Reed E Halladay: A Shining Beacon of Hope and Kindness
May 15, 1947 – June 25, 2023 (76)
In loving memory of Reed Halladay, we mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a remarkable individual whose presence illuminated the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Reed passed away peacefully in his home in the early morning hours of June 25, 2023.
Born in Provo Utah on May 15, 1947, as the third and last child to Elmo and Inez Halladay, Reed was a beacon of hope and kindness, radiating warmth and compassion wherever he went. His innate ability to connect with others on a deep level earned him the admiration and respect of countless individuals. Reed possessed an extraordinary gift of empathy, always willing to lend an ear, offer a helping hand, or provide words of encouragement to those in need.
Reed learned the value of hard work at an early age – which characteristic never left him. He grew up working on the family chicken farm and later in the family owned Halladay Market located on Center Street in Provo. He attended and graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in business administration in 1976. Reed loved the political scene and thrived on making differences – whether in the local environment or with individual lives. He was elected Social Vice President his senior year at BYU and after graduation, he ran for City Commissioner losing by just a handful of votes. He ran on the platform “Old enough to know what’s needed, young enough to get it done!”
While attending BYU, Reed served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for over two years in the Franco-Belgium Mission. Reed not only fell in love with the people of France and the French language, but he also fell in love with the beauty of the French landscape and architecture. Reed’s two favorite places to be if away from his home-paradise he created in Newhall, CA were his ranch in Montana and anywhere in or near Paris. Any return trip Reed took to Europe had to involve an extended stay in Paris. Speaking French seemed to bring Reed to another world – a world of amazing memories, amazing food and beauty. Reed LOVED to travel – anywhere and everywhere. One of his most favorite trips was the adventurous safari in Africa where Reed and his family enjoyed many days roaming the Serengeti capturing on camera the days in the lives of lions, cheetah, giraffe, hippos, and an aggressive rhino!
After returning from his service as a missionary, Reed graduated BYU and married his eternal companion, sweetheart, and friend, Christine Smith. They were married for time and all eternity on the beautiful autumn day of September 29, 1972, in the Salt Lake City Temple. “Chris” was Reed’s rock and strength who faithfully stood by his side through any and all challenges throughout Reed’s life. They truly shared a special bond and connection known only by the very lucky in this lifetime.
Reed joined Goldman Sachs in 1976 after completing his MBA and began a successful and fulfilling career as a Private Wealth Manager where he joined an extremely successful team that forever changed the course of discretionary investing for high net-worth individuals. His loyalty, love for his team, and hard work ethic was unmatched. He and his team left Goldman to start their dream company – Bel Air Investment Advisors – which quickly became one of the top investment firms in the nation. Reed always held dear to his heart his relationships with his fellow team members and clients.
Reed and Chris made the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Clarita their home and eventually built a sanctuary residence behind the elementary school their children attended. Nestled amongst the oak trees of the California hills, the Halladay residence became a resort of beautiful flowers, greenery, and architecture. An avid gardener, he could often be found tending to his vibrant flowers and lush greenery, creating a tranquil oasis that mirrored his nurturing spirit. Not only did Reed have a keen eye for appealing design and creating inviting landscape environments but he also loved early Utah & California impressionism. His homes became exhibits for some of his most favorite paintings.
Reed was a beloved friend and family member. His home was always open to those seeking solace, and his genuine hospitality brought people together in a spirit of unity and love. He served faithfully in his church in various positions and leadership callings, but his most endearing and special calling he held just prior to his passing as a youth leader to some of the most wonderful young men in the world. These young men blessed his life tremendously.
Reed enjoyed serving on multiple boards (including the Pasadena Museum of California Art and several universities) and was grateful to have the means to support many wonderful causes. Although he did financially contribute significantly to several universities dear to his heart, his most sacred and special contributions were to many specific individuals, some anonymously.
His departure leaves an irreplaceable void, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. His unwavering belief in the power of kindness and compassion will forever resonate within our hearts.
Reed Halladay is survived by his loving wife, their four children and their wonderful spouses – Eliza and Craig Dumais, Soren and Kimberlee Halladay, Emily and Patrick Norton, and Jake and Lynn Halladay. Thirteen loving and adorable grandchildren will carry his legacy into the future. His memory will also be cherished by his surviving sister, Merlene Cote, extended family, and the countless lives he touched along his journey on earth. Reed was preceded in death by his loving brother, Lee Halladay.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of this extraordinary man will be held on Saturday July 22, at 3pm at the Stake Center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Valencia CA (24443 McBean Parkway). There will be two viewings at this building – the first viewing will be held on Friday from 7-9pm, and the second viewing will be held before the funeral service beginning at 1pm. A grave-side service will be held at the Salem, UT, cemetery on July 25 at 11am.
Reed, your presence illuminated our lives, and your legacy will forever shine brightly. May you rest in eternal peace, knowing that your kindness and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know you.