Matthew John Reed was born on October 1, 1986 to Michael and Miko Reed in Los Angeles, CA. He passed away on August 31, 2017, surrounded by friends and loved ones in Los Angeles.
Matt was the oldest of three brothers often referred to as “the Reed boys.” Matthew, Justin, and Milan, grew up doing everything together, and anyone could tell that his younger brothers imitated and admired Matthew.
From the time that Matthew was a little boy, it was apparent that he had a strong intellectual curiosity. He loved going to science camps and museums or even just spending time at the library.
When Matt was in the second grade, he began attending El Marino Language School where he learned all of his subjects in a Spanish immersion program. This early bilingual education stuck with Matt throughout his life; it opened up opportunities for him and enriched his experiences when traveling abroad.
Between 1998 and 2001, Matthew attended John Adams Middle School, and it was during these years that he first acquired his passion for video games, comic books, Harry Potter, Pokemon, and other hobbies that he never stopped loving. After John Adams, he enrolled in Loyola High School where he earned a prestigious scholarship as an incoming freshman.
In the Fall of 2002, Matthew transferred to King/Drew Magnet High School where his father also taught. While at King/Drew, Matt excelled in the classroom, in extracurriculars, and in athletics earning him much appreciation and many accolades. At King/Drew he also cultivated relationships with many amazing friends, teammates, teachers, and the girl whom he would later ask to be his wife.
After graduating from King/Drew, Matt went on to further his education at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Sociology. It was at Stanford where he not only grew his circle of dynamic friends, but he nurtured his love for theater even more through The Stanford Shakespeare Company. He participated in many productions on campus including The Tempest, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and King Lear.
Matthew also loved to travel, and took advantage of Stanford’s study abroad program. During his time in the overseas program in Madrid, he also ventured to other places throughout Europe. His favorites included Budapest, Milan, Venice, and Rome.
Upon returning to the Los Angeles area, Matthew reconnected with his highschool girlfriend Shannan Guillory in 2011. On December 23, 2015, amongst thousands of roses at the Exposition Park Rose Garden, he got on one knee and asked her to marry him.
They were set to be married on Saturday, September 23, 2017.
Although our hearts are heavy with this loss, and a bright light is now dim, we will forever carry Matthew with us in our hearts. Thank you for your continuous support and love during this difficult time.