In Memory of Donald Reid of Royal Oak
(Brett Tillander, April 11, 2016)
Today, we lost a great man, Donald Reid. He dedicated himself to making this world a better place. He was a man of great faith. He was a pillar in the Boys & Girls Club movement. He was like a father to many and a counselor to thousands. He loved life. From ball games to opera he appreciated the sweetness life offered. He sat with those who were broken and helped them mend. He was welcomed on three different occasions to the Oval Office by Presidents of the United States as part of the Club’s Youth of the Year Program.
He was an innovator who craved solutions to our communities’ most pressing problems. And throughout it all he was a friend. He taught the importance of getting up after falling down through the gift of grace. There are not enough words to describe the hope he brought to so many through his work.
Today, we lost a giant. He, however, left a legacy and a foundation that will serve the future. While I’m grateful for his life, today, I (along with countless others) lost an irreplaceable fixture in my life.
Jamal Berry, a young man who benefited from Don’s guidance said “I remember when I first decided to take my education, and my future seriously. Don gave me a test that helped me discover my strengths and my weaknesses. That test meant a lot more to me than I had realized at the time. I’m not sure what, but something changed in me when we went over the results. That is something that has helped me tackle a lot of obstacles. Thank you so much for everything you did! May you Rest In Peace.”
(Arrangements are pending at Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors in Royal Oak. Please check http://www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com/obituaries/.)