Ray A. Reeder

I worked with Ray Reeder for years at Cal State East Bay. He was a nice man with a funny sense of humor. He always had the most beautiful fern in his office. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Dearest Ray, what a precious fellow heaven now holds! Always quick with a witty response or a kind smile for a weary heart, you never met a stranger. I was kind of the "kid" in the old and golden days of the New Mexico State Poetry Society, when the only chapter we had was just us, our small and talented group. Long before there were state chapters and back when no one knew what slam poetry was. It was simple and we were a close knit bunch. I can only imagine the homecoming you received...

Ray was a gifted, award-winning New Mexico poet. I always told him he was the best published poet I ever met from Roy, New Mexico. He would just smile and reply, "I think I´m the only poet from Roy, New Mexico." Ray was humble and quiet, but his poetry was engaging and spoke volumes. It was quick-witted, insightful, charming, engaging, humorous, and thoughtful. He and his talent will be missed. This is one of my favorite poems by Ray Reeder. I wish you well on your...

My mother Patricia Jane Anderson Smith, also born in Roy NM 1930, told me Ray Allen Reeder was her best friend from age 5. They reconnected when my mother and dad, Jerry Smith moved to Albuquerque in 2011. After my mother died in 2014, I spoke to Ray several times but regretfully lost contact when I moved. He was a remarkable and talented man, he will be missed so much. Rest in peace Ray, you kind soul . Katrinka Smith Sullivan

I attended NMHU with Ray and some of his siblings and later reconnected here in Abq along with his friend Rudy Ulibarri who was from Mosquero. He was always in good spirits. My condolences to his family.