Ron Reid: 1949 – 2024
Press Release
Ron Reid, a giant in the land conservation movement, passed away at his home in Washago on Sunday, December 15. His partner of 45 years, Janet, and their sons Alex and Peter were by his side.
Ron Reid is locally known as co-founder and first executive director of the Couchiching Conservancy, formed in 1993 to protect nature for future generations. He died on the anniversary of the nature reserve named in his honour seven years ago.
Ron leaves a legacy of accomplishments, including a leading role in the protection of over 14,000 acres of land in Couchiching-Severn. “Many people in our region will never realize the profound impact Ron has had on their quality of life,” said current Executive Director Dorthea Hangaard, “nevertheless, all will benefit from his foresight in helping to establish a land trust that protects our land, water, forests, and grasslands for generations to come.”
He contributions to conservation go beyond our region. In the early 1990s, a very fired-up Ron returned from a rally in the US ready to build a land trust movement in Ontario. Not only did he co-found The Couchiching Conservancy, he helped create an organization that would foster the growth of land trusts throughout the province. The Ontario Land Trust Alliance now includes 51 member-organizations who collectively protect 187,000 acres of land in Ontario.
His long list of accomplishments also includes:
- Leading protection of the globally-unique Carden Alvar and creation of Carden Alvar Provincial Park.
- Serving on the committee that created Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park.
- A member of the provincial recovery strategy team for Bobolink & Eastern meadowlark.
- • Establishing the Cornerstone Standards Council for Responsible Aggregates.
- • Honorary Doctorate of Science degree from Trent University in 2020.
- • Assisting with the passing of the Conservation Lands Act.
A highly effective communicator and strategist, Ron’s diplomacy, integrity, and genuine respect for people made him an especially effective negotiator.
Orillia City Councillor Tim Lauer recalls Ron’s role in protection of a precious and storied Orillia property. “For eight years Scout Valley had been hanging on by a thread as the environmental park it was intended to be. Finally, in 2007 Orillia City Council ratified a ground-breaking environmental easement on the property. This easement guaranteed that Scout Valley would be a park and its environmental integrity protected into the next century. If it wasn’t for the non-threatening, down-to-earth approach of Ron Reid, it may never have happened.”
Kathy Hunt, current President of the Conservancy, added, “Ron’s commitment and passion for preserving and enjoying nature has helped me understand the importance of local conservation, and the role community members play. I am honoured to help keep Ron’s vision alive. As a mentor, his memory and spirit will continue to inspire me.”
Nathalie Rockhill, President of the Conservancy’s Past Presidents Council, said, “We have lost a wonderful friend and leader.”
Mark Bisset had the unenviable job of succeeding Ron as the organization’s second Executive Director and they worked closely together for many years, and had this to say about his friend, “The things Ron Reid did and the people he touched are going to ripple out for a long, long time. He was very good at what he did, but more than that, he was a profoundly decent, wise and kind man.”
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Couchiching Conservancy’s Heartwood Fund through the office at 705-326-1620 or www.couchichingconserv.ca/donate.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Simcoe Funeral Home, 38 James Street East, Orillia on Friday December 20th, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
Editor’s Addendum: Few are presented the opportunity to do something bigger than themselves, few recognize the opportunity and fewer act. Ron had a vision and chose to act. The result of his effort is all around us. We should all aspire to be like how Ron Reid lived his life.
(Images Supplied) Main: Ron Reid, co-founder and former executive director of the Couchiching
Conservancy
