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Dennis Reed Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Reed
Christina Reed "Tink" "Tina"
May 5, 2025
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 difficult times, and even now I realize how blessed I was that in those final months, chemotherapy trips to Reno, Nevada every month, and the OH-SO-long drives to medical treatments....
Well, he gave me a gift that just keeps on giving. He gave me the idea that even when we're at our final stages of life, you can still shine so brightly, your glowing wisdom outshines time.
Pops passed on my 55th birthday. I was born on Father's Day, so it seemed strangely appropriate that he should say goodbye, on my birthday. I have two beers, these days, on my birthday. One for pops, and one for me.
I live in Dennis and Andy's Bishop, CA homestead, which they bravely took a chance on building, later in their lives. I enjoy the "million dollar view" of Mt. Tom and Round Valley, and thank my lucky stars, that Pops and Mum were such a tremendous part of my existence. I too, learned so much from my parents' teachings, and today, I get to pass them along to a full family of my own, and they're blessed to be able to stay in the High Sierra, where so many of Dennis and Andy's later-in-life activities are continued today.
Love you til dust, mum and pops. Tink
Mark Hernandez Martin
November 23, 2024
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.
Julie Rivera
June 17, 2024
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!
Scott Spencer
June 17, 2024
There was no better mentor...ever. My heart to you and your family Mr. Reed.
Susan Steinhaus
June 17, 2024
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.
Bruce Holthaus
June 17, 2024
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 it and it was publish. Thanks to him I´m a published playwright! He basked in the things he could do to elevate his students. It´s what made him such a good teacher and person.
Jim Watson
June 20, 2022
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.
Julie Rivera
June 17, 2021
I have so many memories of Dennis at San Gabriel High School. He was one of a kind. May he rest in peace!
Craig Lemke
May 23, 2021
Learning from Mr Reed made me a better actor, a better musician, a better person. Thank You Mr Reed.
Toni Spagnola
June 18, 2020
I will never forget his humor,his antics,that huge fur coat!,the scenes I did in drama class,and the words of wisdom he he gave me when I was so disappointed at not being cast in our senior musical. He knew my place as the rehearsal/orchestra pianist was a much better use of my talents.The rest is history.
Bruce Holthaus
June 17, 2020
Dennis had thousands of students over his career and as far as I know I am the only one he hired to work with him for an extended time. I couldnt have been more blessed. Dennis was my drama teacher and mentor and as a colleague he continued in that role. He was the smartest and most generous person you could hope to work with. He knew his subject and his students very well and he respected both. He seldom made choices based on what was easiest or best for him. He always made his professional decisions based on what was right for his students. I knew hundreds of teachers over the years and no one came close to Denniss dedication to his calling . He taught me so much, helped me at every turn and gave me a solid foundation of integrity that I carried through my career my entire life. I thanked him when he was alive more than once and yet it wasnt enough. Some people enter your life and make a difference. He did that and more. He taught me to aim high, to always do the right thing for students and to let mistakes be a teaching moment, not something that defines you. I cant say enough positive things about this man but I can say he touched my mind, heart and soul and for that Ill always be grateful.
Julie Rivera
June 17, 2020
When last I saw Dennis Reed, it as at a reunion for the class of 1963. He was across the room, flanked by his two grandsons. He was in a wheelchair. When he spotted me walking toward him from across the room, he stood with assistance. When I approached, he took my hand in both of his and greeted me warmly. Such was the man. May he rest in peace.
Roger Ambrose
June 18, 2019
5 years have past since we lost Mr. Reed. His life is celebrated in each of our hearts. Thank you Mr. Reed.
Noel Bennion
June 13, 2017
From the Audio Booth with Much Love. "It's Not Working Mr Reed"
Pam D'Angelo (Steinhaus)
July 22, 2014
Mr. Reed was a treasure - as a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. Will always appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Reed coming to our sunrise wedding in Northern California. Great sports! Thank you, Mr. Reed, for all that you gave us students.
Roxann Salazar
July 15, 2014
A gentle giant with a heart as big as the sky. I will never forget your kindness, and faith you had in my ability no other teacher made me feel special only you Mr Reed only you.
My condolences to the family.
Michael Arciaga
July 9, 2014
The campaign to name the SGHS Auditorium after this Man warrants your support.What a fitting tribute to a very special Teacher, Friend, Hero to so many. Rest in Peace, Dennis.You will never be forgotten.
Michael Arciaga
Diana Isler-Galindo
July 7, 2014
This year it will be 40 years that I graduated from San Gabriel High School and when I was remembering my favorite teachers, Mr. Reed was one of them. He was a great man. I will always remember how he as able to bring out the best in all of his students. I am deeply saddened by his passing. Thank you Mr. Reed, for 2 great high school years that are forever in my heart!
Sandy Gage (Streleck)
July 6, 2014
A Man of many Characters, he brought out the best in us and then some. May his eternal Star in the sky be a reminder of the greatness he brought to our lives
Ann Johnson
July 5, 2014
It was never necessary to be a "student" to learn things about life from Mr. Reed. Just knowing and having him, his family and friends was a gift to all around him. Out of sight but always loved and never forgotten. Kelly and Ann Johnson
Richard Bowman
July 2, 2014
and scene...
Bill Dunn
July 1, 2014
I have had many teachers in my life, but none like Dennis Reed. He was light years ahead of the rest. No one cared and gave more than he did.
He will live on in the memories of all of us that he taught and mentored.
