Clarence Reid Allen

Clarence Reid Allen of Seaforth and Stratford, our beloved Uncle Reid passed away early Friday, March 3, 2023, at Huronview Home in Clinton ending his journey of 36,314 days and nearly 100 trips around the sun. 

 

Born in Seaforth on October 1, 1923, to Charlotte (Colbourn) and Sylvester Allen, Reid was the youngest of three boys. He was predeceased by his parents, his soulmate Verna (2007), brothers Russel (Louise) and Ross (Helen), sister-in-law Sybil and his devoted niece Betty and her husband Bob. Uncle Reid will be sadly missed by Ruth (Tony) Stauttener, Bonnie (Deacon Andre) De Decker, Dianne (Jim) Brickwell, Bruce, and three generations of nieces and nephews. 

 

He will be lovingly remembered by his cousin Jean Low and devoted friends Marilyn, Cliff, and Jeff Morgan. 

 

Reid was a giant of a man who was gentle, kind, devoted and compassionate. All marvelled at his vast and intimate knowledge of places, events and people. Mention a name and he would most likely recall that person’s third grade teacher, their marriage, when they played in a ball or hockey tournament and against whom, in which town, and the outcome – 70, 80, 90 years ago fresh in his mind – in his amazing memory. He loved to have fun, and loved a good visit and conversation to share memories.        

 

Ever a sports enthusiast, he was praised by Blue Jays announcer Buck Martinez for his lifelong support of the Blue Jays. 

 

Reider, as he was known in Seaforth, began work as a teen at Boshart Furniture. As a reservist in Selective Services during World War II, he was taken from Boshart to work for five years at the flour mill in Seaforth where they shipped train cars of flour for the Red Cross in support of the war effort. A finisher at Boshart Furniture until it closed, Reid then was finisher at Draper Bros. and Reid Ltd. in the Clinton Sherlock Manning piano factory. 

 

To credit Uncle Reid well is daunting, so we simply choose a farewell from his great nephew Wayne who recalls cross-country trips together: Well done Uncle Reid, rest in peace, and enjoy the next chapter of your journey. Hopefully there’s a can of Labatt’s Blue in the fridge for you. 

 

Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, Seaforth on Saturday, March 11 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. where the memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Spring interment will be held at Maitlandbank Cemetery, Seaforth. 

 

Family would be grateful for Memorial donations to CNIB, Huron Hospice, Red Cross or your favourite charity. Reid often recounted how important the Red Cross was to soldiers on the warfront. 

 

Messages of condolence may be forwarded through www.haskettfh.com.