Obituaries

WILLIAM REID WATERS
   It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. William Reid Waters on August 4, 2017.  Reid was born on June 21, 1931 in Regina, SK to William O’Driscoll Waters and Susanna Dorothy Baird. A groundbreaker throughout most of his life, he entered the world almost three months early, and was one of the first babies of that era to survive at such an early age. He graduated from Campion College in Regina and was then accepted into microbiology at McGill University where he entered Medicine after only two years of the undergraduate program. Following his graduation in 1955, Reid completed his general surgery and plastic surgery residencies at McGill. In 1962, he moved to Winnipeg to start his practice at the Winnipeg Clinic. In 1964, he helped establish a plastic surgery residency program in Winnipeg. He was an associate professor at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medicine for many years and became Chief of Plastic Surgery later in his career. In 1976, he was one of three Canadian plastic surgeons invited by the Chinese government to share the latest in burns care management and microsurgery. In 1974, Reid established his practice at Plastic Surgery Associates. Reid spearheaded the opening of Manitoba’s first Surgery Centre for cosmetic and dental surgery, the Western Surgery Centre in 1985. He served as Head of Surgery at the Misericordia Hospital in the 1990s. He was very involved in the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons and in 1981, served as its president. He was also active as Chair of the Ethics Council with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Reid was deeply interested in continuing medical education and was one of the primary crusaders for the development of an educational foundation for the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as inviting professors from all over the world to lecture annually to the Plastic Surgery residents in Winnipeg. He was a strong advocate for the best medical care, pioneered many groundbreaking surgeries and profoundly changed the lives of numerous patients. In 2007, Reid was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons, an honour for his outstanding contribution to the profession of plastic surgery.   In Montreal, Reid met the love of his life, Ruth Ereaux, while working at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Together they enjoyed a full and extraordinary life with four children, 12 grandchildren and four dogs. Many glorious summers were spent at Lake of the Woods with family and friends. Together, Reid and Ruth travelled the world. Reid’s sharp wit and love of literature, music and art enriched all those around him. He was a perfectionist and an avid photographer, gardener and especially enjoyed planting trees for future generations to enjoy.   Reid was predeceased by Ruth, and leaves behind his son Jim with William and Hayley of Guelph; daughters, Linda (Jeff Reese) with Stephen, Jennifer (Matt Simpson) and Ashley of Palo Alto; Mary (Jim Hrichishen) with Christopher, Laura, Melissa and Daniel of Winnipeg; Susan (Marcos Alvarez) with Lucas, Eric and Jonah of Ottawa and his very faithful companion Sean.   The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Tower 7, Deer Lodge and his companions.   Donations can be made to the Manitoba Burn Fund, (www.burnfundmb.ca/donations) and the Winnipeg Humane Society.   Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 14, 2017 in St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place with Rev. Fr. Eric Giddins presiding. Interment will follow in Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 3990 Portage Avenue. Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com