Bill passed away on his 78th birthday, 5 June 2024, while residing at the Rideau Veterans Residence, Perley Health Center, Ottawa. He was the eldest son of Ken and Mary Reed, both deceased, of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He leaves to remember him his loving and devoted wife Karen, his daughter Beth (Adam Kusch), granddaughter Ella, his sister Carole (Bill Harris) and brother Bob (Leslie), sister-in-law Linda (late Peter Newton), as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends.
Bill was born, raised and educated in Saskatchewan. While at university (B.A., ‘66, LL.B. ‘69) he enrolled and served in the RCN(R). After graduation and upon being called to the Bar, he entered into private practice in Prince Albert where he remained until he enrolled in the CF Regular Force as a legal officer in the Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG).
His close to 35 year career as a military lawyer had taken him throughout Canada, Europe, the Balkans and the United States (including Puerto Rico and Hawaii) where he has performed duties as both prosecutor and defence counsel, sat as a trial judge (alone and with a full court), and provided a wide range of legal advice, services, training and counsel in personnel, administrative, criminal, disciplinary, international and operational legal matters at the strategic, operational/theatre and tactical levels.
A non-practicing member of his Law Society in retirement, he served a term on the Friends of the Canadian War Museum Board of Directors, was a member of several Committees, a volunteer interpreter, and a long-time volunteer in the Military History Research Center and Library at the Canadian War Museum. He was a de facto co-chair of the “JAG Alumni” (retired legal officers across Canada), a member of the Orleans Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and Orleans United Church.
Family and friends are invited to Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery, and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON) for a Visitation on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life in Beechwood’s Sacred Space at 10:00 a.m. with Interment to be held in the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery with Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Friends of the Canadian War Museum, Perley Health Center, or a charity of your choice would appreciate. Messages of condolence may be left at www.beechwoodottawa.ca
Digital Guestbook
Charles R Smith
BGen (ret'd) Peter Holt
Bill was always a good friend, whose ready wit and willingness to help commanders whose soldiers were involved in tangled legal issues was very much appreciated. Karen, Beth and family, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. He will be sorely missed. RIP, Bill .
Vihar Joshi
Karen, Beth and family, I am truly saddened by Bill's passing. Bill was a warm and gentle soul and was the perfect mentor for many generations of JAG officers. I am so lucky to have served with and learned from Bill what it meant to be a good officer, lawyer and human being. I will miss him dearly.
Sue Munro
So sorry I can't be with you today. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Angie & Rob
Bill, you have always been a pleasure to have been a part of our lives. From the first day we met you welcomed us to the neighbourhood. We consider you a friend not only a neighbour. Your kindness, humour, humble intelligence, support, encouragement and love where always appreciated and valued! These attributes were always visible regardless of who you were engaged with.
Thank you for being a precious part of our lives for so many yrs! Know that we will always carry this with us!
Thank you Bill and may you rest in the grace that you always possessed. With much love Rob n Angie
Capt(N) Reed was a gentle and kind human being. I am fortunate to have known him.