Journal: Emmaus Journal
Volume: EMJ 20:1 (Summer 2011)
Article: In Memorium Dr. David R. Reid (April 2, 1937–January 31, 2012)
Author: Anonymous

EMJ 20:1 (Summer 2011) p. 1

In Memorium
Dr. David R. Reid
(April 2, 1937–January 31, 2012)

On Sunday, February 4, 2012, I was the guest preacher at Northwest Bible Chapel in Chicago. There in the Sunday bulletin was an announcement of the death of Dr. David Reid. He had died the previous Tuesday as the result of a skiing accident in Utah. One of the elders told me that for many years “Dr. Dave” was their preacher during the month of November. I can well imagine that dozens of church bulletins around the country also carried news of the death of this wonderful man, as he was a highly respected Bible teacher in many parts of the country.

My connection with Dr. Dave began in 1983 when I joined the Emmaus Bible College faculty. We soon became friends, and the friendship continued until the day he died. I’m sure we shall pick it up again in that land where there are no accidents and no death.

As my colleague, Dr. Steven Sanchez, remarked, “Dr. Dave was an Emmaus star!” That he was, as his many students will attest. He was a true “pastor” to many—not only was he a beloved Bible teacher, but he was always available to offer wise counsel on spiritual problems, interpretive questions, courtship matters, and life choices. Every year there were a few privileged students to whom he delegated work (grading

EMJ 20:1 (Summer 2011) p. 2

papers, working on his website, etc.), and they will all tell you that they got the better part of the deal. They did some work, true; but they benefitted from the time they spent with him and the counsel they received.

It wasn’t just students who benefitted. As Greg Benoit, a mutual friend, commented, “Dave ministered to people wherever he went.” He even created ministry opportunities with his “vacations for growing Christians” and his “tours for growing Christians.” I would kid with him about the “free” trips he enjoyed from these ministry opportunities. He would chuckle and respond, “Eat your heart out!” Those who went on the tours/vacations had no complaints, however. They got the help of an expert guide and daily lessons from the Scriptures that all could enjoy. Many people have spoken to me over the years about this or that tour that they enjoyed with “Dr. Dave.” One year he offered me a spot on one of his holy land tours at a rock-bottom price, and I have often regretted that I was not able to take him up on it.

When I think of David Reid I think of a manly man, a joyous man, and a Christian man. In recent years when we ran into each other (here at Emmaus, at a camp, or in an airport) he would growl in his own distinctive voice, “Hey, Daaave!” I would do my best in imitating him a...