Wallace "Pete" Reid

WESTFORD - Wallace “Pete” Reid was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on September 15, 1931. He is survived by his wife, Lois Reid, of Westford and three children: a daughter, Gwenann Reid, and her husband, Jay Higham, of Dallas, TX, a daughter, Karen Mischke and her husband, Steven Mischke of Waltham, and a son, Eric Reid and his wife, Maria Reid of Montgomery, TX. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Beatrice Fadness, of Rapid City, SD, and three grandchildren: Reid Higham of Dallas, Avery Higham of Southlake, TX, and Anthony Reid of Montgomery. He was predeceased in death by his parents, three brothers and a sister.

  Pete, as most people knew him by, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in physics from Augustana College in Sioux Falls in 1953. He enlisted in the Army for almost two years. He received a Master’s degree in math from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1958, and a PhD, in math from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ in 1972. After receiving his Master’s, Pete taught for five years. He left teaching because he decided he wanted to do things rather than teach others. He enjoyed his work most when he was designing air traffic control equipment. This was related to his love of flying and his concern for public safety. 

  Pete was a private pilot for many years. He owned two planes at different times. During his vacations he often flew his family around the country to visit his siblings and their families.

 Pete was also a lover of German shepherds. His family raised four German shepherds over the years. Some were good and some not so good. Their favorite was a German shepherd named Hans who liked people and other dogs, was a great companion to the children and lived to be fourteen. 

 Pete was devoted to his family and dedicated to his work.

 Relatives and friends are invited to Pete’s Funeral Service on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 170 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA.