Gordon M. Reid

Gordon MacDonald Reid, 90, of McMurray, PA (formerly of Upper St. Clair), passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Gordon was born on May 19, 1935, in Glasgow, Scotland, to Dr. William Davis Reid and Jesse May Halliday Reid. He was raised in Glasgow, though during World War II he spent formative years in the wee village of Tighnabruaich, nestled along the western arm of the Kyles of Bute in Argyll and Bute. Those early experiences left a lifelong imprint and a deep affection for Scotland that never faded.

He graduated from the University of Glasgow with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering and, after college, rejoined his family in emigrating to Toronto, Canada. As a reservist in the 48th Highlander Regiment, Gordon met his first wife, Janet, at the Syracuse Highland Games — an encounter that blended two lifelong themes: family and Scottish tradition. Together they began their family in Syracuse, NY, later moving to Everett, WA, then River Vale, NJ, before settling in Upper St. Clair, PA in 1970. After a brief period in Mt. Lebanon, Gordon and his second wife, Gail, returned to Upper St. Clair, where he spent many meaningful years.

Gordon enjoyed a long and storied career in the minerals and coal business. His work in sales took him across the globe, providing him with a seemingly endless supply of stories — some of which evolved slightly with each retelling, much to the amusement of those who knew him well. Travel also allowed him to return often to Scotland, a place he dearly loved, sharing its history and beauty with family and friends. A particularly special trip in 2005 with friends from the Duquesne Club and his cousin David created memories still fondly recalled today. His final journey to Scotland in 2024 brought him back to the places he remembered so vividly and loved so deeply.

Family was at the center of Gordon’s life. His years in Upper St. Clair were filled with family gatherings, spirited conversations, and faithfully following his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Later years brought time on his cherished boat, The Cairngorm, in Erie, PA, as well as many memorable trips to the North Carolina shore with Gail and Andrew. Gordon had a gift for humor and storytelling, and time spent with him was almost always accompanied by laughter, a good joke, and the sense that he truly enjoyed the company of others.

Gordon served for 46 years as President of the Clan Donald Educational and Charitable Trust, which awards an annual scholarship to a U.S. citizen pursuing a degree at a Scottish university and sponsors the annual Ligonier Highland Games — an event he took great pride in supporting and attending. In addition, he served for over 50 years in the Masonic Lodge of Liverpool, NY #525. He was also a member of the Royal Order of Scotland - Provincial Grand Lodge of the USA, a 32° Mason Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and the Royal Order of Jesters. He was also a longtime, proud, and honorary member of the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William Davis Reid and Jesse May Halliday Reid; his wife, Gail Crawford Reid; and Doris Zeli, his companion of his later years.

Gordon is survived by his brother Douglas (Barbara); cousins David (Audrey) and Ann (Pat); his four sons, Ken (Terri), Tom (Julie), Alan (Karen), and Andrew (Stephanie); and his ten grandchildren, Alex (Karol Zapata), Colin (Nancy), Caitlin (Gareth Webb), Matt (Sarah Parrett), Meghan (Molly Braun), Tyler (Hannah), Zach (Laura Kunas), Rebecca (Johnathan Patrick), Sloane, and Lachlan. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Ana, Cecilia, Sophia, Beatrice, and Oliver.

A memorial service will be held on April 11 at a time to be determined at Bellefield Presbyterian Church, 4001 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his honor to the Clan Donald Educational and Charitable Trust, 600 Cranberry Woods, Suite 175, Cranberry Township, PA 16066. Arrangements entrusted to Freyvogel- Slater Funeral Directors, 112 Fort Couch Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15241. 412- 835-1860. 

www.slaterfuneral.com