Celebration of Life
Ronald W. Reed
22 December, 1958 – 20 January, 2022

A gathering to celebrate Ron's life will be held on Friday, March 31 at 4:00 pm on the WNMU campus, near the Light Hall patio. This event will include the dedication of a bench made in his honor. It will be followed by refreshments and a chance to share stories.

Ron was loved by all who met him. He lived a life of compassion and dignity mixed with hard work. He did not know a stranger, and he will be missed by the hundreds of people known as family and friends.

Ron's early years were spent in Alamogordo NM. He graduated high school in Pennsylvania and then joined the Merchant Marines. His next journey took him to Boulder CO where he met his wife Merritt. Together they pursued the dream of owning a restaurant (The Dessert Co.) in Las Cruces NM. Also together, they became scuba instructors. This took them on a great adventure out of the country. They found jobs in the Bay Islands of Honduras where they lived for 10 years. Ron worked as the manager of several resorts in the islands where he made many friends from around the world.

The next chapter of his life unfolded in the Finger Lakes region of NY. He worked several jobs there, but his favorite was as boat captain on Skaneateles Lake. He truly enjoyed telling tales to keep the guests entertained!

New Mexico called to him, and Silver City became home. He worked at Western New Mexico University as Director of Facilities and Maintenance. As with all other jobs he held, he earned the respect and friendship of all on campus. He truly loved his job.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Ron, please consider making a donation to the WNMU Foundation in his name. This can be through mail: WNMU Foundation, P.O. Box 1158, Silver City NM 88062. You may also donate online at foundation.wnmu.edu/give-today-