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In Memory

Walter J. Reid, Journalism, Class of 1940

by Don Kraft: BA, 1948 (Journalism)

Wally Reid had seven sisters and a brother. When the ninth of the Reid kids graduated from the University of Washington in the 1940's, the University bestowed a special honor on the parents, John and Harriet Reid, neither of whom had attended college. Years later, Wally honored his parents memory by establishing the John and Harriet Reid Memorial Scholarship Fund at the School of Communication.

After a distinguished career, Wally passed away July 9, 2007 at the age of 90. At the UW, Wally was editor of the Tyee yearbook and active in Sigma Chi fraternity.

Two days after Pearl Harbor, Wally enlisted as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, where he served in six major battles of the Pacific war, from the Solomons to Iwo Jima and Okinawa. During that time, both of the destroyers he served on were sunk.

After discharge in 1946, he married Peggy Mason and resumed his career at University Printing Company and the University District Herald, which his father had founded in 1917.

He started the University District Kids' Parade in Seafair's first year, 1950, and served as its chairman for the next 30 years. He was president of the University District Rotary Club, the University District Chamber of Commerce, the Seattle Sales and Marketing Executives and the Sigma Chi Alumni Association.

During his lifetime, Wally Reid was a valued mentor to countless friends along the way.

Remembrances may be made to the John H. and Harriet Reid Memorial Scholarship Fund, 50 Communications Building, Box 353765, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-3765.