Our loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Garth R. Reid, passed away peacefully at his assisted living center on December 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, he was 89.
He was born on May 27, 1929 in Price, Utah to Lloyd William Reid and Katie Richens. From the age of four, he was raised by his mother and step-father, Art Waterman. Garth learned a strong work ethic from a very young age by helping with the family’s dairy delivering milk before and after school. Garth took dance lessons in junior high and played the base fiddle with the Jimmy Dart Band in Price. His dancing and musical abilities afforded him the opportunity to work at Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon the summer after high school. This is where he met and fell in love with a dark-haired beauty from Idaho, Naomi Adamson. They were married on January 8, 1949 in Ogden, Utah.
When he and Naomi moved to Salt Lake City in 1951, he worked several jobs to provide for his growing family. In 1955, he answered an ad for a salesman for the Kirby Vacuum Company; this started a lifelong career of door-to-door sales for over 50 years. He won numerous “Top Salesman” awards, certificates, trophies, and was rewarded with many trips for his sales goals; he was also one of their top trainers for hiring new salesman. Garth eventually became a Kirby Distributor and he and Naomi owned and operated Kirby of Murray for 20 Years. He was also a member of the East Millcreek Lions Club; many family memories were made helping with and enjoying the 4th of July parade and breakfast at Evergreen Park.
Garth and Naomi taught their children the value of hard work, a firm handshake, and when doing a job, do it right the first time. Garth and Naomi celebrated 50 years of marriage shortly before Naomi’s passing in April 1999.
After Naomi’s passing, Garth became reacquainted with his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Duke Sims. They had a wonderful friendship for 13 years and were able to enjoy many activities, events, and family celebrations together.
Our dad enjoyed telling everyone how thankful and proud he was of his family. There was never a conversation or visit that went by without him telling us how proud he was of us and how grateful he was to have such wonderful kids. Dad we are very thankful and proud of you and all you have taught us. Rest Well!
Survived by his children: Garth A. Reid, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Kevin Kim (Kathryn) Reid, West Jordan, Utah; Douglas Bret (Nina) Reid, Meridian, Idaho; Candi Reid (James) Miller, Salt Lake City, Utah: Barry L. (Coleen) Reid, Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Nancy Reid (Shane) Tanner, West Jordan, Utah. Also survived by 37 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Carol (Tom) Barnes, Judy Johnson, and Sue Pope. Preceded in death by his parents, wife, three sons: David Reid, Rory Tienne Reid, and Michael Scott Reid; two grandsons: TJ Reid and Marcus Corey Reid; sister Gerry Williams.
The family would like to thank the staff of Cottonwood Creek Senior Living for their love and support of our father over the past five years. We would also like to thank the staff of Rocky Mountain Homecare and Hospice for keeping our father comfortable in his final days.
Funeral services will be held at 2pm, Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive. A viewing will be held the night before at the same location from 6-8pm, and the day of the service from 1-1:45pm.
