Hubert "Reidy" Alexander Reid

His proud parents Maud Wheatley and Agustus Reid joyfully welcomed this bouncing baby boy

to their humble family in Spanish Town, St Catherine on the beautiful island of Jamaica.

At an early age it was quite evident that he was a brilliant scholar whose scholastic ability

earned him a seat at the prestigious high school, Kingston College. It was at this high school

that he began to develop his athletic skills and soon became a master at playing cricket, for

which he earned the name “Skipper”... a name given only to the head of the team. And let’s not

forget his awesome bowed legs which were perfect for playing soccer… and that he did quite

well. Hubert wasn’t just brains and brawn, he was also a songbird! He joined the prestigious KC

boys choir that wowed audiences with their classically trained voices.

From his youth, Hubert was always involved in the service of our Lord. He was an altar worker

and a faithful choir member at the St Phillips Anglican Church in Kingston, Jamaica. As depicted

by his lifestyle, Reidy was a Boy Scout , worked his way up the ranks of his troop, and soon

became a Scout Master.

In the early 1960’s the eager young Hubert landed his first job as an Accounting Clerk with the

City Treasurer’s Office of Kingston and St Andrew Corp (K.S.A.C). Driven by his desire for

greater success, he went back to walk the halls of academia and enrolled himself in the

Department of Behavioral Science at the University of the West Indies, to complete an

undergraduate degree in Social Work. Upon completion of his degree, he was promoted from

Accounting Clerk to Inspector of Poor Relief for Kingston. As always, Hubert excelled at his job

and was quickly promoted to the Department of Central Government, where he served as an

Inspector for the Poor on a national scale.

While he was busy advancing his career, Cupid’s arrow found him and he was hopelessly

smitten by the charmingly delightful Hazeline Malcolm. On December 28,1966 they were joined

in holy matrimony and she remained the love of his life for half a century. Shortly after they

moved to St Catherine to set up their love nest in Ensom City. Hubert soon became a member

of the historic St Jago Cathedral in Spanish Town and didn’t hesitate to join the tenor section of

their melodious choir. Hazeline migrated to the USA and Hubert followed soon after to continue

their life together in the sunny state of Florida. Although he was now beginning another chapter

of his life on a different soil, Hubert continued to respond to the plight of the homeless. Being a

licenced Social Worker, he found his calling as a counselor at The Coalition for the Homeless,

where his job was to interview and place members of the homeless population. This was the

capacity in which he served until his retirement. Hubert and Hazeline were faithful members of

The Church of the Holy Family. He was a member of the choir and served the church

community faithfully until his health no longer permitted him to attend the weekly services. For

many years he was also an active member in the Jamaican American Association. In June 2017

his beloved bride of 50 years, “Mar”, went home to be with the Lord.

Seriously now, was the world ready for Reidy? He was definitely a unique character! He was a

true perfectionist, and his “no nonsense” approach to issues was often misunderstood. Like

Frank Sinatra, he wanted things done “my way”. You will never have to guess what was on his

mind because he was always sure to emphatically articulate his position on any matter. His

sometimes abrasive response was what made him…just Reidy. He was a meticulous dresser

and was always “sharp” from head to toe. He absolutely loved to dance! When he attended the

Jamaican American Association formal events, you can count on Hubert to make sure no

female in attendance went home before taking their turn on the dancefloor with him. Even in the

years when his vision had failed, he would find a safe spot on the dancefloor and still bust a

move. As a classically trained tenor, he bore the unofficial title of the family’s male soloist. He

was our very own Luciano Pavarotti, and could be counted on for a musical rendition at major

family events. Two of his favorite pieces were “The Holy City” and “Ave Maria”. Like most men,

he took great pride in his cars, and took meticulous care of them. You dare not slam his car

doors upon entry or exit, or you would be rewarded with a lengthy lecture or a tongue lashing on

how to respect his vehicle.

There are so many precious moments with Hubert that we will not soon forget:

● The countless Sunday afternoon outings in his blue Austin Cambridge or yellow

Volkswagen. We were amazed that a car built to carry four passengers could fit almost

all of “Mars” siblings, nieces, and nephews in one trip. We surely gave new meaning to

the term “Better Together”.

● The family trips we took to Hope Gardens and Coconut Park which provided many photo

opportunities and Reidy was always there with his camera to capture the moment.

● The soursop and grape nut ice cream that he made as a special treat for the family at

Christmas time. He took such great pride in his creation and always attracted an

audience of salivating kids as he dutifully added the ingredients and churned away at the

wooden bucket until his masterpiece was complete.

● His signature goat’s head soup “Manish Water”. This was another of his Christmas treats

for the family and also another big Christmas morning production that could be observed

in the backyard as he stirs and sips from the huge pot on the woodfire.

Hubert lived a full life here on earth and has now begun a new chapter in Glory. He was

preceded by his younger brother Tony and now leaves behind to mourn him: His brother Neville

Reid ( Ann Marie); cousins Louis Matthews and Vernon Thomas; sisters-in-law Sarah Johnson

(Linval), Claudine Daley (Ronald), Maxine Malcolm,Viveen Murray (Dannie), Ann Marie Tracey;

brothers-in-law Allan Malcolm, Jefford Malcolm (Jacqueline), John Malcolm (Kara), Mark

Malcolm (Michelle); a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, church

family, and friends.

Hubert Alexander Reid, you ran your race well and you kept the faith. Until we meet again,

Skipper, Reidy, Mr. Reid, Bertie … walk good.

Livestreaming of the service will be provided on both the Church of the Holy Family Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/churchholyfamily

Or, Zoom: 852 6980 1039 with passcode 811 924

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Reid family in the online guest book below.