Tributes and personal stories have poured in from the Essendon and wider football family following the passing of much-loved club doctor Bruce Reid.
Reid, who was this week elevated to Legend status in the Essendon Hall of Fame, lost his battle with mesothelioma at the age of 75 on Tuesday night.
Having arrived at the Bombers in 1982 after four seasons as Richmond's doctor, no doctor had served longer than Reid at clubland.
He was one of the game's most popular, respected, compassionate and well-loved characters, with his incredible and wide-ranging impact evident in the outpouring of love below.
I loved and adored Bruce Reid. I will miss him greatly. He meant so much to so many people. This hurts so badly because he was a person who was infectious and you just wanted to be around him and he did more for people in times of need than anyone I know. ?? https://t.co/1bCgIfxGbU
— Matthew Lloyd (@MatthewLloyd18) October 28, 2020
Reidy I’m glad you knew how much I loved you.
— Dean Solomon (@SollySolomon) October 28, 2020
You had an unbelievable impact on my life
You were simply one of the best men I’ve ever met.
I’ve said it for 23 years and I’ll say one last time
Love you mate!
R.I.P
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I ask for those who knew him to tonight have #aREDforREIDY pic.twitter.com/BV98WvY1z5
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
"If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants"
— Robert Shaw (@shawry_analyst) October 27, 2020
Bless you Bruce Reid
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Shattered ?? .......but so thankful to have had Bruce in our life. You rest easy my little mate, you truely were one of a kind. RIP pic.twitter.com/TCEy9wd6C5
— Andy Welsh (@Andrew12Welsh) October 27, 2020
"If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants"
— Robert Shaw (@shawry_analyst) October 27, 2020
Bless you Bruce Reid
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My favourite memory that I will never forget.
— Diane trask (@mcva10) October 28, 2020
After a fantastic win in Adelaide we were invited upstairs to join in with the win, with players, coaches and you. Doc Reid, you had us in stitches with your stories. I have never laughed so much after a win.. RIP Bruce Reid pic.twitter.com/zdFXt2sMO3
RIP Reidy. Always made time to fit me in on the day. Every football club needs a ‘Reidy’. A special friend to my Dad and a man I’ll never forget. @shawry_analyst ?? pic.twitter.com/gDlU9uQEtd
— Sophie Cachia (@sophiecachia_) October 28, 2020
No @essendonfc figure has linked eras in a way that Dr Bruce Reid did over 40yrs. From @Kevin_Sheedy to Knights, Hird & Thompson then Woosha, the 'Doc' has been the mainstay at our great club thru all the highs & lows. Vale Reidy, thanks for all you did for the Mighty Bombers???? pic.twitter.com/vjfrayH2QD
— Dr Dan Eddy (@DanEddyBooks35) October 28, 2020
The Richmond Football Club extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bruce Reid.
— Richmond FC ???? (@Richmond_FC) October 28, 2020
Bruce was a wonderful, caring person whose AFL/VFL journey saw him work at Richmond from 1976 -1979 before crossing to Essendon.
Our thoughts are with everyone at @essendonfc pic.twitter.com/VnjhnQjdSH
If you think of a football club as family, Bruce Reid was everyone's favourite uncle. A fiercely loyal and deeply caring soul. https://t.co/C1if6vubJo
— Chip Le Grand (@Melbchief) October 27, 2020
Very sad to hear the news about Dr Bruce Reid. He was one of the best people that I have met during my career in sport. A great person with his heart always in the right place. Even if he did chew your ear off the whole way when sat next to him on a flight from Perth to Melbourne
— Tom van de Vusse (@Tomm_vdV) October 27, 2020
Heartbreaking news this morning. @essendonfc Dr Bruce Reid has lost his battle to cancer. I used to love having a chat to Bruce at training about him and the boys. You will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace xoxo ??? pic.twitter.com/TQLE1T8imj
— Jade Hockey (@HockeyJade) October 27, 2020
Incredibly decent person Doc Reid. Loved Essendon. Loved red wine. Loved a laugh. Loved helping everyone if he could. A life well lived. RIP mate
— Mark Robinson (@Robbo_heraldsun) October 27, 2020
Thoughts with Bruce Reid’s family and friends. He was one of the most compassionate, knowledgeable people I’ve met. Even in the middle of the supplements issue, he’d always take an in interest in how you were. Very funny too. A legendary figure in his field and role
— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) October 27, 2020
So very sad to see news of Dr Bruce Reid’s death. A man of immense character, compassion and true dedication to his calling, he was also funny and cheeky and always called things as he saw them. Our family GP for many years, so caring & generous with his time. A true legend. ??
— Julie D (@juliedan3126) October 28, 2020
Vale Bruce Reid...since I arrived here in Australia at mid 80s you are the only @essendonfc doctor I knew...
— Henry Sutanto (@fbib) October 28, 2020
Rest in peace and you will be missed forever???????
Such sad news. Friendly, compassionate, funny, that was Bruce, a huge part of the @essendonfc fabric. Deepest condolences to family & friends. You were a legend, Doc. RIP. https://t.co/oxolLxDMHc
— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) October 27, 2020
Incredibly decent person Doc Reid. Loved Essendon. Loved red wine. Loved a laugh. Loved helping everyone if he could. A life well lived. RIP mate
— Mark Robinson (@Robbo_heraldsun) October 27, 2020
Fabric of the club is the perhaps the most fitting way to describe the great man.
— Julian Wallace (@wallace1292) October 28, 2020
A true icon of the Bombers and loved by everyone who walked through the club doors. https://t.co/Qqbon5OSr5
Vale Dr Bruce Reid.
— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) October 27, 2020
A wonderful contributor to the @essendonfc and @AFL
A lovely man with a great sense of humour.
