William “Bill” Reid

03/07/1937

02/04/2022

Memorial Contributions: 

Alzheimer’s Association

www.alz.org

or

West Michigan Hospice

westmichiganhospice.com

William “Bill” Ronald Reid, formerly of East Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2022. Bill spent his final days surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his son and best friend, William (Bill) James Reid; his loving parents, William and Helen Reid; his dear sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Russ Lagattuta; his close life-long friends, Bob Mahan and Harold Butler; and his faithful furry companions, Frosty and Buster. He is remembered by his wife of 56 years, Rose Marie (Molino) Reid; daughter, Laura (Wayne) Bradeen; daughter-in-law, Maureen Reid; four grandchildren, Billy Reid, Kelli Reid, Lindsey Bradeen and Kaylee Bradeen; as well as his dear sister, Marilyn “Lynn” (Frank) Hassler; sister-in-law, Connie Molino; and his special nieces and nephews.

Bill was born in Passaic, NJ on March 7, 1937. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1958. Bill’s years in the Navy are amongst his fondest life moments and allowed him the opportunity to become an adventurer and world traveler, which in turn, provided him interesting stories to share and reminisce about with his family. In 1964, he met the love of his life, Rose Marie at a dance hall and they were married in 1965. Bill and Rose shared a love for music and dancing and enjoyed it as a weekly form of entertainment throughout their marriage. Bill worked for Nabisco in New York City for many years and then in 1971, he moved his family to East Grand Rapids when he was offered a career opportunity at a start-up company, Readi Bake. In 1983 Bill started his own small business, Arrow Enterprises and a few years later, started a second company, Reid Enterprises. Bill took pride and satisfaction in working and being a small business owner of two companies for thirty-five years. As much as Bill enjoyed working, he equally enjoyed his recreational activities with family…boating, skiing, bike riding, attending sports events with his son and grandson, and traveling the United States and abroad. He was fondly known as the family’s personal “travel agent” and had an amazing ability of putting together the best itineraries for any excursion.

Bill was exemplary in the way he led his life due to his strong Catholic upbringing and faith, which gave him strength as he navigated through life’s challenges. As we reflect on his life, we take comfort in the words of the Irish Blessing:

 “May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sunshine warm upon your face;

The rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.” 

The family is very appreciative for the wonderful, caring, and compassionate staff at Maple Ridge Manor and West Michigan Hospice of Lowell, MI. The special care and comfort they provided to Bill gave the family peace of mind over the past few months. A private service is planned for the immediate family members at this time and a celebration of life will be planned for a later date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association; www.alz.org or West Michigan Hospice; westmichiganhospice.com.

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6 Responses

  1. With my deepest sympathy, RIP Bill . it was a life well lived and you have earned your rest. All the best to your family and especially to Rose.

  2. This is a sad day for our family. My brother-in-law Bill Reid passed away today. I am remembering all the good times we all shared together.
    I recall the day the Reids left New Jersey to make their home in Michigan. I can picture the scene as if it was yesterday. We were at my mother’s house in North Arlington and waving goodbye from the front of her driveway. It was an emotional day for all.
    Bill loved Michigan because he said it reminded him of Cape Cod where he had spent many summers with his sisters and parents. We visited a few years after they moved and Bill could not wait to show us as many sights as possible. From the beaches along Lake Michigan and the lakes and rivers up through the state to Mackinac Island.
    Through the years we visited a number of times and enjoyed days boating on the various lakes or having lunch or dinner at his favorite spots along the shores of different lakes. I remember, in particular, Frankenmuth, where he would drop my mother and me off to roam around and he would go off to do some work and then meet us at a beer garden for lunch. There were a few times that I was able to sneak and pay the bill but he would get upset when I did that. He always kept a bathing suit and towel in the car in the summer so that he could take a swim on his lunch break. He would sit on the beach at a picnic table and do some work there. He told me he preferred not to travel outside of Michigan in the spring and summer because it was so beautiful there.
    He made sure we saw so many interesting sites like the moving sand dunes, Holland Michigan with all the tulips in bloom, Gerald Ford’s Library along the banks of the Grand River and sometimes just going downtown to listen to music. One year we camped on the shore of Lake Michigan at Holland. He would get upset if you said you wanted to stay home for a day….he always wanted you to be entertained.
    When he would travel to New Jersey with the family we would joke about how fast he would make the trip (I think he believed the Jim Croce song – where he sang that the highway number was not the speed limit sign) It was always a whirlwind event when they came east as they tried to spend time with all branches of the family.
    There are so many fond memories. Too many to list here. Rest in Peace Bill.

  3. We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. Relive the memories we all had together over the years and share the stories. I know that he will always be a part of you. He is up with his “buddies” talking about all the good times they had in Ridgefield Park. With my deepest sympathy.

  4. Our times at NOTOS I will remember for ever. What A great time we had. Bill and I had a lot in common ,what a guy. He will be missed by all of us. Love to you Rose. Hope to see you again Love, Bill Barnett

  5. Missing Bill. Great friend. After too many “pops” I tried to water ski behind the Beachcomber, Bill’s boat. Wasn’t pretty. Lots of laughs and good times in Florida also. Thanks for your service to our country RIP Bill

  6. I was so saddened to see Bill’s passing. He was always a shining light at Noto’s, with his lovely Rose, whom we always enjoyed chatting with, too, at their table with Bob and Roberta.
    Bill alwsys had a happy twinkle in his eye,loved a hug and the music.
    My heart goes out to Rose and all who loved him.
    Mary Rademacher and Ed Reed

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