Michael Reid

Michael Reid's purpose in life was to live it, however short, to its fullest, ensuring along the way that he touched the hearts of as many people as possible. Upon his death on June 12, 1984 at the tender age of 20, and with his family and a close friend by his side, Michael rests peacefully, as his goal was achieved.

Michael's approach to life while struggling with Duschenne Muscular Dystrophy was a simple one - he was determined to live the life of a 'normal' young boy and young man, giving people someone to look up to. This was done with a caring personality and sarcastic wit.

Michael occupied much of his time at the Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, where from September 1971 to June 12th 1984, he studied, played, interacted with the students, making momentous impressions on the teachers and staff. It was on his Mackay graduation day in 1984 that Michael passed away, leaving behind many years of triumphs and sorrows. Two years earlier, in 1982, Micheal was awarded the Prudence Baxter Award, an honour of which he was   justifiably proud.

In memory of Michael, the Mackay Rehabilitation Centre School  inaugurated, in 1985, the Michael Reid Memorial Award, given by a   member of his family to a student who displays honesty, compassion, friendliness and exceptional determination. Many, many   students have benefited from this award since this time.

During Michael's early days at Mackay, he was chosen to be Québec's Muscular Dystrophy's poster child for the Jerry Lewis telethon. Michael, along with his family, traveled to the WPTZ television studio in Plattsburg, New York to appear on national television. It was there, during an interview, that he expressed his dream of someday becoming a TV sportscaster.

Passing time at home was not a problem for Michael. He could be found many times in front of the TV or listening to music, but his real passion was sports. He actively participated in many sports, often changing the rules along the way to benefit his needs. Wheelchair hockey was his favourite activity; however being a spectator of almost any sport was just a fulfilling. Michael was also often found following his dad's local softball team, keeping the stats on the players (often to their dismay!), or going to the Expos, Allouettes, and Canadiens games.

It was Michael's love of sports that prompted his family and friends to find a way to continue Michael's enthusiasm. The idea of an annual softball tournament in his memory was born. The tournament is held in his Greenfield Park, his community, every summer and hosts participation of his family and numerous friends. To complete the circle, all proceeds from the tournaments are   donated to the Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, the place where he gained much of his support. Since the first Annual Michael Reid Softball Tournament in August 1985, the Tournament committee, more than 32 teams from Québec and Ontario, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have been able to donate over $200,000 for the Mackay Rehabilitation Centre and other charities.

Now this was right up Michael's alley! Playing softball and making lots and lots of money while doing it!!