Charles A. Reid

It is with great sadness the family announce the passing of Charles A. Reid on Sunday September 6, 2026, at the Charlotte County Hospital St Stephen, NB, at the age of 104.

Born in 1922, to the late Fred Reid and Martha “Mattie” Groom of Old Ridge, NB.

Charles had celebrated his 104th birthday a month ago. He still enjoyed driving, mowing his lawn, keeping up with house and yard work and welcoming friends who visited in Crocker Hill.

From his youth, he could describe the three masted schooners at the loading docks in Calais and St. Stephen, the local streetcars (electric trolleys) until 1929 and the buildings, farms and families from where he grew up in Old Ridge, NB.

Charles was one of only a handful of WWII veterans left. He was assigned to the tank corps of the 1st Hussars 6th Armoured Regiment and saw some of the worst action in Normandy on Juno Beach, Caen, LeMesnil-Patry, Verrieres Ridge, the Rhineland, Hochwald Forest and Apeldoorn during the liberation of the Netherlands. He managed PTSD and spoke little of the war upon return.

In 2016 he received the distinction of Chevalier de la Legion D’Honneur from the Government of France for his service there.

Charles could build or fix just about anything. He raised his family in Oak Bay, NB and until retirement was a heavy equipment mechanic at the government garage in St Stephen.

His joy was playing Downeast fiddle music on his violin and he built many violins which are still in circulation today. He played in many groups, brightening up so many homes and occasions.

Charles is survived by his present wife Margaret Gallagher Gilman, her son Roger Gilman (Sararat On), grandson Maximilian Gilman, son Brian Reid (Denise Leighton), daughter Cheryl Reid O’Hagan, granddaughter Erin O’Hagan (Elliot Postell), great-granddaughter Vivien Postell, grandson Padraig O’Hagan, several nephews, nieces and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Thurston, sister Joyce (Joe) Connolly, daughter Lynn (Cameron Cole) and his first wife Beulah Smith.

Funeral service will be held at The Kirk McColl United Church, 70 King Street, St Stephen, NB on Friday September 11, 2026, at 2 pm. Family will receive friends from 1 pm to 1:45pm.

Tribute to Veteran Service conducted by the Royal Canadian Branch #9 will be immediately following the funeral service. For those who cannot attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available on the church Facebook page.

Interment will be held at the Moores Mills Cemetery Moores Mills, NB.

Donations in Charles’ memory can be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.mehanfuneralhome.ca