Brian Fenton Reed

Brian Fenton Reed 

13 August 1946 - 11 September 2024 

Brian Fenton Reed passed into eternal peace on September 11, 2024, in Lakewood, Colorado at the age of 78 after a long battle with lymphoma. 

Brian was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Lowell and Lois Reed on August 13, 1946.  He grew up in Denver and went to Lincoln High School. In Denver, Brian also met Barbara Blakeman Reed, his wife for nearly fifty years who passed away in 2020. 

Following the proud family tradition of military service, Brian joined the United States Marine Corps as an officer in 1970. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Colorado State University and a master's degree in Financial Management from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. During his 20-year career, Brian served as an Aviation Supply Officer and a Financial Management Officer while stationed in Okinawa, South Carolina, Colorado, California, Virginia, and North Carolina. He was an expert in pistol and rifle. After retirement from active duty as a Major, Brian served as the Director of Finance for King George County Schools and then Albemarle County Schools in Virginia. Later, he worked at Fredericksburg Hardware, Tractor Supply, and Costco, three of his favorite stores. After fully retiring, Brian returned to Colorado and spent as much time as possible in his beloved mountains during his final years.  

The ultimate do-it-yourself handyman, Brian had an impressive array of skills from “making sawdust” as a master woodworker to building hot fires with the Scouts. He was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church and loved the music of the midnight Christmas service best. Most of his photographs featured cars, trees, or flowers. He never met a dog he didn’t like. Babies magically fell asleep in his arms. His favorite curse word was razzlefratz, his favorite color was burple (blue + purple), and he could wiggle his ears. Every road trip began with him singing a Willie Nelson chorus. With his flowing white beard, he played Santa for decades. He rocked a pair of cowboy boots. His hamburgers were legendary. Brian was stubborn, complicated, loyal, heartfelt, and intense, and will be missed by those who had the chance to know him. 

Brian was a loving father to his children Tiffany Silverman (Josh), Kristin McCracken (Sean), and Trevor Reed (Amanda). Known as “Gramps,” Brian adored his grandchildren Jackson, Gabe, and Riley Silverman; Blake and Bella McCracken; and Ellie and Hudson Reed.  

Brother-in-law Richard Blakeman and nephews Tyler Newby (Canace) and Nate Newby (Sterling) were also important people in his circle. The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Brian’s hospital care teams and the staff at Brookdale Meridian Westland. 

Brian will be buried with military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Lakewood with a reception afterward. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his name be made to the Fisher House Foundation in support of military families. 

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https://fisherhouse.org/