His name is Bill Reid. But to many, he's best known as "Mr. Surrey" and the unofficial mayor of Cloverdale, where at 78, he remains at the centre of business and community life.
And last night he was singled out for a fitting tribute from the city he's served for five decades.
Reid has been named Good Citizen of the Year by Mayor Dianne Watts and Surrey City Council.
The honour was announced at last night's annual volunteer services celebration.
Reid, who was too ill to attend the event, was recognized for his contributions as a politician, service club member and as business community leader.
“Bill Reid has been tirelessly serving our community for over five decades," Watts said. "He has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to our city and has spent most of his life working to enhance our business environment.”
The Good Citizen award recipient is chosen by council and is presented to a Surrey resident who has given outstanding services for the betterment of the community.
Reid, executive director of the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce, is a tireless promoter and booster who's fond of describing Cloverdale as the "centre of the universe."
He received a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal last year for his contributions and achievements on behalf of the community.
Deservedly well known for his impressive list of contacts in government, business and the community, Reid remains an active force, recently lobbying Surrey City Council on behalf of the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce, for instance, over a controversial casino proposal for South Surrey.
Reid's other recent Chamber initiatives include an ongoing anti-graffiti campaign in Clayton Heights.
He's served as president of the White Rock/Surrey Chamber of Commerce, was vice-president of the Cloverdale BIA and is a past governor for B.C. Kinsmen Clubs.
He sits on the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association board of directors, the Surrey Heritage Society, and the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society.
Born in Nelson, B.C., Reid and his wife Marion moved to Surrey in 1960. He owned a car dealership and served eight years on Delta council.
Reid represented Surrey as a Social Credit MLA from 1983 to 1986, and Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale from 1986 to 1991. He was B.C.'s tourism minister during Expo '86.
