The AFL's longest serving senior AFL doctor and newly anointed Essendon legend Dr Bruce Reid has died aged 74.
Reid, a beloved Essendon employee from 1982 until 2018, lost his battle with mesothelioma, a form of cancer that deteriorates the cell lining of a perso's internal organs.
Former club colleague and long-term friend John Quinn announced the sad news via social media on Wednesday morning.
Goodbye my old friend - RIP Dr Bruce Reid pic.twitter.com/Um2MjyEKSU
— John Quinn (@JQuinn_01) October 27, 2020
The news of Reid's death comes only a day after the announcement of his elevation to legend status at Essendon following his more than three decades of service.
Reid, along with Gavin Wanganeen, Dustin Fletcher and Neale Daniher, was set to be honoured at the club's 2021 Hall of Fame function.
Earlier this week, Essendon President Paul Brasher paid tribute to both Reid and Daniher.
“Both Neale and Bruce have been fighting respective health issues in recent years, so I am delighted our Hall of Fame committee can bestow this honour to two such beloved members of the Essendon family,” he said.
In 1994, Reid was awarded life membership with the Bombers. The AFL also presented him with the Jack Titus Recognition of Service Award for his services to football in 2010.
Following three senior appearances with Hawthorn in the 1960s and a short period as Richmond's club doctor, Reid followed Kevin Sheedy to Windy Hill in 1982.
Speaking on AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday morning, former Bomber Brendon Goddard paid tribute Reid's impact within the club's four walls.
“It's sad news for everyone, especially (wife) Judy and the kids,” Goddard said.
“The footy club was almost like a sanctuary for him, he just loved the club and the boys.
“He has had such an immense impact on so many people's lives. Such a wonderful man.”
"It's sad news for everyone, especially Judy and the kids. The footy club was almost like a sanctuary for him, he just loved the club and the boys. He has had such an immense impact on so many people's lives. Such a wonderful man"
- Brendon Goddard re: Dr Bruce Reid
— AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) October 27, 2020
With 40 games for the club between 1994 and 1996, Scott Cummings also paid his respects on Twitter.
Absolutely shattered to hear of the passing of Bruce Reid. Some ppl just leave a lasting positive mark on u and that to me is the meaning of life. My heart goes out to his family and all my ex teammates and other Essendon players and staff who love him so much. #valebrucereid
— Scotty Cummings (@ScottyCummings_) October 27, 2020
Reid was set to receive a seven figure settlement from asbestos manufacturers Amaca Pty Ltd and Seltsam Pty Ltd after taking legal action against the pair earlier this year.
Reid claimed he had been exposed to asbestos dust and fibres throughout the construction of his Yarrambat home in the mid 1970s.
