Reed C. Smith

Reed Smith, 74, passed away peacefully in his home on December 28, 2025, after a dignified and courageous journey with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Clifford and Anne Smith. In 1974, he married Janet Summers, beginning a 51-year partnership defined by adventure, travel, service, and deep devotion. From a young age, Reed had an unstoppable passion for horses. At just 12 years old, he secured a job as a ranch hand and camp counselor, mentored by a kind and gentle ranch owner and horse handler. This work became his summer vocation throughout high school, caring for a herd of horses pastured on open, rolling hills while helping provide meaningful camp experiences for children from the city. Reed later completed formal training as a farrier, deepening his lifelong connection to horses. While earning a bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Colorado Boulder, Reed coined the motto “Business for Good,” a principle that guided his life’s work. He later earned a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Arizona. Reed consulted with and helped develop many successful organizations, including camps, outdoor wilderness programs, group homes, equine programs, chemical dependency centers, spa and healing resorts, mindfulness programs, and business consulting ventures. Throughout his career, Reed remained true to his belief that healthy, profitable businesses could also serve healing, growth, and the greater good. In addition to his consulting work, Reed was a respected individual and couples counselor. He was known for his kindness and compassion, his sense of fun and adventure, and his ability to listen deeply. He had a gentle, intuitive way with horses and found solace in hiking and camping. Music was both a lifelong fascination and a source of comfort. Reed was also known as the uncle who was playful, engaging, and deeply caring. He will be profoundly missed, and his spirit will live on in all who knew and loved him. Reed is survived by his wife, Janet; his sister, Sue; his brother, Clifford; many loving in-laws; and his adoring nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Smith; his mother, Anne Smith; his brother-in-law, Bob; and his sister-in-law, Sheryl. 

In lieu of flowers donations in Reed Smith’s memory may be made to an organization of dear to you or to: TMC Hospice https://tmcfoundation.com/en/memorial-tribute-gifts