The impact Dr Bruce Reid had at the Essendon Football Club was profound.
And it’s evident to see just how loved and endeared Reid was to everyone affiliated with the club.
Over a journey at the Bombers that begin in 1982, Reid was the ultimate confidant to many, treating hundreds of players and their families, and in some cases watching their sons grow from infants to representing the red and black a generation later.
With the devastating news that Reid had passed away after a two-year battle with mesothelioma on Tuesday night at the age of 75, tributes have poured in for a man who showed a deep passion and love for the red sash.
Reid’s love for the club was crystal clear when he joined the Bombers’ Working Through It podcast hosted by club greats James Hird, Jobe Watson and CEO Xavier Campbell in April this year, while he also recently spoke passionately ahead of the club's 150-year documentary which will be released in 2021.
“I’ve been so lucky to be involved with the Essendon footy club,” Reid said.
“I’ve got a good family, and the ex-players and players are so good to you and the club is so good to you.
"In life, your family is clearly No.1, your extended family is clearly No.2, and I would seriously consider the (Essendon) staff my extended family; they're that important.
"It's not just about medicine, but about doing a journey. Over all the years (of working at Essendon), you're talking about 400 players and maybe 150 staff. I think I could remember nearly all of them, and some of them are closer than others, but they are still your responsibility and you're trying to do the best for them.
"They're very important for me, and then you get to know their families of course, so you end up treating their kids as well.
"It's a life journey, and I've been lucky. My home is Essendon."
One example which highlighted Reid’s appreciation for the club was when he was initially diagnosed with mesothelioma in December 2018, and faced a tough battle against the horrid disease.
“Last year I didn’t work that much because I was crook,” Reid said.
“They (Bombers) said to me 'if you can work, we will pay you your normal wage, if you can’t work, we’ll pay you your normal wage'.
“They didn’t need to do that, so I was very grateful.”
Reid’s passing will leave a hole in the hearts of many, and his long service to the red and black will forever be a lasting legacy of his time with the club.
His recent elevation to Legend status in the club’s Hall of Fame will be formally recognised next year to appropriately celebrate his contributions to Essendon and the game in general.
Reid is survived by his wife Judy and their five children.
