Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Reed Riner Obituary
December 22, 1941 - March 19, 2025
Dr. Reed Douglas Riner passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona, at the age of 83, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Born on December 22, 1941, in Warsaw, Indiana, to Kenneth and Yolanda Riner, he grew up in Mentone, Indiana, and attended Culver Military Academy during the summers. Reed earned a bachelor's degree in art history and contemporary literature from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
From 1963 to 1967, Reed served in the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. During this time, he met Beatrice vonRotz.
Reed pursued graduate studies in ethnographic and socio-cultural anthropology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. In 1975, he joined the faculty of Northern Arizona University's Anthropology Department, where he taught for 35 years. A leader in applied socio-cultural anthropology and cultural futures research, Reed collaborated with NASA on the Contact initiative and was instrumental in pioneering simulations of future societies and space travel.
After retiring in 2011, Reed spent time gardening and traveling with Beatrice. He is survived by their spouse, Beatrice Maria vonRotz Riner; children Andrea Pelous (Riner), Nicole Harris (Riner), and Urs Riner; and six grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on May 3, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Weatherford Hotel, Zane Grey Ballroom.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to friendsofflagstaff.org or contact-conference.com/c04.html. Condolences and memories may be shared via email at [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Reed Riner
4 Entries
Steve Loritz
August 6, 2025
Reed was my very first professor at NAU. Because of him I earned my first degree in Anthropology. His family became dear to me over the years. I'm saddened to hear of his passing and grateful to have known him.
Marion Lundy Dobbert
July 5, 2025
Reed is one of the few anthropologists I have known who knew how to have fun with his field. However he is greatly underrated
as a scholar who helped develop the subfield of anthopological futures.
Farewell Reed! You remain a fascinating colleague.
Phil Tena
May 12, 2025
Dr. Riner was by far the best professor I had in my undergraduate studies. He made learning anthropology fun. What a great man. My condolences to all of his family and friends.
Burkhard Franke
April 23, 2025
One of the nicest person I´ve met
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Reed Riner's name
Memorial Events
for Reed Riner
How to support Reed's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Reed Riner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
