We are very saddened to have to announce the passing of our father, John D Reid, a resident of Saffron Walden for the last 60 years. John was born in Hampshire, but lived his early years in Kent. He was in the Fleet Air Arm in WW2, and was based in the south pacific at the end of the war. He came home in 1946 after more Military Service in Hong Kong. By chance he saw an advert for crew to travel to Antarctica with an expedition that was sailing 'South', in 1947. He was accepted for the role of Meteorologist, and set sail for a 3 year adventure that year. On his return, and still only a young man in his early 20's, he decided to go to India to work on a tea plantation. He met and married Marjory Pipe, also known locally as Sister Reid, in Brighton, where she worked as a newly qualified nurse. They moved to Saffron Walden in the 1960's, with their two daughters.
John was a regular feature at clubs and events doing slide shows of his travels and adventures, an active member of the Sewards End village hall committee and St James Church. His car rallies were enjoyed by everyone who attended in Sewards End, where people had to follow and solve clues around the local area whilst driving on a set route.
He was a positive, thoughtful and considered member of the Saffron Walden community, a real Gentleman. He will be very greatly missed by his two daughters, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
