Reid Fader

Known to some as “Reid Boy”.

Reid was born July 23, 1956, at Florence Crittenden Hospital in Detroit.  He left for the 'Spirit in the Sky' March 26, 2024. Freed at last from Parkinson’s Disease.

Reid was definitely a child of the 70's and the peace movement. He loved Rock-n-Roll, from the early Stones until he became a Phish-head, and all the music in between. Always a laid back dude, he had an easiness and gentleness about him.

Reid graduated from Western Michigan University, but not before setting the family example of ‘touring’ many colleges before finishing. He lived in Tucson, Madison, and Clarion before returning to Kalamazoo to work in the family business. Through his work at Fader Equipment, Reid found love. Debra Gonzales was working at a scaffold manufacturer in Ohio, and apparently Reid had lots of scaffold questions! Sadly, after just a couple years of marriage, Debra passed away.

Outside of the aforementioned music, Reid enjoyed tennis, bike riding, reading, and visiting with friends and family. He was smart, funny, kind, and supportive of those in his circle. He loved, and he was loved.

Reid is survived by his mother Ruth, and his sister and advocate Regan (Faith Heikkila). He has some close cousins and some good friends who will surely miss his spirit. What a great guy!  

Reid was predeceased by his brother Ryan, wife Debra, and dad Bob.

The Fader family would like to thank and acknowledge, in no particular order, the many caring, empathetic people who helped Reid as he navigated Parkinson’s: Angela B., the staff at the Springs, the staff at Borgess Place, and Centrica Care Navigators. His journey, difficult as it was, was filled with love and grace thanks to all of you.

A time to gather and share Reid stories will be held April 20, 2024, from 11:30am to 2:00pm. There will be some food, beverages, and Phish. See you at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9^th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.