Dennis Warden Reed

To pops: It seems odd to write this, all these years later. But, you were in my thoughts, as always, and this time I decided to contribute my thoughts. Pops was one of those people you realize...decades later, you needed from the very beginning of things to the end. He had an uncommon way of figuring things out from a distance, letting you settle into your own being, and then, he would reward you by remembering those moments you excelled...decades later. He'd pull those things forward, at...

Mr Reed told me in drama class the day before graduation in 1989, in life you will have many acquaintances but only 1 or 2 friends. I never forget that and tell young ones the same thing.

One of the memories I have of an AFS Show was when he staged a woman, walking across the stage, in mid-calf white boots, strutting to "These Boots Are Made for Walking". When her identity was revealed as she exited, it was revealed to be Mrs. Huck, the no-nonsense librarian who commanded absolute silence in the Library, even at lunchtime! What staging! These memories and many more come to me when I think about the Golden Days of SGHS. I agreed to teach for one year and stayed for 37!

There was no better mentor...ever. My heart to you and your family Mr. Reed.

High school theater class saved me in so many ways! It was my place to shine. I loved Mr Reed and his energy and dedication. To this day my most repeated nightmare is forgetting lines! Much love to all who honor him.

One of Dennis´s dreams as a drama teacher was to be able to produce an original production. When I taught with him I managed to write one (which was derivative of other works, I´m sure) but I really just did it for him. It wasn´t very good but we got through the performances and he seemed pleased. That made it worthwhile for me. He was the kind of person you wanted to please. He also mounted a one act I wrote and we performed that for English classes in assemblies. At his urging I submitted...

Remembering the man whose name is the answer to the basic internet password verification question for most all of his former students, "Who was your favorite teacher" ! He was a great mentor to me, my sister and my brother, as we all had the pleasure of being his students over a 7 year period.

I have so many memories of Dennis at San Gabriel High School. He was one of a kind. May he rest in peace!

Learning from Mr Reed made me a better actor, a better musician, a better person. Thank You Mr Reed.