Dear Lorraine, Gene and Weston,
My heart is so heavy. Today is the day we say goodbye to your wonderful son and brother Reid and the inadequate words I had hoped to write are replaced with streaming tears.
There are a few precious memories of Reid that our family holds near to us in this time of pain and we would like to share them with you.
Quinn remembers Reid for the kindness he showed to everyone, no matter how big or small. At the KBIA, he had a smile for each child and for Quinn he was always someone who would genuinely talk to her with interest. Even when someone was new or didn’t have many friends, Reid would reach out to them. Even just horsing around with the other CITs, Reid was always the first one to call it quits when someone’s feelings were about to get hurt. Quinn was also grateful that Reid welcomed her as Brianna’s friend when they were “just hanging around” and understands that not many older boys would have cared. Reid showed kindness and leadership that are rare. His quiet but strong example will stay with Quinn for a very long time.
When we told Kip about Reid’s passing, he cried for a long time. He said he missed him, not just now but especially last summer [when Reid unexpectedly had to leave his position early to undergo more treatment]. There were quite a few years when Kip was afraid of the water and the wind and wouldn’t get into a sailboat. We were about to withdraw him when he changed his mind and stayed. We later realized it wasn’t because he’d changed his mind about sailing, but that Reid had spoken with him and asked him to ride along in the Whaler. He made Kip feel like he was a pal instead of a failure. That summer Reid also gave Kip his first swimming test off the KBIA dock. Kip was the first kid to jump in and as Reid helped him out of the water, Reid thanked him for getting the rest of the kids to follow. Kip was proud because he wanted to please Reid because he had been so kind. Reid found ways to make Kip feel good about himself all those summers and that is a gift Kip will keep with him always.
Mark and I would like to share a memory of Reid which captures his bravery. Last summer, Reid was visiting the docks and Kip ran up to him and called with glee, “Captain Reid!” They had a nice visit. As Reid was walking away Kip noticed Reid was limping and asked why. Without a lot of fuss Reid explained that his leg had been “injured” but that it was getting better. Kip knew Reid had not been well but did not know any specifics. As parents, we were struck by the kindness and simplicity of his explanation. Kip understood the word ‘injury’ and a more complicated explanation would have frightened and confused him. We thank Reid for the insight and bravery he showed while battling cancer in front of young children.
For our part we would like to help in any way we can. [Would you] consider a memorial service this summer at the KBIA so all the children who now hold him in their hearts may remember him and celebrate his life. Please let us know in your own time.
With love and sorrow,
DW and family.