Weldon "Sam" Lewis Reid

Work hard toward your dreams, have faith in yourself, enjoy your life and always have time for others...might best sum Sam's tireless zest for life. Weldon Reid (Sam to most), was the youngest sibling of parents Weldon Rocliffe Reid and Beatrice Frances Reid, and he very much loved his older brothers and sisters: Davin, Shirley, Graham,Terrence and Colleen.
Yes, Sam's energy was endless, and he likely got this early footing while playing in the shore waves from the paddle wheelers that passed by Nelson, British Columbia... where he was home born on September 1,1930.

Not long after came a pre war family move to the cobble stoned, street car accessed West End community of Vancouver.  Sam had many great stories of playing on the seaside along English Bay, and also exploring the old growth forest in Stanley Park. And, according to Sam he was one of the West End's best soap box racers, a record he still holds...again, according to Sam.
Ultimately, Sam did get a degree in Education from the University of British Columbia. However, truth be told, Sam's teaching degree was only realized because of the heavy lifting and support from a fiery redhead that had come into his life, Esther Marie Hansen ... aka Slim. Yes, Slim and Sam met while both working at Woodwards Department Store, and Slim soon and essentially said, "no following your teaching dreams...no me". It wasn't long after, and with the excitement of young love, Sam's UBC schooling was completed.
In 1955 they took a coastal supply ship under Lions Gate Bridge up 'Coast', for his first single room school teaching posting on remote Stuart Island, and later another posting near Telegraph Cove. The independence, freedom and joy Sam and Slim got from these very remote school postings, cannot be overstated. Later principal postings on the Sunshine Coast (1961) came - Port Mellon, Sechelt and Gibsons. Sam really enjoyed working with so many creative energy driven teachers over the years, and said education was always about the kids, kids, kids. Of particular note, Sam was most proud of working toward and ultimately welcoming First Nation's children into Sechelt Elementary School.
 
Sam retired in 1985 and had more time to spend hand building his beautiful 38 foot tillered classic sailboat, which  started as a large round log being dropped off at the family home in Gibsons.
Sam also enjoyed many cross country truck and canoe camping adventures across Canada and the United States with Slim. Yes, Slim, the true love of his life ... and much more within their 66 years of youthful marriage.

It is with deep sadness that the Reid family announces Weldon's peaceful passing on August 14, 2021. The family would also like to pass on a most heart felt thank you to all the staff and residents at Christenson Village, in Gibsons, BC. Weldon will be profoundly missed by Esther, and their kids - Sheane (Kathy), Trevor, and Heather (Dave). Grandkids - Chase, Caitlin, Madalyn, Malora, Davin, Erin (and partners), and Great Grandkids - Stella and Isabella, living in Australia. Uncle Sonny will also surely be missed by his nieces and nephew Sydney, Terri, Susan, Linda and Wayne.
Please look forward to Weldon's Celebration of Life announcement.
We love you and miss you.

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