Reid Weedon, Manomet trustee 1983-2013

It is with a heavy heart that we share that Reid Weedon—long-time Manomet trustee (1983-2013), pillar-of-strength and general force to be reckoned with—passed away on November 2, 2016.  Reid, who was 96 years old, was an incredible friend to Manomet and left an indelible mark on the many that he touched.  Through both his generosity and efforts, Reid’s commitment will benefit Manomet’s mission in perpetuity.

 

Manomet’s former President Linda Leddy shares about the role Reid played in making Manomet the organization it is today: “In every institution’s life, there are key people who stepped forward at key times, and through their skills, dedication, and caring, helped turn an institution’s vision into a reality. For Manomet, one of those key people was Reid Weedon who stepped forward to help Manomet forge a new course in 1985 by joining our first strategic planning committee, and then stayed closely involved for the next thirty years. His dedication was most evident in the early 2000’s, when he and a small group of Trustees took the lead in instigating a significant endowment campaign for Manomet. The $14 million that resulted from that effort were astounding and support Manomet’s ability to carry out its vision every day.”

 

Born in Newton and a 1941 graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Reid served in the Navy during World War II.  Following the war, he joined the international consulting firm Arthur D. Little, retiring as senior vice president after more than 50 years.  One of his first clients was the government of Puerto Rico, which hired ADL to help industrialize their economy.  Most notable of his work for ADL, and most meaningful to him, was monitoring the “Sullivan Principles.”  Set forth by the Reverend Leon Sullivan, these principles for U.S. companies doing business in South Africa sought to end South Africa’s economic isolation and, ultimately, apartheid.  This work lasted 17 years until South Africa approved the reform process and held its first democratic elections in 1994.  Reid’s final visit, of more than 21 trips to that country, came just after Nelson Mandela was released from prison.

 

Reid facing camera in the old house MBO library

A tireless volunteer and trustee, Reid loved–and excelled at–fundraising. At MIT, he served in almost every leadership position. He was a member of the MIT Corporation, president of the alumni association, an energetic force in every MIT capital campaign, and a mentor to a generation of fundraisers who remained devoted to him. He was a dedicated member of the Phi Beta Epsilon fraternity at MIT and was committed throughout his life to supporting the academic, personal, and professional development of its undergraduates. At Boston’s Museum of Science, he became a life trustee after serving as chairman of its board.  As we mentioned, he was a Manomet trustee for 30 years.  As Leddy says of him, ” ‘No’ was not a word that meant much to Reid–there was always a way ahead. His caring and dedication have left a lasting legacy at Manomet and other institutions, and his friendship is something I will always treasure and appreciate. He is missed.” 

 

John Hagan, Manomet’s current President, was hired as a budding Ph.D. scientist during Reid’s early days with Manomet.  Hagan said, “What a legacy.  I expect Manomet to be here a century from now, largely due to the relentless work of Reid Weedon.”

 

A memorial service was held at the MIT Chapel.  To read his complete obituary, please click here. Donations may be made in his memory to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Museum of Science, or Manomet.