Benefit Concert for the late Tony Reid
by Susan Stein

They all came; family, friends, members of the Boosters, the Newtones, neighbours, fellow musicians. They came to the benefit concert, held for the family of their dear Tony Reid, on Friday, October 20, held at the Tec- Wes- Gwill Hall in Newton Robinson.

Through songs and instruments, the programme reflected Tony's taste, style, ways, and his love for music. With music they celebrated his life, and paid tribute to the memory of an incomparable husband, father, brother, friend.

"Two Steps at A Time", by George Harrison, was chosen as the opening number by Tony's son Ian, playing the guitar and singing. He followed with "Riverside" and "Something"- own compositions and words "I had a dream last night, Jesus said your dad is alright.

The trio of Robert Reid ( Tony's brother), Jack Walker and John Merchant sang the Cowboy Song "We Three", recalling Tony's penchant for fun and easy living.

Singing a Maritime Song, Newtone's Janice Magloughlen and Ward Parsons, voiced their love for him.

Christine and Robert Reid, composed, wrote, sang their song, to be an uplifting one "Sweet Georgia", succeeding in it.

To commemorate Tony's frequent participation in The Newtones hilarious skits, Bill Bishop, Ward Parsons, Trudie Kennedy , Sheila Mcphail, did the "The Happy Buffalo" to the tune of "Where the Buffalo Roam".

The solemn, beautiful number "The Prayer" was sung by Judy Mcoubrey, Tom Evans, accompanied by pianist Val Wauchope.

By request from Christine Reid (Tony's wife), Judy Mcoubrey gave a wonderful rendition of one of Tony's favourites "Sit down, sit down, you are rocking the boat'.

The four Stellas: Tracy, Jeremy, Marylynn and Brad paid tribute to Tony with voice and guitar numbers.

The Trio of Mike Lewis - keyboard, Ray Ramsey - percussion, Kane Hewitt - base, gave a rousing Jazz interlude, so many times appreciated by the audiences at The Newtones' concerts and by Tony.

Tony liked the song "Sentimental Journey".so Robert Reid, Jack Walker and John Merchant, choose it for their number and they had chosen wisely.

Christine, holding back tears, expressed her appreciation for the support the community, her husbands friends, have given her and her family.

Barely able to sing with emotions cracking him up, Ian Reid sang and played his guitar, the song he wrote and sang at his father's hospital bed, "Dad"

The concert concluded with all performers and audience singing "Farther Along", the refrain: Farther along we'll know all about it, Farther along we'll understand why . Cheer up my brother live in sunshine, we'll understand it all by and by.

Tony's sister Robyn thanked Patsy Bosomworth, Tony's neighbour, for all she had done for them, for organizing this concert, for always being there when needed.

Rest in peace,dear Tony, rest assured, that whenever music is played, our thoughts will be for you, for your family.