Douglas was born on April 24, 1946, in Williamstown, Massachusetts to the late Colin Campbell Reid and Rosina Roffinoli Reid. He grew up in Arlington, VA and spent 2 years in Okinawa, Japan as a teenager. Doug was a proud Wahoo. He received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Virginia, where he was an Echols Scholar.
Doug’s life work and passion was as an educator. He was a teacher for 46 years: at Bessie Weller Elementary, Yancey Elementary, and for 31 years at Meriwether Lewis Elementary (MLS). At MLS, he was a 5th grade science & math teacher and led the after-school Chess Club. During his career there, he touched so many lives that he was named “The Heart & Soul of MLS” upon his retirement in 2010. After retirement, he continued teaching & substitute teaching in the Albemarle County Schools until 2019. He particularly enjoyed substituting in ESL classes, as it gave him the opportunity to learn about different world cultures and learn new languages.
Doug had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and was described as brilliant by everyone who knew him. His hobbies included reading, crossword puzzles and playing chess. He loved watching UVA sports, college basketball, and baseball (he was a huge Nationals fan). He also loved going to Fridays after 5, and spending time with his grandson, Charlie.
Douglas is survived by his wife, Sandra Reid; son, Matthew Reid [wife Carmen, children Isabela, Mary Carmen, and Richard]; son Zachary Reid; daughter Abigail Reid [son, Charlie]; sister, Frances Boyne; nephews Newley Purnell [wife Anasuya], Mechum Purnell, and Colin Crumpton [wife Caitlin, children Ella & Gus], and many other nieces & nephews.
A service will be held at a later date, most likely this summer when COVID restrictions have lifted.
Memorial contributions may be made to one of Doug’s charities of choice:
- The International Rescue Committee
- The Echols Scholar Program Annual Fund
- The Washington Nationals Philanthropies
