Richard Morris Reed

Richard Morris “Dick” Reed of Lafayette, CA passed away on Wednesday April 12, 2017 at age 85 with the loving support of family by his side. He was born in Oakland, CA on Sept. 22, 1931, to Elise Menkus Reed and Elmer Reed. Dick was a proud graduate of Stanford University, receiving his BA and MBA in Business. He maintained lifelong friendships with his dear Stanford buddies. After college he served in the U.S. Army Reserves Intelligence Branch. He went on to enjoy a rewarding career in the Import Business, including Kessler and Cost Plus. Stories of his travels abroad, woven with his comprehensive knowledge of European history, always made for interesting and informative conversation. He was a walking encyclopedia. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Smyth Reed, after 57 years of marriage and adventure. They lived in San Francisco for almost four decades, spending weekends at their Lafayette “dacha” since 1971. Their life together was highlighted by their love of family, friends and traveling the world. Gatherings at their Lafayette home will remain indelibly woven into the hearts of family and friends who spent weekly Monday Night Football dinners, annual Super Bowl and Christmas Eve parties, along with a host of other celebrations. Their generosity was unparalleled. Dick will be greatly missed by his family including his sister, Dorothy Curry, Brother-in-law James R. McCaughey, and his many nieces and nephews: Jim McCaughey (Kimberly Brown McCaughey), David McCaughey, Paul McCaughey, Catherine Smyth, Louise Smyth Briner, Edward Smyth (Valerie McFarlane Smyth), Walter Smyth, Tim Curry (Denise Lawson Curry), Charles Smyth, Elise Curry (Kathy Dolan), Thomas Smyth, Ellen Smyth Staples (Robert), Maureen McCaughey Fix (Paul). He is also survived by 14 great nieces and nephews: Sara McCaughey, Erik Briner, Kate Briner, Amelia Smyth, Theo Smyth, Brianna Smyth, Stephen Smyth, Lauren Smyth, Grant Curry, Helena Curry, Corey Smyth, Madeline Smyth, Jackson Smyth, Anthony Fix. With deep and abiding love, rest in peace Uncle Dickie. Quack quack. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek on May 13th at 11:00.