Richard W. Reed

Long-time Palmer resident Richard “Dick” Waymon Reed died of heart failure Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010.

Dick Reed was born in Sweetwater, Texas, to Waymon and Mildred Reed on June 3, 1939. He came to Alaska in 1964 to visit and never left.

Dick moved to the Palmer area in May of 1970 after accepting a math teaching job at Palmer High School. He was an avid sports fan, enjoying both local and professional teams. Dick loved to hunt, fish, travel, rock hunt and spend time with his family. He was well known for his sense of humor and infectious personality, his family wrote. “Once you met Dick, you never forgot him. His family’s loss is momentous.”

He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Nada Reed, his daughters Arlie (Michael) Reed-Lewis and Kathleen (Bryan) Maupin, son Ross (Val) Reed and grandchildren Bridger, Auna, Olivia and Emery. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Carolyne) Reed of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Darlene Reed.

A celebration of his life will be held at Lazy Mountain Bible Church 6 p.m. Sunday Sept. 19, with a potluck to follow. His family asks those attending to bring a dish to share. Flowers and cards may be sent to the church.