Richard A. "Dick" Reed

Richard A. "Dick" Reed of Indian Hills died on Oct. 25, 2014, surrounded in peace and in the love of his family.
He was born at home in Denver 83 years ago on Nov 15, 1930. Those who knew him as a 6-foot 4-inch gentle teacher, coach and friend would be surprised to know he was born so small that he was placed in the oven to warm him as he survived his first days.
He graduated from East High School in 1948, from Denver University in 1960 and completed his formal education at the University of Northern Colorado with a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation in 1968.
He met the love of his life, Lucille Reed, while still in high school while playing pool at their church youth group. They married when Lucille completed her bachelor of science degree in nursing in 1953, and later moved to their dream home (known lovingly as Reeds' Pond) in Indian Hills in 1961, where they raised their family.
"Mr. Reed," as he is known by hundreds of his students, was a pioneer in the development of the special education curriculum at Evergreen Junior High and Evergreen Senior High where he worked for more than 25 years. He focused on teaching life skills, how to get and hold a job, how to drive and how to contribute to society. In this vein, he built confidence as he taught hundreds of his students the lifesaving skill of swimming.
Dick and his late wife, Lucille, were instrumental in a community effort to save Mount Falcon as an Open Space park, which now brings joy to thousands of Jeffco residents each month. He was also a pioneer sponsor of the Colorado Special Olympics, and was loved and respected by his former students, many of whom called him many years after graduation to share their life's accomplishments and seek advice.
Dick and Lucille shared their love of God with many teenagers throughout the '70s when they ran a Christian youth group in Indian Hills.
Volunteering was a way of life for Dick. He dedicated many hours to the Special Olympics, Blue Spruce Kiwanis, PBS Auction, Toastmasters and Kiwanis Action Club.
With two daughters who rose to the Westernaires Red Team, he spent many hours supporting Westernaires as a trip driver, chaperone and volunteer leader. He lived his life dedicated to others and practiced daily the Special Olympics motto, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Dick Reed lived a life of faith, instilling confidence through example. Even long into retirement, he ably served the role of teacher. He loved his family and his mountain community. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, gentle giant stature and his never-ending love of history, always able to make history live as he added his own experience dating back to the Great Depression.
His legacy lives on in his family: daughters Sharon Dorrough and Heidi Reed Edwards, son Eric Florimon-Reed and their spouses, sons-in-law Bruce Dorrough and Jordan Edwards, and daughter-in-law Fanny Florimon-Reed. Finally, he adored and taught much to his six grandchildren, Lyndsey, Brandon, Jesse, Joseph, Jamie and Anacaona.
All are welcome to celebrate the life of this great man on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Indian Hills Christian Fellowship Church, 23338 Isoleta Road next to Arrowhead Park in Indian Hills.
At his request, the family, in cooperation with Blue Spruce Kiwanis, has set up the Dick Reed Memorial Scholarship to serve the education needs of students with special needs at Evergreen High School. Please send your tax-deductible donations to BSK Dick Reed Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 1153, Evergreen, CO 80437.