Obituary of Robert Thorburn Reid
Robert (Bob) Thorburn Reid lived a life led by the Lord. It was a road map that took him coast to coast. Born May 13, 1936 in Montreal, Quebec, the only child of Donald and Rhoda (Pepper) Reid, he attended Royal Military College and then spent a year sailing the seas as a cadet. He went to Wycliffe College in Toronto and obtained a Divinity degree.
Bob met Carys Burkitt at Little Trinity Church, Toronto. Carys had immigrated from England in 1956. On May 4, 1962, Bob and Carys married, packed up her Mini Minor and headed west to his first church. Daughters Catherine and Angela were born in Lac La Biche, Alberta. After a few years, Bob was drawn back to the family’s roots and ministry in rural Nova Scotia. Son David arrived while the family was in Stewiacke.
In the early 70’s, Bob attended Acadia University to obtain an Education degree. He taught English at West Kings High School. Daughter Sarah was born during their time in Kentville. Then it was on to Digby, to churches on Digby Neck and several years teaching at Digby Regional High School. He went on to pastor churches in Barton and North Range. Daughter Megan completed the Reid Family Clan during these years.
Summer vacations to Cape Breton in the 80’s encouraged the family move to Goose Cove. Bob diversified into raising Highland cattle and continued his rural ministry. Farm life was full of adventures and mishaps for over two decades. His dogs, cats, Highland cattle, chickens, and geese were all part of the extended family. Retirement back in Digby County included a wild blueberry patch. The final move was to South Berwick, to be closer to family. It has been a lifetime of building valuable friendships for both Bob and Carys.
A lover of history, a lifetime learner, and a natural teacher, he lit a way for many. For Bob, walls were made for hanging pictures and hooks. “You can never have enough hooks.” His carpentry was meticulous, Puritan Pine was the “perfect stain”. During family games, the cards were always “sticky” (the family suspected cheating). His sense of humor was intact to the end. When asked to help write his obituary, Bob said, “I was born on May 13, 1936, add the date I died, and that’s it.”
Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carys Patricia Francis Reid (Burkitt), his daughters Cathy (Roland), Angie, David (Sheila), Megan (Rodney), grandchildren, Jessica (Uriah), Elizabeth (Jason), Nick (Beth), Tim, Matthew, David, Carys, Sarah Elizabeth (Candace), Holly, Jennifer, Esther, Duncan, great-grandchildren, Gwen, Mae and Owen. Predeceased by beloved daughter Sarah.
Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to Kaulbach Family Funeral Home in Annapolis Royal. At Bob’s request, there will not be a funeral service. Donations in his memory may be made to Feed Nova Scotia. A private family committal service will take place at Pioneer Cemetery, Goose Cove, at a later date.
Redeemed.
Online condolences may be made at www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com