Watch: Final tributes paid to Reid at civic centre

Family, colleagues and friends of Ward 41 councillor Bruce Reid shared fond memories and heartfelt stories during his memorial service on October 28 at the Boksburg Civic Centre.

Reid died on October 20 at his Primrose home.

The three-hour memorial service was a celebration of the 52-year-old’s life and he was described as a man of integrity and a perfectionist.

Speaker of Council Clr Patricia Khumalo and ANC Chief Whip Jongizizwe Dlabathi also came through to pay their tributes.

Throughout the entire service, Reid was addressed as alderman since he was due to receive his aldermanship which will now be bestowed posthumously.

With a teary voice, Cindy Reid spoke on behalf the family and said since Reid’s death they’ve been overwhelmed with support and love even from people they’ve never met.

“It’s humbling to see how loved Bruce was. He would bring his debates home and he will for hours engage his daughter, Jordaan, with political discussions. Bruce lived and breathed the DA and his community. I hope his passion will live on in everything his political party does,” Reid said.

Alderman Izak Berg, chairperson of the community safety oversight committee, told attendees he spoke to Reid for the last time a day before he died.

“He said to me the next time we speak I will call him alderman, but that never happened. He was a colleague and a friend whose work came first. He always wanted to do the right thing. He once told me he was not here to be popular but to do his job. He always wanted to make sure things were alright with his pension fund because he wanted to make sure that his loved ones were taken care of when he would be no more,” Berg said.

Dlabathi highlighted that Reid was always concerned about how the City of Ekurhuleni spent its money.

“We will miss him when it comes to matters of financial management and how we can better serve our people,” he said.

He further called upon the members of the DA not to desert his family, especially his daughter.

Alderman Tania Campell, DA caucus leader, shared that Reid had a soft heart under his hard exterior.

“Every anniversary or birthday we knew that we would get a call from him. He used to brag about his daughter’s achievement and that always brought a spark on his face. He leaves a big hole in the DA Ekurhuleni Caucus and we will miss him dearly,” Campbell said.

Meanwhile, constituency representative and Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos said Reid developed him into a politician of note and was always there to assist.

“He used to speak with passion and confidence about financial matters, especially on caucus finances. He spoke fluent accountancy and he devoted his life to serve ward 43.”

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Alderman Benno Robinson who spoke as a friend said Reid was a go-to person for many issues; he was ambitious, loyal and had high ethical standards.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Jordaan, his 23-year-old daughter, said she was still in shock.

“His passing is still so unreal, it’s like he’s going to walk through that door and say why are you all crying?” Jordaan said.

Also Read: Ward councillor Bruce Reid dies at 52

Also Read: Civic funeral to be held for Clr Bruce Reid