Gervais Reed died unexpectedly June 20, 2007, following a bicycle accident in Wisconsin’s Telulah Park.
Born in Greeley, Colo., Gerry prepared for Princeton at the Peddie School. His college major was French and European civilization. After graduation, he spent two years in the Army in Europe.
He subsequently taught at Brown University, where he earned a Ph.D. He became the Marie Wollpert Professor of Modern Languages at Lawrence University and remained active there until his retirement in 1996. He also served as dean of students. He was a gregarious conversationalist who enjoyed discussing everything and was loved by his students.
The class extends sympathy to Gerry’s wife, Mary Kay, and their sons, Christopher and Geoffrey. The family suggests that donations in Gerry’s memory be made to Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis.