Daniel Richard Reed

Daniel Richard Reed of Graham Washington passed away at 7:27 am on January 4, 2024, at the age of 84 in Good Samaritan Hospital of cardiac arrest. Dan had been receiving treatment for CMML (Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia) for the past year. Dan was preceded in death by his first wife Leona (2023) and second wife Pamela (2021). He is survived by his daughter Dima Campbell, stepson Travis Wilson, seven of his eleven siblings and his dog Barkley.

Dan was born on October 26th, 1939, and graduated from Orting High School in 1957. He attended the University of Washington and received his Bachelor of Arts from Pacific Lutheran University and later his Master’s degree from Colorado State University. Dan married his first wife Leona Bellman on December 19th, 1961. The couple lived in Yelm, Washington and later moved to Tacoma where they managed an apartment complex while Dan worked towards his teaching degree.

From 1968 – 1970 the Reeds lived in Lagos, Nigeria where Dan taught school at the American International School of Lagos, and Leona volunteered at a local orphanage. The couple came back to Tacoma, Washington from 1970 – 1972 during which time they had their daughter, Dima. In 1972 the family returned to Lagos, Nigeria for another 2 years. The couple used this time to travel extensively both in Africa and in Europe

After returning to Tacoma, Washington where he taught for a few years, it was time for Dan to take on a new challenge. In 1975 the couple moved to Cashmere, Washington where they owned and operated the Coachman Inn restaurant together for several years before their divorce.

On June 19th, 1978, Dan married his second wife Penny in Wenatchee, WA with their children and friends present. The team owned and managed the restaurant and lounge In Cashmere, WA until 1986. During this time, they also homesteaded a property at First Creek (Lake Chelan). After moving to Lake Chelan and later Manson, Dan managed the produce department at Pedersons grocery before returning to his true calling in life – teaching.

Dan was never happier than when he was teaching. He had the ability to explain the practical application of complex math problems to his students in a way that made them understand why math was important. He taught in the Manson High School from 1989 – 2000 where he taught mathematics and coached the football team. Dan was one of the first teachers to utilize virtual classrooms to link students in multiple schools via video conferencing to teach advanced calculus. In 2000 he was the Washington State Regional Winner for Teacher of the Year.

Dan can be remembered by his smile, his love of mathematics, and the enthusiasm he displayed when there was an opportunity for a good learning experience or debate. When dad was not spending time socializing with friends and family, he could be found puzzling through Sudoku puzzles or watching multiple sports games (at once!) with Barkley.

Dan has been well loved by his family and friends and will be deeply missed.

Per Dan’s wishes there will not be a funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made as a contribution to the American Cancer Society, local charity group, or ASPCA. If you truly wish to send flowers, please send them to a loved one to help brighten their day.