John Ogden Reid Sr.
Died June 3, 2014
John Ogden Reid Sr., 100, of Traverse City, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at his home.

He was born in Jersey City New Jersey on January 6, 1914 the last of the four sons of Archibald Campbell Reid Sr. and Martha (Gilmore) Reid. He graduated from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in Alfred New York with a Bachelor of Science Degree on June 13, 1938. After graduation, John had many careers. First, as an engineer with Dixon Crucible Co. making crucibles for the steel industry. Later as an associate professor of research back at Alfred University for a cement company. It was here in September 1945 that he met a returning student from Michigan, Margaret Ann Lore, who became his wife and partner for life on July 15, 1946 in Charlevoix, MI. They remained at Alfred while Peg continued her education and in May of 1947 the couple moved to Eastport, MI. Where they began a business making pottery. John was the engineer who developed the clays and glazes, while Peg did the decorating and designing. Grandpa Archie, helped in the making of some of the molded pieces. Son, Johnny greeted the customers and helped his grandfather in any way a small boy could. The business grew and expanded to become a retail outlet for many local artists and craftsmen. In the fall of 1963, John accepted a position as a teacher in Bellaire High School where he agreed to fill in for a semester teaching advanced math, chemistry and physics until a permanent teacher could be found. Here he discovered a career he loved above all others. He was an inspiring teacher who loved and respected all of his students and where he touched many young lives. This "temporary" position lasted until his retirement 16 years later. In those years the students twice dedicated their yearbook to him, once in 1969 and 1980. In 1980 the graduating seniors asked him to give the commencement address which was an honor he treasured the rest of his life.

After retirement in 1980 he and Peg began to travel both in this country and overseas. Being of Scottish and English descent, it was natural to explore as much of the United Kingdom as they could. Even as his eyesight began to fail, he still took great joy in traveling. In addition to traveling, John had many interesting hobbies in his long life including, woodworking and photography. He could fix anything, build anything, was an excellent cook and always enjoyed new people, new places and new experiences. When they grandchildren came along they were the most fun of all.

He was an avid reader all of his life and collected books on any subject that interested him. When he could no longer see well enough to read the printed word, he discovered the blessing of talking books. The wonderful staff at the library for the blind at the Traverse Area Library on Woodmere became his good friends and he always enjoyed his visits there.

He had a special love for all the animals in his life, most of all for Pixie the red Irish Terrier who chose him for the Master she knew she always wanted.

To sum it all up, he was a kind, witty, loving man who enjoyed his life to the fullest. He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Peg, his son, John Ogden (Tamra) Reid Jr., grandchildren, Jennifer (Randy) Hinds, Stephanie Reid, Alexandra Reid, and step grandsons, Jim and Jason Hockenberry, as well as John Jr's first wife Shirley Reid-Daunter and sister-in-law Donna Reid who married to John Sr's brother Cornelius.

He is predeceased by his parents and his three brothers, A.C. Reid Jr., Cornelius L. Reid, and his older twin Douglas A. Reid.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heartland Hospice Care for the exceptional care they gave John in the last four months of his life. He always enjoyed their visits and looked forward to seeing every one of these wonderful caregivers. We also want to thank all the special neighbors and friends who brightened his days with visits, food and cards. But most of all John would urge us all by helping a neighbor, hugging our pets, and always to love and cherish or family and be grateful (as he was) for everything we are given in this life.


As per John's wishes cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. For those wishing to honor John we would suggest a donation in his memory to Heartland Hospice Care, 4020 Copper View, Traverse City, MI 49684 or to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49686. Please sign John's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.