Roland Reed

1933 - 2017

Roland Reed May 24, 1933 - March 23, 2017 San Diego - Roland Reed was born in San Diego on May 24, 1933 to Homer and Lena Reed, the youngest of six children, all preceding him in death. He grew up in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego. After completing his Army service in Korea, Roland returned to San Diego and attended San Diego State College on the GI Bill, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in June 1959. He began his career at NARMCO R&D working on numerous aerospace projects including the SR-71. The day after graduating from San Diego State, Roland married Carol Lambe. They had two children, Bret (Adriana) and Elizabeth (Steve Wilder) and two grandsons, Lucas Wilder and Aaron Reed. He raised his family in San Diego and his children and grandchildren still reside in San Diego. Roland left the aerospace industry and became a successful business owner with his partner Dick Lechien. They started Honda Lemon Grove in 1968 and grew in to sponsoring many riders for Honda, Husqvarna and others. Roland participated in many of the legendary races such as the Baja 500, 1000, Mint 400 and Saddleback Park race series. In 1976 he raced the Baja 500, placing fifth in his class and in the top 25 race finishers. As a longstanding and active member of the Los Ancianos Motorcycle Club, Roland was a key contributor in making the Tecate 500 Enduro into the premier race it is today. Roland rode motorcycles well into his 80s. In 1979, Roland and Dick began Maxima Racing Oils. Roland used his training in materials science developing and testing the products. Maxima has grown into one of the leading lubricant companies for motorsports. In 1982, an engineering consulting job resulted in a decade-long career in the sporting goods industry. Roland retired from Prince Sport Group as Director of Quality. This took Roland around the world, working and visiting factories across Asia, South America and Europe. He returned to Maxima and finally retired in 1997. Throughout Roland's life, he had varied interests to include motorcycle riding, mountain bike riding, skiing and traveling the world which he was able to enjoy with his family and many friends. Roland's lifelong interest in gem mining led him to take over a mining claim in Pala, CA, in 1973. Naming it the Elizabeth R, after his daughter, Roland mined morganite and tourmaline unique to the area. Roland is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol, his children and grandsons. He had a full and interesting life, touching many people through all of his endeavors. He will be remembered for amazing adventures and enjoyment of life.