Obituary of Terence M Reed

Dr. Terence Michael Reed DDS, 71, of Morrison, Colorado passed away after a courageous journey with Parkinson’s disease on May 25, 2026, peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Terry was born on March 26, 1955, in Tokyo, Japan, to Fred and Lottie Reed, after Fred was drafted as a dentist for the United States Army. Fred and Lottie, natives of Germany, survived the Holocaust and met in New York City where they built a free and prosperous life for their family. Terry grew up in Washington Heights, Manhattan, where he played countless sports games with his friends and his brother, Peter.

A brilliant and fast-paced mind, Terry graduated from The Bronx High School of Science at the age of 16. After attending New York University for two years, Terry graduated premed from Albany State University in 1975. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia Dental School in 1979. As a young dentist, Terry found his way to Potsdam, New York where he would end up making his career, his family, and a lasting difference in the community.

“Doc Reed” was known for his huge height, huger laugh, and hugest heart. As the founder of the Potsdam Center for Innovative Dental Technologies, Terry took care of the teeth of folks across the greater North Country area for over 3 decades. He regularly offered no-cost Give Back to the Community Days, making compassionate and cutting-edge dentistry possible for all. After semi-retiring, Terry participated in numerous dental service trips to Guatemala with his wife and teammate of 42 years, Nancy. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Terry served as an ambassador for the Davis Phinney Foundation, and he inspired many to live with hope, health, and dignity.

Terry dedicated himself to always owning the newest Apple tech gadget, finding the steepest hills around the world to climb on his bike, seeing Bruce Springsteen in concert, and never leaving a restaurant with leftovers. His appetite for life was unparalleled along with his unique personality and sense of humor. Friends from across his lifetime reported, “You could always count on Terry to tell it like it is.” Along the way Terry also established homes, adventure routes, and friendships-over-dinner in beloved and beautiful locations including Lake Ozonia, The Turks and Caicos Islands, Tucson AZ, and Frisco CO.

Terry Reed was most of all devoted to his wife and kids and always said he was happiest when he was with his clan. Terry was the master of his destiny, and his life philosophy came from his favorite musical, RENT: “Measure your life in love.”
Terry is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Mallory; son, Scott (Annie) and three grandchildren, Danny (6), Hank (4), and Josie (7 mo); a brother, Peter (Thea); many nieces and nephews; and his dog, Fritz.

A celebration of life will be held later this year. Donations may be made to the Davis Phinney Foundation.