Reed Wahlquist

Salt Lake City - Reed Pack Wahlquist passed away from natural causes on the morning of August 10th. He was an incredible human being who touched the lives of all those he came into contact with. He attended Weber College, BYU, the University of Utah, and earned a doctorate degree from Harvard University. Reed spent his career in education as a teacher and principal. As a principal, he worked at Kearns High, and because of his exemplary service, he was asked to open Cottonwood High where he touched the lives of thousands of students as well as his faculty. At the end of his career he served as the principal at Bacchus Elementary and Hillside Elementary. He was loved by everyone; we couldn't go anywhere as a family without one of his former students introducing themselves and telling a story about how Dad had impacted them.

Reed was born in Roosevelt, Utah to LeRoy and Maude Wahlquist, July 10, 1933 - the third of four children. He was in college when the Korean War broke out and he was proud to serve his country, though the war ended just before he was to be deployed. He could have deferred due to school, but in his own words, "I never saw front-line action, but the nation called, and I didn't try to avoid serving." 

Reed married Christine Wahlquist in 1976, and they had three boys during their 32-year marriage. Reed often commented that his kids were the greatest blessing of his life. He was thrilled to be a grandfather of eight (and soon to be nine!). 

His membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was one of the most important parts of his life. Reed faithfully served in the church and rarely missed a Sunday service. He loved his church callings and spent many years as a gospel doctrine teacher in various wards. Among his many other callings, some of his favorites included serving as Young Men's President, temple worker, Salt Lake City Mission apartment inspector (where he gave Marie Calendar pies to the missionaries with the cleanest apartment), and as a volunteer at a young men's juvenile detention center, and Welfare Square making food for the less fortunate. For Reed, service, humanitarianism, and education were central to his identity, and the church magnified his ability to engage in each of those areas. He carried that spirit of service outside of his church duties, including as a volunteer teaching English to refugee children. 

Reed spent his life reading. He read over three thousand books which he could quote and cite in casual conversation; he had an incredible intellect. As a true historian, he carefully studied LDS church history and published over 27,000 pages on the topic (available online for free at: reedwahlquist.com). He served a three year mission for the LDS church in Sweden (1955-1958) and often spoke fondly of his experience and the people he met. 

Reed was an avid global traveler. He visited 86 countries and cherished learning about and experiencing each culture. 

He was a loving husband and father and is survived by his three sons, their wives, his nine grandchildren, and his sister Ann. He spoke of his anticipation of being reunited with his mother, father, and two older brothers, Mark and Austin. He was a blessing to those around him. He was a force for good. He was an inspiration. And while he will be dearly missed, his example will continue to impact the lives of his loved ones. 

Funeral services will be held at the Eastridge Ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5235 S Wesley Road (1107 E.) on Tuesday, August 15 at 11:00 AM. A viewing will be held at the same location on Monday from 6-8 PM and again on Tuesday from 9:30-10:45 AM.