Dolphia Blocker
June 30, 2014
I enjoyed reading these lovely tributes to Dennis. He was devoted to his students, and passionate about the work they did together. He kept in touch with many of them after retiring. I was still in high school when I first knew Dennis...met his new bride, Andy, while on my honeymoon. Our families remained close through the years. I was not surprised to see him handle his final health issues with such grace, and even with humor. He was my friend.
Ira (Yu)Kelson
June 29, 2014
A wonderful man who stands out in my mind as a mentor, teacher and friend. He was always a star in my mind and now he is a star looking down upon all of us.
Julie Rivera
June 29, 2014
So many wonderful memories of Dennis Reed! Not only was he an inspiration to students, but also to those of us who met him as new teachers. Truly, he was a mentor and friend to us all. Who of us will forget the faculty skits for the AFS shows and the "Literary" Meetings? All of us are better people for having known him. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Toni Spagnola
June 29, 2014
Thank you dear Mr. Reed.You inspired me more than you know,and I will remember you fondly always.My deepest condolences to your family.
Leslie Wilmoth
June 29, 2014
I wish we could have known him better! I will always picture Dennis and Andy walking their dogs down the wash trail. Looking back, those were the best years of my life...
Rest in Peace Dennis. Andy may these many awsome tributes to Dennis bring you comfort and joy at this sad time.
Mary Yancey
June 28, 2014
I will never forget my two years in drama with you as my teacher as well as our visits to the Bonanza set.I became a teacher myself and directed an endless number of performances at various elementary schools throughout my career.Thank-you for giving me the skills to carry on the torch!
Bianca Jansen
June 27, 2014
My condolences to the Reed Family. His work lives on in all the lives he touched. May you find this a source of comfort. RIP Mr. Reed.
Jim Watson
June 27, 2014
A "one-of-a-kind" guy. This world is a better place because he was here. He will always occupy a special place the hearts and minds of many. Godspeed Dennis Reed, and Thank You !
James Johnson
June 27, 2014
I never had another teacher who obviously cared so much for his students
and had so much to give RIP Mr Reed you will not be forgotten
Roger C. Ambrose
June 27, 2014
We have been truly blessed by the influence of this man. Mr. Reed was one of the best there is. He gave and taught and shared his life with us. His legacy (other than his wonderful family) is the army of students he influenced, guided and encouraged. The impact on life and the lives of his students is far reaching.
I consider myself a very lucky man to have had Mr. Reed be apart of my journey...Thank you Mr. Reed.
Bud Watson
June 26, 2014
Mr. Reed was one of a kind. He will be missed by many.
Richard A.P. Mora, USA (Ret)
June 26, 2014
Lest we forget.
Corinne (Corie) Martinez Mueller
June 26, 2014
Mr. Reed taught me much about myself and pulled me out of my shell. He truly cared about his students and often made me laugh. Everyone was equal in his class, I felt confident until I walked out of his class each day. Thank you, Mr. Reed. You are and always will be missed.
Holli Burgos
June 26, 2014
Mr. Reed was a one-of-a-kind teacher. He inspired so many students and will be missed.
Tami Ross Chaney
June 26, 2014
Thank you Mr. Reed for everything. R.I.P.
Christie Narver
June 26, 2014
He was the best teacher I ever had or worked with. He had a way of encouraging you do your best work and finding the best in yourself.
Anne Bettinger
June 26, 2014
One of, if not the best teacher at SGHS during my four years 1964-67. Knew how to bring the best out of his students. Always remembered them, long after graduation. He was a gift to all of us lucky enough to have him as our instructor, and his legacy will live on as long as we are alive, and hopefully longer. We have lost an important part of our past. My condolences go to the family for their loss.
Brian Wallace
June 26, 2014
The person that I am today, would never exist, but for the influence, encouragement, and friendship of Dennis Reed. Thank you Dennis .
Beverly Dochterman
June 26, 2014
Mr. Reed is a teacher I will always remember fondly and with great regard. He taught me to love theater and was a motivator and encouragement to all of us who had the privilege of being his students.
Bob Laughlin
June 26, 2014
The best person I ever knew. He made everyone feel special and appreciated.
Nancy Casey
June 26, 2014
Mr. Reed had the single most influencial teacher while I was at SGHS. His creativity, passion and encouragement created a life long love of theater, not only as an audience member, but fully engaged in musical theater through out my career. Grateful for his heart to teach. Res in peace, Mr. Reed.
scott spencer
June 26, 2014
The most interesting teach I ever had. You were encouraged to think, interpret and present...give life to your character. And then use those lessons for your own.
Ruth Lightcap Wisner
June 26, 2014
Thank you for having such a positive and inspiring influence on my life. I'll never forget you.
Ruth Lightcap Wisner
June 26, 2014
Mr. Reed's legacy lives on through the lives of all of his students. His contribution to them is immeasurable. Rest in Peace, good man. You will be missed.
Bruce Holthaus
June 26, 2014
My teacher. My mentor. My friend. An inspirational and important part of my life and hundreds of others. This man was very special.
Susan Steinhaus
June 25, 2014
There was none like this man. He was the perfect teacher for high school kids. I was in the SGHS Class of '70. I think he must have been in his prime those years. What fun we all had and learned so many of life's lessons from him. I am grateful that I went to school when the arts were fully funded. I fear many teachers have been forgotten but Mr. Reed's memory will be eternal. With love to his wonderful wife Andy and the whole family
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