Obituary of Mr Archie Reid
16th April 2024
The Ayrshire breed lost one of it’s keenest advocates with the death of Archie Reid on the 13th November 2023 after a short period of declining health. Archibald Ronald Reid was born at Keprigan Farm, Southend, Campbeltown on the 14th June 1939, the second son of George and Jeanie Reid.
His life’s work revolved around farming in general and Ayrshire cattle in particular. He would often relate how he “learned to know coos fae an early age” and how on leaving school he began registering cattle with the society and thereby was able to grade up the herd until Keprigan Ayrshires achieved full pedigree status.
A succession of stock bulls, often purchased at the November Ayr sale, were carefully selected by Archie to enable the breeding of cattle which were invariably correct in confirmation and sound of feet, yet adequate in stature and combined longevity with an economy of maintenance. Over the years, bulls bearing noted prefixes such as Roughdyke, Killoch, Muir, Wheatrig, Calderglen, Townhead, Humeston, Brocklehill and Middle found a home at Keprigan. At the 1983 sale, Archie’s natural enthusiasm spurred him on to purchase the very first lot in the catalogue – Pant Jukebox – who’s pedigree contained the renowned Pant Crowning Glory, which had previously bred so many winners for Jimmy Rennie at Royal Shows. At Keprigan, Jukebox did not disappoint and Archie’s faith in his purchase was rewarded handsomely as the progeny matured.
Archie served several terms as a council member and during a period on the society’s disciplinary committee his wise council discretion and plain common sense were invaluable to that body during it’s task of resolving disputes and issues that arose at the time.
When the national conference came to Kintyre for the first time in 1993, Archie had enjoyed a sustained period of success in both club events and shows of the Kintyre Agricultural Society. The delegates' visit to view the herd at Keprigan was widely considered one of the highlights of that week and brought forth many favourable comments. A sociable and outgoing nature allowed Archie to form friendships readily and from that time onwards he made an annual pilgrimage to the AGM and conference no matter the distance or direction he had to travel. At the 2012 AGM, held in Kent, he was proposed to be awarded an honorary annual membership in recognition of over 50 years of society membership and the then president, Maggie Howie, presented it to him personally.
As a founding member of the Kintyre and District Club, he was associated with its affairs from it’s inception, ably serving for lengthy periods as treasurer, secretary and president at different times. Following his retirement from active farming he maintained this interest and became a welcoming host to the various breeders who came to act as judges at club events, by entertaining them with stories, enlightening them with his wide knowledge of local history, geography, culture and genealogy. By acting as both driver and tour guide he contributed towards the success of these events in his own special way.
As a good neighbour to all he encountered during his lifetime, Archie found his inspiration and example from within a quiet yet unshakable belief in God. Following a well-attended funeral service in Southend Church, Archie’s final journey was to the ancient burial ground at Kilcolmkil to be laid to rest beside his parents. Now all those amongst us who were fortunate to be blessed by his companionship may gladly say together “Well done, thou good and faithful friend”.
Written by James Barbour, Machribeg, Southend.
