Reid, John K. Age 93, of Victoria, formerly of Minnetonka, passed away in his sleep on April 6, 2020. John leaves behind two sons: Gary (Robyn) of Lenexa, KS and Brian (Dawn) of Minneapolis; two grandsons Erik (LeAnn) and Ian; great-grandsons Brecken and Huntington; and many nieces and nephews. His dear wife, Donna, passed away in January 1998. John grew up on France Avenue in St. Louis Park across the street from The Minikahda Club. In the winter, the empty golf course served as the perfect playground for John and his sister Nancy, sometimes their parents would even join them. John enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II while still a student at St. Louis Park High School. After the war, he completed his high school education through a GED program at the University of Minnesota. John was a successful salesman who enjoyed the independence of working alone, yet had the privilege of calling many of his customers friends. His journey took him through a variety of jobs before he found one that really fit him. He began in the real estate business with his father. He spent four years at JCPenney, first in Waterloo, IA and then as Assistant Manager at their Minneapolis store. John then joined Streater Industries, Spring Park and spent the next five years selling drug store fixtures throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. In 1958, he began working for Ottens Flavors, Philadelphia, PA where he found his calling. His sales area encompassed 12 Midwestern states which meant traveling hundreds of thousands of miles by car to call on his customers all without a single accident, John would proudly add. John was a member of the American Association of Cereal Chemists, the Institute of Food Technologists, and a lifetime member of the Minnesota Ingredient Suppliers Association where he was president in 1983. When John retired from Ottens Flavors on May 12, 1994, the company president wrote him this letter that John so dearly cherished: "Dear John: Remember back thirty-six years? Sure you do a little younger, less experienced and sometimes a bit fragile. You, however, had a vision of the future, honesty and ambition the assets required for success. Success you achieved John in many fashions. You are respected by your competitors, your customers, your fellow employees, your family and friends. A man can ask for little more than the respect which we all extend to you. So many years we would set your business goal, you would just give a shrug of your shoulder, or offer a smile and state, "I'll give it my best shot." John, you never let a person or persons down. At the end of the year, you always met and exceeded your goal and came back asking, "What is it for next year, the future?" John, everyone at Ottens Flavors has truly enjoyed working with you as you have set an example for all of us. We have grown together as a family and have made great progress together. Thank you, John, for just being "you" a man we all respect. We all wish you and Donna, your great and loving wife, along with your family many wonderful years of health and happiness. God Bless You, John" John was an avid walker who rarely missed a day on the pathways of our area's beautiful parks and lakes. He also loved to golf carding four holes in one and enjoyed joining his buddies for rounds at Hiawatha, Meadowbrook or Glen Lake. In the winters, he would lace up his ice skates or take a family ski vacation to Colorado or Utah. John was a generous and encouraging soul who made a lasting impact on so many people that he met throughout his life. In his later years, as John's memory faded, his generosity, compassion and quick wit still shined bright. It was during this time that he met and shared his days with special friend, Helen Lamson, who preceded him in death in January, 2019. Special thanks to the amazing staff at Emerald Crest, Victoria. You showed John so much kindness and love. His family is very grateful for each and everyone of you. Memorials preferred to Minnesota Teen Challenge, 1619 Portland Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404-9930. A celebration of John's life will be held at a later date.