Campbell "Cam" J. Reid, Chief Superintendent (ret’d)

It is with great sorrow that we announce Campbell (Cam) Reid passed away peacefully, with family at his side, on Nov. 4, 2023, at the age of 93. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Hazel (MacIntosh): son Alan (Donna); daughters Janice and Loreen; and grandchildren Alex (Kari), Connor (Isabelle), Mitchell (Rachel) and Jessie.

He was born on Jan. 28, 1930, to Bobby and Sadie Reid in Donkin, Cape Breton, the second youngest of 5 sons and a daughter. Dad was predeceased by his brothers Johnnie, Hughie, Andrew, Holland, and infant sister Catherine. He grew up playing along the shore and working in the fields of the family farm. In his youth, he set lobster traps before school and pulled them afterwards. He worked in Dominion No. 26 colliery until he joined the RCMP.

He graduated RCMP “N” Division (Rockcliffe) on Feb. 23, 1953, and was assigned to “O” Division (Headquarters) in Ottawa. During his career, he was posted across Canada to Corner Brook NL, Labrador City NL (where he became a commissioned officer), Penhold AB, Ottawa ON, and Halifax NS. He is a graduate of the Canadian Police College, Ottawa, and received his Certificate in Public Service Studies from Carleton University in 1973. He was awarded the RCMP Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1973 and the Silver Clasp thereto in 1983. He retired as the Commanding Officer of “H” Division in 1988.

He was an active member of the community, serving on the board of the NS Special Olympics, the Halifax Curling Club, St. Matthew’s United Church, as well as being a long-standing member of the Masonic Lodge.

After retiring, Dad focused on enjoying life to the fullest. He and Mom travelled extensively, visiting Australia/New Zealand, Europe, Great Britain, and the Caribbean. Winter visits to Hilton Head to golf were also a highlight. When home in Halifax, he could be found golfing at Oakfield, skating in Bedford and Spryfield, and curling. He was a member of the Canadian curling contingent that went to the Strathcona Cup in Scotland in 1998. 25 years later he was able to welcome the Scottish curlers to Halifax and say Grace at his home club, the Halifax Curling Club, as part of the 2023 Strathcona Cup.

Dad was an accomplished musician, playing cornet and trumpet with the Donkin Citizens Brass Band and with the RCMP band touring across Canada. He enjoyed many an afternoon playing guitar, with Mom on piano and friends on guitar and harmonica, singing and laughing into the evening.

Dad could always be found chatting with people along the way, making new friends and learning their stories. He was a man of strong faith and his love for his family knew no bounds. He was always ready with a helping hand or word of advice and his hugs were the best! Dad loved life and always encouraged us to pursue our dreams, to live, laugh and love. He led by quiet example and celebrated everyone’s happiness as his own.

Dad was a Cape Bretoner to his core and would happily reminisce about family and friends, lobster boils, haying, and the view of Morien Bay and Flint Island from the banks of Long Beach. In the last few years, when we’d joke that his aches and pains were better than the alternative, he’d reply, “I don’t know; I haven’t been there yet”. He has now embarked on his final adventure. We love you and will miss you dearly until we see you in that better place.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 9th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St., Halifax. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 10th at 11 am in St. Matthew’s Church, Barrington St, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Campbell’s behalf to the Nova Scotia Special Olympics or the Victorian Order of Nurses. Online condolences and sharing of memories can be forwarded to the family via the www.jasnowfuneralhome.com