Remembering A Special Young Man: Family & Friends Mourn Loss Across B.C
U.S — Someone once said, “I don’t know how many best friends you can have.” I don’t think there’s a better indicator of a man’s character than that comment. Reid Davidson is the young man who appears prominently in the aforementioned photo collage. The soccer star from back when he played at Vancouver Island University had the world at his feet. He was hired as the head of administration for Nanaimo United FC when he was just 24 years old. He had a degree, a girlfriend, a family, and more friends than he could count. His employment allowed him to pursue one of his loves.
On the evening of July 19, a minivan driving in the other direction hit Reid’s car while he was driving southbound on the Nanaimo Parkway. Initial reports from the Nanaimo RCMP indicated that detectives were looking into the possibility that alcohol had a role in the collision, as the van was reportedly being driven recklessly and officers were attempting to track down and stop it. The minivan driver fled the scene on foot following the crash, but RCMP Police Dog Services tracked him down.
The inquiry is still ongoing, thus no charges have been brought yet. The crash was fatal for Reid. Mike, Reid’s dad, and I went to school together as youngsters in Duncan. He continued his teaching profession in 100 Mile House, married the love of his life, Lisa, and the two of them did an outstanding job of bringing up their children, Reid and Lydia.
I haven’t seen Mike in person for a while, but we’ve maintained in touch on social media, and on the rare occasions we’ve spoken, we’ve fallen right back into our old roles and vocabulary, making fun of one other’s favorite hockey teams and reminiscing about our shared glory days. Since Reid’s passing, I have been at a loss for words. Ideally, yes. Having a boy around the same age, I cannot fathom the horror you describe. My heart breaks for the family, as it does for so many others. The tragedy. Such illogic. How unjust!
Mike and Lisa, now retired and living in Kamloops, had just moved into a new house. On a Wednesday night, as they were getting ready for bed, they received news no parent should ever hear.” It was around 11 o’clock,” he estimated. The call came from Georgia’s mum in Ladysmith, (Reid’s girlfriend) Georgia. When Lisa finally responded, I could see by the look on her face that something was wrong. After celebrating Georgia’s nephew’s birthday, Reid was on his way back to their apartment. His father said it was “typical of him” to act in such a way.
The police contacted us later that evening to let us know the investigation could take some time. Everything has moved quickly since then. Mike said the family is trying to take things one day at a time, finding solace in the outpouring of support they’ve received and the fact that Reid was loved and appreciated by so many.
He said, “It’s helped a lot.” For the past week, we’ve been inundated with messages from all corners of the globe every single day. Many folks are making an effort to be encouraging. I am astounded by the level of maturity displayed by Reid’s peers their age. Using proper language and behavior. Recently, I’ve become pessimistic about the state of the world and the things I see on the horizon, but after getting to know many of his friends over the past few years, I’ve come to see that he was surrounded by wonderful people. Long-time friends, the majority of the Harbourside women’s soccer team, and many others crowded into the hospital’s visiting room. Having such fantastic pals has unquestionably increased my optimism for the future. Even though they’re furious (“we’ve run through all the emotions”), Mike says they’ve decided to look on the bright side.
