Reid Russell Beloved husband, son and brother Passed away peacefully
in his home in Toronto, February 17, 2001. Reid was born February 8,
1958, in Steinbach, Manitoba. Reid graduated from Dr. E.P. Scarlett
High School (Calgary) and Ontario College of Art (Toronto). Reid was a
celebrated musician winning a Juno Award for Best Instrumental Act for
his work with the innovative musical group Shadowy Men On A
Shadowy Planet. The group's music is internationally recognized through
live performances and recordings as well as the theme song and music
for the television program Kids in the Hall. Reid's musical career took
him from the Shadowy Men to his most recent recording and
performance group Phonocomb. Reid's musical career, while still in the
instrumental genre with Phonocomb, reached new personal heights in
both the performance and recording fields. In addition to Reid's musical
accomplishments, he was also a highly regarded artist being awarded
recognition grants on numerous occasions from both the Canada and
Ontario Arts Councils. Reid's use of the written word brought a powerful
impact to his art. Reid always believed in the power of the written and
spoken word and his art reflected this belief in a highly creative way. To
this end, Reid was also a published author of short stories, articles and
reviews. Reid's most recent works have combined his musical talents
with his artistic insights. These endeavours have been hailed as a
progressive and dynamic combination of film and recorded, as well as
live music. Reid sat as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of
Toronto's Mercer Art Gallery as well as a board member and/or advisor
for numerous other Toronto art galleries. In spite of Reid's challenging
personal schedule he found time to curate successful art shows in the
Toronto area. Reid's contributions to both the musical and arts worlds
have touched many people. Internationally recognized in both the
disciplines of art and music, Reid's contributions to the world have been
sadly cut short by his passing. Celebrating Reid's Life and
accomplishments are his wife Rebecca Deidrichs of Toronto; parents,
Boyd and Margaret Diamond; brother Grant (wife Judy and daughter
Katrina) and sister Dallas (fiance Ken Burgess) all of Calgary;
grandmother Irene Mooney of Parksville, B.C., mother-in-law Pam
Deidrichs and brother and sisters-in-law, Mark, Jean and Sarah of
Toronto and area. Reid's wit, creativity, love and life will be remembered
and celebrated Friday, February 23, 2001. Funeral Services will be held
at 11:00 a.m. at St. Olaves Church, Toronto, followed by the wake at
the Cameron House from 6:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. Donations in lieu
of flowers may be made to either the non-profit magazine Lola or
Princess Margaret Hospital both of Toronto.
Publication Date: 2001-02-21
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