish his memory are his four daughters Marie, Madeline, Monica, and Kathleen, and their families, his grandson Brian, and his granddaughters Erika, Lillian, Julienne, and Mathea. Matt was born on August 1, 1919 in Winnipeg, MB and attended Daniel McIntyre School. In 1939, he joined the R.C.A.F. and nine months later he was flying a Spitfire over France. His early training included postings to Prince Albert, SK, Uplands, Ottawa and then onto the U.K. where he operated from several bases in S.E. England. Matt was posted to 126 R.A.F. Fighter Squadron and then to 411 Squadron, where he saw action over Dieppe. In 1942, Matt volunteered to go to Malta where he joined the 185 Squadron. While there, he was involved with flying operations around the Mediterranean and ferrying Spitfires from North Africa. After the war, he joined the Auxiliary Air Force, 402 Squadron. One of his many flying highlights included putting on a demonstration of aerobatics and low level formation flying in a Vampire jet at the Minneapolis State Fair Air Show. In 1953, Matt became the Commanding Officer of the 402 City of Winnipeg Fighter Squadron (Auxiliary). He was instrumental and dedicated to ensuring that the 402 Squadron had a Pipe Band. During this time he was employed at MacDonald Bros. Aircraft as a production test pilot. Afterwards, he became a representative of the Britannia Commercial Airliner which took him to Bristol, England and Japan. Matt retired from working for Bristol Aerospace in 1982. He was a long standing member of the Canadian Fighter Pilots Association, Wartime Pilots' and Observers' Association and The George Cross Island Association. Matt's passion was flying but his family was the most important part of his life. During his retirement he was able to travel to Europe and especially loved to visit his daughter in Bavaria, Germany. He took great pride in his grandchildren's achievements. There will always be very fond and laughable memories of lectures and storytelling by grandpa. He was an avid reader, keeping up with world events. He was a kind and modest man with a wonderful sense of humour. A private family interment was held at Brookside Cemetery on January 24, 2014. "Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds And done a hundred things You have not dreamed of." NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2014
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Dear Madeline, Please accept my deepest sympathies on your Dad's passing. I realize that your father passed away 3 years ago but I only ran across this notice today (Aug 26, 2017). When we were both little kids, we lived across the street from you at 59 Lawndale. You and I were "best friends" all those years ago. I have often wondered how I could reach you. You would have known me as "Donnie" back then, if you even remember us playing together. I always thought your Dad was a god because of his piloting skills. I am so saddened to hear about his death. But, at least, he had a long and productive life. I would love to have the opportunity of connecting with you again, if this is possible. I can be reached at don.johnson@rogers.com Again, my deepest sympathies. Don Johnson - Posted by: Don Johnson () on: Aug 26, 2017
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My father could not have found a better friend those so many years ago. My Dad considered him a very special friend. Your dad was an exemplary human being who had so much to share. - Posted by: Gracia Tworek (Sanders) and family (Family Friend) on: Mar 14, 2014
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Even at a young age I saw that Uncle Matt had not just strength of character but a smile that showed a sense of wonder, mischievousness and humour. A man and his own drum! Whether it was Christmas or someone's birthday at 678, or when Lorraine and I saw him last in March, your Dad was ever engaging in the life before him, and an example for us all; to give the most and thus receive the most from the day, from your family, from a life lived so well. He always seemed to have such definite well informed ideas on just about any topic. Without opinion or information discussion is unnecessary; and talk we would, often for an hour or two on the phone, and at length in visits. We measure our steps by those who are ahead of us and trim our course according to our differences and similarities. Uncle Matt was a wonderful role model for both Lorraine and me; a regular reference point and we will both miss him in this world. Love Garnett and Lorraine - Posted by: Garnett Betts (Nephew) on: Feb 14, 2014
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My thoughts and prayers are with you....losing a parent is never easy...I have many fond memories of our childhood years and family get togethers...memories I will always cherish....take care and God bless, Uncle Matt was a lovely man...very vibrant...may he rest in peace. - Posted by: Patricia Timms (Neice) on: Feb 08, 2014
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I am deeply touched by the extraordinary spirit that moved through your father, grandfather. His fervent call to duty, to live life soaring through international skies, speaks to a selfless calling. The courage and passion to risk your own life in service to a higher calling is what life is all about. I pay tribute to this wonderful man. I met Matt (MR. Reid) when I was a young person in Winnipeg, as a friend to Marie. I stand in deep honour and respect of this exemplary human .His soul and spirit soar eternal. Much love to all of the family. - Posted by: Cherie Smith (family friend) on: Feb 01, 2014
