It is with great sadness that we inform you of the recent passing of our classmate Fred Reeder. Those who knew Fred in junior high could tell even then that he was headed for the stage as an actor and singer. This was soon demonstrated to the Ashland community with a series of iconic performances in student productions. Colonel Pickering in “My Fair Lady” and Sheridan Whiteside in “The Man Who Came To Dinner” quickly come to mind but there were many others.
After graduating from Ashland College in 1972 Fred left town to pursue his chosen craft on a bigger stage. This included study at Drama Studio London and performances in New York City. He tended toward Gilbert and Sullivan roles. At least one person recalls his version of the “Major General's Song”, a patter song from their 1879 comic opera “The Pirates of Penzance”. And a one-man Teddy Roosevelt show before a live audience.
Fred moved back to Ashland in 1997 where he began serving on the board of the Ashland Regional Ballet and as the narrator for their annual Christmas presentation of “The Nutcracker”. He also collaborated with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra several times to perform his pops concert, “The Best of Gilbert and Sullivan”, which he had first produced in the early 1990's.
Fred passed away at home on July 31st.
(Thank you to Jeff Ewing for writing this for our class "In Memory" page)
Stan Kopp
Fred was also King Arthur in Camelot and had several performances with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra.
I was Fred's Merlin in Camelot and we remained relatively close over the years. I am deeply saddened by the news of hi death!
William Newkirk
What a great talent! I've been watching the Gilbert and Sullivan YouTube clip of Fred frequently in recent years when I need a lift. I marvel at how talented he was. I think we all sensed that he was something special when we were in school, but since we'd grown up with him, at least for me, that was just Fred. He could do things no one else could. In fact, he was World Class. And we were very lucky to be able to experience him. Goodbye, Fred.
Earl Hawke
Earl
{only one in class of 68}
I have some memories of Fred from elementary school at Taft. He was always outgoing, funny and somewhat quirky in a good way. He was a fun guy to hang with! During the 1960 Presidential campaign Mrs Bon {or maybe Mrs Heckman} asked for volunteers to role play and give speeches for the candidates. Fred stepped up to portray JFK and Tom Castor Tricky Dick. It was fun and evidently memorable for me. Anyone else remember this? Fred, only Fred in class of 68, a life well lived!!
Sue Shenberger (Pesci)
Jack and I have been season ticket holders for many years at Stranahan Theater in Toledo. Attending a performance some years ago, we found an advertisement in the lobby for an upcoming special showing of The Mikado. Imagine my surprise to find a picture of Fred Reeder in the display as one of the featured actors! Unfortunately, we were unable to attend that performance. I would love to have been able to send a note backstage to Fred to tell him that a classmate from1968 was in the audience appreciating his performance. Opportunity missed. I was sorry to hear of Fred's passing.