Cenic.org

In Memoriam: David M. Reese

Dear Colleagues:

It is with deep sadness that I inform the CENIC community that our friend and colleague, David M. Reese, passed away yesterday after a valiant fight with a prolonged illness.

Dave had been with CENIC since it began in 1996, most recently as Vice President for Regional and International Initiatives. Before CENIC, he led in the creation of the California State University’s network in the early days of the Internet. His brilliance and imagination were integral to creating and developing research and education networks — at home and abroad — for over three decades.

An inimitable presence in any setting, Dave was powerful in presenting his views, with remarkable prescience. He was equally and visibly enthusiastic in supporting the insights of his colleagues. He worked with boundless intensity and commitment, and he lived his life outside of work with similar passion, deeply committed to his family and friends. He had a sweet, gentle, and loving side that he shared with those he loved and those he respected. His laugh could fill a room.

I will always remember him unfolding himself out of his beloved Mustang convertible, with the love of his life, Susan, by his side, happy to see his friends and colleagues, radiating with larger-than-life joy, and eager for whatever adventure lay ahead. His was a life well lived. Our hearts go out to Susan and his family. He will be deeply missed.

As we go forward with our commitment and passion for the work that we do and the lives we lead, we do so having shared this experience with Dave, who will be remembered for his contributions and who will remain an inspiration in the days ahead.

Louis Fox
President & CEO, CENIC

Left: Dave and Susan Reese in Bozeman, August 2017, with James Deaton and Dave Jent.
Right: Dave Reese with David Wilde and Lars Fischer in Trondheim for TNC-18.