Sydney Reed

Sydney Curtis Reed was a successful farmer, soldier, husband, family man, and businessman who passed away on January 31st. He grew up on a farm in Raymond, MN where he lived with his parents, Mark and Mildred, and his brothers, Phil and Dave. He farmed with his father for the first 33 years of his life, the latter part as a turkey farmer. After high school, and in the midst of his farming, Syd enlisted in the army to serve in WWII. He was soon sent to Okinawa in preparation for the invasion of mainland Japan. Not being one to waste an opportunity, Syd married Marian Nelson, a local teacher and the girl of his dreams, between basic training and deployment to Japan. They would not see each other again for 6 months and were together for 70 years until Marian's death in 2015. Syd and Marian began a family in 1954. They had 3 children, Gregg, Jean and Robb. Understanding the challenges and limitations of farming in the 50s, Syd jumped at an opportunity to work for Ready-Mix Concrete Company in St. Paul where he eventually rose to be their General Manager of Sales. Syd worked with many of the largest construction companies in the metro area, and his last job for Shiely was selling the concrete used in the Metrodome never guessing that he would outlast the building. While working at Shiely Syd saw an unmet need in the concrete industry. He patented the idea with partners and started a new business venture, Advanced Control Systems. Together they developed a mechanical board, and then later a software based system which made the arrival and departure of concrete trucks at job sites more efficient. He sold his part of the company in the early 1980s and permanently retired from the working world. Over the years they lived in Raymond, Crystal, Maple Grove, Elk River, and Mission, TX, but most of all Syd loved spending time at the family cabin in Crosslake.

Syd is survived by his, children, Jean (Tom) Searles, Robb (Karen Megazzini), grandson, Cruz, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by brother Dave (Lorraine). Syd was preceded in death by his wife, Marian, son, Gregg, and brother, Phillip. Funeral service 1:00 PM Sat., Feb. 4, with visitation one hour prior at Brenny Funeral Chapel, 13782 Cty Rd 36, Crosslake. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Crosslake, MN.