Mr Roy Reginald Raymond Reid

By County Press Reporter - Friday, May 9, 2008
ROY Reginald Raymond Reid, an altar server, chorister, bell ringer and fund-raiser at St Mary’s RC Church, Ryde, has died, aged 80.
Mr Reid was born in Portsmouth on July 15, 1927, and, apart from a brief wartime evacuation to Guildford, he remained there until his retirement.
Mr Reid, who was raised by foster parents, joined the Royal Navy when he was called up for National Service, before working in a garage and at the dockyard as an apprentice.
He then became a toolmaker and eventually established his own business.
In 1951, Mr Reid married his sweetheart, Maureen, at St Coleman’s Church, Cosham. The couple had three children, Linda, Christine and Jim.
On Mr Reid’s retirement in 1992, the couple moved to the IW to live with their daughter, Linda, and her family.
He became a stalwart of St Mary’s, where he was the principal bell ringer.
Although he was unable to read music, Mr Reid taught himself scores of tunes and hymns, his favourites being Immaculate Mary and Hail Queen Of Heaven.
Mr Reid also volunteered as a guide at the church and was a member of both the Saturday and Sunday choirs.
He was an altar server at St Mary’s and at Holy Cross Church, Seaview, and one of his proudest moments was to serve at the golden jubilee mass at Holy Cross.
Mr Reid was a founder member of the IW Catholic History Society, a member of the Rosary Group and a former parish councillor.
He leaves his three children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
His funeral will be at St Mary’s at 10am on Wednesday and will be followed by a service at the IW Crematorium, Whippingham.
• Family announcements are at www.iwcp.co.uk/BMD.aspx
This week's announcements will be online by 5pm today (Friday)

Mr Roy Reginald Raymond Reid

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