David H. Reid, M.D., 90, was not just a friend, but a best friend to many people who shared in his life. Dr. Reid passed away Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006 in Idyllwild.
He was born July 14, 1916 in East Chicago, Ind.
Loyal to his country, a Navy veteran of World War II, he landed among the first wave of Army engineers on Utah Beach as a physician. Dr. Reid was proud to be an American and believed very strongly in all things American.
A graduate of Melrose High School, Vermont Academy, Dartmouth College and Tufts Medical School, Dr. Reid practiced family medicine in Weston, Mass., from 1948 to 1979 and then in Idyllwild until 1996.
Dr. Reid was a compassionate, knowledgeable, caring, involved member of the medical communities in Weston, Mass., and Idyllwild. His relationships went far beyond just a doctor-patient contract. He touched the lives of so many people in Weston, Idyllwild and Fitzwilliam, N.H.
He was a loving, caring, thoughtful, devoted father to David, Elizabeth, Robert and William, and his extended family Margery, Lauren, Susan and Luke. There are very few people in the world as genuine as Dr. Reid was.
An ideal husband, he was a very loving, devoted, thoughtful companion to Janice G. Reid for 33 years and then Jean L. Miller Reid for almost 29 years.
He traveled each year to his beloved family tree farm in Fitzwilliam and since his retirement, resided there during the summer and fall months.
Dr. Reid celebrated his 90th birthday this summer with family and friends who honored him by sharing memories and stories of how their dad and friend touched their lives. In his children’s words:
“Dad is a man who is: a healer to countless patients, a dear friend to many people (of all generations), a respected colleague to all whom he worked with, and a much-loved husband and father to his family.
“Some traits that we truly admire and strive to emulate: compassion, kindness, knowledge, true happiness, patience and the ability to remain calm during the worst of times.
“We have all looked to David for stability, especially over the past years. Never once did he not have an answer, and hearing his answer always brought peace of mind. It is odd how the quietest of men are the most influential and respected. Probably the rarest of ‘true’ traits, unconditional love for his family. These are the traits we hope to pass on to our children. We are better people for having had you in our lives and because of you, our children will be better people.
“Ninety is only a number. Far more important is the quality of those 90 years, and when we witness firsthand the intensely personal regard others feel toward dad, we swell with pride.”
Dr. Reid lived a very full and rich life. His family asks that you help celebrate his life by taking a moment to remember this gentle man and how much he enriched the lives of those he encountered.
In lieu of services, the family requests that you honor Dr. Reid by holding him in your hearts, memories and prayers.
Dr. Reid loved Idyllwild. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation in his memory to the Idyllwild Community Fund, 3880 Lemon St., Suite 300, Riverside, CA 92501; Idyllwild Arts Foundation, P.O. Box 38, Idyllwild, CA 92549; or the Fitzwilliam Community Church, 85 NH Route 119W, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447.
The Reid family appreciates the compassion, love and support from the community and extends heartfelt thanks for helping them through this difficult time.