Robert Baxter Reedy

1947 - 2025

Robert Baxter Reedy
Born: June 28, 1947 in Kalamazoo, MI
Died: February 12, 2025 in Crystal Lake, IL
Robert "Bob" Baxter Reedy, 77, was born on June 28, 1947 in Kalamazoo, MI and passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025 in Crystal Lake, IL.
Son of Bert and Marian Reedy, Bob spent part of his childhood in Michigan and New York, then his family moved to Southern California where he grew up with his older brother John and younger sisters Mimi and Lisa. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1965, then served in the Navy during the Vietnam War as a Signalman aboard the "USS Dubuque". After his service, he attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA to pursue a career in commercial art. Before graduating, he was offered a job at Leo Burnett advertising agency in Chicago. He had a very successful career in advertising and worked for several ad agencies, including Hal Riney, DDB Needham, J Walter Thompson and after retiring, he freelanced at Poison Pencil. He collaborated on multiple prestigious accounts including Anheuser-Busch, McDonald's and Kraft. He often joked that Bud Light ads put his kids through college.
Bob married Candisanne "Candy" Todd on March 29, 1969 in Arcadia, CA. They were married for 51 years. In 1973 they moved to Park Forest, IL. Soon after, they realized waterfront property in IL was much more affordable than in CA, so in 1976 they bought a fixer-upper on Crystal Lake, where they raised their three children, Colin, Cortney and Brynn. Bob and Candy spent the rest of their lives meticulously restoring their 1920's lake house. Bob's attention to detail and constant "puttering" is evident in every aspect of their home.
Bob was known for his quick wit, daily crossword puzzles and quintessential beer in hand. His creativity was unmatched. Annually, he illustrated the houses for the Crystal Lake Service League House Walk. He also painted several historic buildings in Crystal Lake, including Main Beach and the Dole Mansion which are on display throughout the town. His distinctive artwork was published when he illustrated a children's book, "The 13 Dog Days of Christmas".
On his 16th birthday, he received a 1948 Ford Woodie that he always cherished. He loved taking his family for Woodie rides around the lake ending up at "The Freeze" for ice cream. His grand-girls spent many summers on Crystal Lake at "Camp Grampy", which always included kayaking, boat rides, fire pit s'mores and a teepee!
Survived by his three children, Colin Todd Reedy of Whidbey Island, WA; Cortney Reedy Elwood (Ken) of Savannah, GA; Brynn Reedy Jeffries (Brian) of Crystal Lake, IL; grand-girls, Meg and Zoe Elwood, Mary and Pearl Jeffries; his sisters Mimi Hogan (Tom) and Lisa Coghlan (Bill); and his first car, the Woodie.
He is preceded in death by his wife Candy, his brother John Reedy and his parents Bert and Marian Reedy.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice. Let's all raise a glass (he would suggest beer) and toast an unforgettable man.