It's with sadness we provide the following information regarding the passing of long time member of SAS BILL REID and future memorials
Priory of St. John the Baptist
Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem
MAJ Chev. William (Bill) Arnold Reid, KCTJ, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on October 3rd, 2025, at his dream home in The Villages, Florida, of a heart condition. Born May 29th, 1954, Bill’s life was devoted to family, friends, service, and community.
Bill is survived by the love of his life, Lisa (Rands) Reid; children, Cameron Reid (Satomi)and Kate Liedle (Jason); six beloved grandchildren, Cora, Addyson, and Hadley Liedle, and Ryusei, Misaki, and Kousei Reid; father, Tom Jordens; sister, Lindy Hannes (Kurt); brother, John Jordens (Cheryl); brothers-in-law, Robert (Karla) Rands and Thomas (Terri) Rands; and sister-in-law, Renee (Arden) Knoll — along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and his loyal best buddy, his dog, Gunner.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Jordens; sister, Mary Jordens; brother, Roger Reid; father, Ross Reid; and in-laws, Barbara and Keith Rands.
Bill grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and proudly carried those Midwestern roots throughout his life. He graduated from Waukesha South High School in 1973 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1978 prior to joining the Army. Bill honorably served his country for 14 years in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division as a Field Artillery and Civil Affairs Officer, attaining the rank of Major. His distinguished military career included deployments in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Just Cause in Panama. He was awarded the Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Southwest Asia Service Medals, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Parachutist Badge, and numerous other ribbons and commendations in recognition of his dedicated service.
After serving in the Army, Bill had a rewarding career with Abbott Laboratories & Johnson Controls in human resources and organizational development roles. Reflective of who he was at heart, a builder of people, a guide for leaders, and a believer in the power of teamwork and integrity.
Outside the military, Bill was a man of many passions and jokingly called himself a “joiner.” He was a member of Free & Accepted Masons Lake Lodge, No. 189, York Rite Mason, Chapter No. 84, Kilbourn Council, No. 9, Ivanhoe Commandry, No. 24, Scottish Rite Mason, Grand Musician for the Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons of Wisconsin, and Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Wisconsin. A member of the Tripoli Shriners participating as a bagpiper in the Tripoli Scottish Highlanders Pipes & Drum Band and the Pirates of Tripoli Shrine.
Bill was a lifelong musician who could play most any instrument, he shared his gifts generously creating Celtic and Scottish music with Warpiper, Celtickeep and Steel Bonnets bands. A distinguished bagpiper with several pipe & drums bands, and was proud to be asked to play at Saint Patrick’s Day, Scottish, and neighborhood events.
Deeply devoted to his Scottish and Celtic heritage, Bill lived that legacy with pride and authenticity. He was a member of Clan Donnachaidh and actively involved in organizations such as the Saint Andrew’s Society, the Wisconsin Scottish Games, and the Milwaukee Highland Games. Whether performing at events, festivals, marching in full Highland dress, or gathering with fellow Scots in a kilt to celebrate their shared traditions, with a “wee dram” he brought warmth, dignity, and heart to every occasion.
He was a mentor to many and a friend to all — witty, compassionate, and endlessly positive. He had a rare gift: nobody disliked him. Bill’s legacy lives on in every life he touched, every note he played, every song he sang, and every act of kindness he inspired. He will be missed more than words can say.
An Irish wake celebrating Bill’s life well lived will be held in Wisconsin, where family and friends will gather to share memories, music, stories, and laughter in his honor.
The celebration will be on March 21st, 2026,
at Hoeppner-Horn Bros VFW Post 5716,
17980 Beloit Rd, New Berlin, WI,
starting at 2:00 pm.
Bill will be laid to rest at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery
in Union Grove, WI, with a date to be determined.
In keeping with Bill’s Irish spirit, this blessing will be shared at the celebration:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.