The following tribute was written by Christopher Kelsall and originally posted November 25, 2008 on the Flotrack website …

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Many people from the Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria areas are remembering Dave Reed. Dave passed away last week originally suffering from a streptococcal infection, which worsened causing a series of strokes. Dave Reed (1954-2008) will be remembered for his running accomplishments and more for his infectious enthusiasm for all things running.

From George Gluppe with BC Athletics:

"It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Dave Reed. Dave was well known and respected in the running community. He will be sorely missed.

Dave passed away November 20th. His great heart finally quit. He was just too sick. We were hoping for the last two months that somehow he would recover.

He was a unique character; he loved running and other runners who shared his passion. He had a fantastic memory for races and workouts, even from 30 years ago. All who knew him will miss him, and all that he brought to our sport."
-George Gluppe

A few words from long time, top-level Canadian runner, Nancy Tinari:

“George and I knew Dave for thirty years. We all know of Dave’s infectious enthusiasm for running-something that was the leading passion of his life, and something that never flagged, as he got older…

…He had a child’s ability to get lost completely in the joy and excitement of a moment of play, and he relived the high moments of races with the single-mindedness of a child. Dave also knew how to fully enjoy very simple things–a good meal, a single can of beer, the company of his running pals, rock music, lying on the beach or in our backyard on a sunny day…

…Dave was a superb athlete in many sports, some of his other favourites being hockey, baseball, and golf. He was truly a big kid who never entirely grew up.”

-Nancy Tinari

Some are measured by apparent quantifiable standards by what they achieve in education, career, business, family or in other ways. Dave will be remembered for his unabashed enthusiasm for sport. His gift to us is his unbridled, child-like love of running and personal generosity and that all else was secondary. Dave’s happiness was easy to measure.