Don Reed

Donald Ramon Reed (Don) 1936 -- 2012

Donald Reed flutist, vocalist, composer, dramatist, teacher, engineer, loyal friend passed away on November 2, 2012, at a still-youthful 76. He was born in Hawaii to William and Ramona Reed, and grew up in Compton, CA, where his family settled. After graduating from Stanford, he went on to an MA from Cal State Long Beach. About 20 years ago, he retired in Cathedral City. He was a graphic artist (he worked on publicity for the Palm Springs Art Museum), he taught and volunteered in many community organizations. He is remembered for his volunteer work for Cabot's Museum (where he connected with friends Michael O'Keefe and Patty Dietrich) and the Cathedral City Public Arts Commission. In fact, one month ago, amidst intense pain, he went to LA with them to help investigate a possible Hopi kachina collection for Cabot's. He sang with the California Desert Chorale way back when and realized there ought to be a gay men's chorus in the Coachella Valley, so he helped found the Caballeros Gay Men's Chorus. He also played flute with the Desert Symphony and the Desert Winds Freedom Band.
Above all, he is remembered and beloved for the whole-hearted kindness with which he treated his friends, whether it be serenading their elderly parents, or being constantly there during a break-up. Having picked up his flute after decades of not playing, he formed the Canyon Classics Chamber Ensemble with Ted Barajas and Charlie Creasy, encouraging them to rekindle their musical passions. Don reached out to novice singers, inviting them to develop their craft with the Ensemble. In all, his friends attest to his great love for them and his deep respect for the arts.
We also testify to his tremendous wit and deprecating sense of humor. During an informal musicale, while a piece was being introduced "Music by Tchaikovsky, poetry by Goethe" Don piped up, "And all mistakes by Don Reed!" Every Christmas he sent out cards that he had created and printed; there were always two versions, one sweet and sanitized for his wider circle, the other quite ribald and racy for his closest friends.
Don is survived by his brother James Reed and his wife Isabel, nieces Courtney Reed Jewell (Mark) and Natalie Jean Reed, grand niece/nephew Peyton Jewell and Andrew Jewell. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 8 from 57pm at Forest Lawn Ramon Chapel in Cathedral City. His funeral will be at Forest Lawn on Friday, November 9 at 11am.