Dr. Leslie M. Reid

Born on May 4, 1929 in Niagara Falls, New York, Les was the oldest son of James and Ariel Reid. He moved with his family to Wyandotte, Michigan when he was in 7th grade. He attended Michigan Tech and received a Bachelor’s of Forestry. While in the Upper Peninsula, Les played baseball and hockey and married his sweetheart, Dottie.

After graduation, Les spent 2 years in the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. He and Dottie welcomed their daughter, Michelle, while stationed at Fort Monmouth, NJ.

Following his military service, Leslie earned his Master’s of Land and Water Conservation from Michigan State University. In 1955, Les was hired as the City Forester and Assistant Park Commissioner for Topeka, Kansas.

In 1957, Leslie returned to Michigan, became an instructor at Michigan State, and was delighted at the birth of his son, John. After teaching for several years while continuing his own education, he earned his Doctorate in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan.

In 1964, President of Texas A&M College, James Earl Rudder, invited Dr. Reid to build a new department in Recreation and Parks. For the next 20 years, Leslie devoted his life to developing the department and the students.

In his retirement, Les and Dottie became avid travelers, exploring and cruising the world. Although he was often away on adventures, his heart remained close to TAMU and the students he loved. He funded the Leslie M. Reid Scholarship for undergraduates. He also supported the hockey team, helping to build the new rink.

Leslie was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy. He is survived and missed dearly by his children, Michelle (Wayne) Edwards of Valdosta, Georgia, and John L. C. Reid of Kingman, Arizona; two grandchildren, Ashley (Sean) Wilson of Warrenton, Virginia, and Sarah Edwards of Las Cruces, New Mexico; one great grandchild, Talulla Jean Wilson of Warrenton, Virginia; and his sister, Joanne (Dennis) Cicotte of Ocala, Florida.

Dr. Reid’s family will receive friends at a visitation on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 10 am until 12 noon at Memorial Funeral Chapel College Station, 2901 Texas Avenue South.

Graveside services with military honors will follow at 1:30 pm, Friday, at the College Station City Cemetery, 2530 Texas Avenue South.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralchapel.com for the Reid family.