Dr. H. Reid Wagstaff

Dr. H. Reid Wagstaff passed away peacefully at his home in Medina, Ohio, on May 2, 2024. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Reid attended Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, then transferred to the University of Michigan where he earned an undergraduate degree in geography. After service in the U.S. Air Force as an aerial photo interpreter, he returned to Michigan to obtain a master's degree and PhD in economic geography. He sang for the Michigan Glee Club and was a member of a quartet that included Bob McGrath of Sesame Street fame. Reid met and wed Susan Smucker at Michigan, and they were married for nearly 60 years. Reid and Susi raised their four children, Wendy, Penny, Paul, and Kimi, in Paradise Valley, Arizona, and Carmel, California.
Reid was a professor for 14 years at Eastern Michigan University and Arizona State University, where he taught a wide range of courses. In 1976 he started a career in the food industry with The J.M. Smucker Company, working as Director of Fruit Procurement in Salinas, California, and eventually as Vice President, Government and Environmental Affairs.
Reid served on the boards of many organizations such as the American Frozen Food Institute, the California Strawberry Commission, Monterey County Business Council, Yosemite National Institute, International Jelly and Preserve Association, Second Harvest, and the Dean's Advisory Council, School of Art and Design, at the University of Michigan. Reid also chaired the Environmental Committee of the Grocery Manufacturer's Association. He served for 22 years as a trustee of Longyear Museum in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
Together Reid and Susi supported education and the arts, establishing scholarships for University of Michigan, University of Akron, and Wayne College in Ohio; sponsoring professional musicians at the Carmel Bach Festival; and donating to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for many years. The couple were also active members of the Christian Science church in Carmel, and Reid served in many capacities including Sunday School teacher and First Reader. His hobbies included photography, gardening, sports, and singing.
Reid was devoted to his family and faithfully supported his four children and nine grandchildren by attending numerous sporting events, dance productions, and musical performances through the years. His keen interest in people, warm humor, and humility endeared him to all who knew him.

It can be said of Reid, "Well done, good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matt. 25:23)

Reid is survived by children Wendy Easton, Paul Wagstaff, and Kimi Tober; daughter-in-law Carrie Wagstaff; sons-in-law Zachary Easton, Todd Tober, and Kent Wadsworth; nine grandchildren, Dan, Merit, Trent, Emmi, Kip, Wyatt, Penny, Grace, and Oliver; sister Gloria Lannom; brothers-in-law John Lannom, Timothy Smucker, and Richard Smucker; and sister-in-law Jenny Smucker. He is also survived by four nieces, two nephews, and cousins.

In accordance with Reid’s wishes, there will be no public service.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory-Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.