DIAMOND
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
From the Calgary Herald