Obituary of Michael Joseph Reid

Michael Joseph Reid

Corner Brook, NL

July 19, 1976–March 5, 2025

With tremendous sorrow, the family of the late Michael Reid announces his unexpected passing in Fort Nelson, BC, on March 5, 2025, after a lengthy struggle with chronic illness.

Celebrating his life with love and gratitude are his wife Rovina and stepchildren Siddhath and Thisanie; his mother, Carol; siblings Jan (Tom), Lisa (Paul), Barbara (Rex) and Joe (Sharon); nephew Matthew (Claudia), niece Em (Josh) and their father Mike; great-nephew Seth and great-niece Robyn; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends and accomplices across the country.

Michael was predeceased by his grandparents, several aunts and uncles, his fiancée Trina and his father Roy.

Michael (Mike) was beloved as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, husband, stepfather (aka “The Mister”) and friend. He had an immense capacity for love and compassion. He was protective of people he loved and people who were vulnerable, and habitually put others’ needs before his own. His kindness, positive outlook and gentle soul enriched the world.

Before his passing, Mike spent 48 years forging an incredible trail of laughter, shenanigans and occasional mayhem with everyone who was fortunate enough (and brave enough) to share his journey. His musical genius was admired, envied and inspirational. He appreciated every opportunity to express himself through music, from his first guitar lesson to his first band (aptly named “All Jokes Aside”) and musical collaborations with friends and family. 

Mike had a strong work ethic and an insatiable need to keep busy. He loved tinkering and solving problems. If something needed doing, he eagerly turned his attention to it; he freely admitted that his enthusiasm for new projects made him ridiculously accident-prone.

Mike’s sense of humor was dark, his wit quick, and his intelligence deep. He was intensely curious and loved learning. He was humbled by nature’s splendor and the mysteries of the cosmos. He was a self-professed new world man, a creative who appreciated all musical genres, enjoyed reading non-fiction (mostly philosophy and science-y stuff), playing crib, stargazing, a smoke outside on a cold winter’s night, and the odd substance or two (sometimes all at once). 

Mike especially appreciated conversations in which he could speak freely (sometimes crudely) and not feel a need to filter his words. He was also, by his own admission, stubborn, opinionated and quick to anger. He was no stranger to getting into a bit of trouble, and no stranger to apologizing for it. 

Mike had an irrepressible joie de vivre and a healthy appetite for life’s pleasures. He loved mac and cheese and chocolate cake; he joked that his obituary would say “I died by my pretty wife feeding me too much sammiches.” 

He had an easy way with people, an irresistible charm and a smile that (very often) helped him get away with things. He had an ever-present desire to make people smile. His wedding vows to Rovina included a promise to “make you smile every day until the day I die.” 

One of Mike’s missions in life was to make people laugh. He often said “If I can make you piss your pants laughing, I’ve had a good day. That’s all I can ask.” He never let up on that mission, even when times were tough. 

Mike’s last three years were difficult, as he dealt with the physical symptoms of a disease that left him unable to work and the resulting mental and emotional challenges associated with redefining his purpose. Reaching out for help was hard. He was ever grateful for the family members, friends, health care professionals and occasional strangers who helped him navigate an increasingly difficult path. 

With that help, Mike weathered the storm. He played until his fingers bled. He found joy in a parcel of land and the future he hoped to build there, and the unexpected love and loyalty of two rescued canine companions, Mika and Hardy, who have a new home in Newfoundland with Mike’s close friend, Joy.

In a 2016 letter to his Mom, Mike said

“When you lose someone, I think it is a natural response to ask why. I looked for my answers in the beauty of the stars and the logic in physics. My only real conclusion is that science will never explain God, and God will never explain science. My energy will do something when no longer in its bodily form.” 

“My time here has taught me a lot about myself. Most importantly, that no matter what the ups and downs of life will throw at you, the only way to find happiness is from within. I am thankful that I exist.”

Cremation has taken place as per Mike’s wishes. Friends and family are welcome to celebrate Mike’s life at Fillatre’s Funeral Home, Curling, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 7:00–9:00 pm.

If you choose to make a charitable donation in Mike’s memory, please consider directing it to your local animal shelter.  

If you choose to honor Mike’s life, please consider offering support to someone in need.