Passing of Compatriot Reed Halsted

photo and obit from the Richmond Times

HALSTED, Reed, by the glory of God, was called to heaven on Friday, May 13, 2016, at his home in Richmond, Va. Reed was born December 17, 1924, in Arlington, Va., the son of Arthur and Flora Pierce Halsted. He married Jean Erickson on January 15, 1955. He was a graduate of Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Va., and Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. After earning his B.A. at Kenyon, he attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons as part of the V-12 Navy College Training Program during World War II and took graduate courses at the University of Virginia. Reed worked as a salesman for Prince Matchabelli, Sterling Drug and several other companies, before starting Halsted Pharmaceuticals in 1960, where he patented and sold a medical product called Benephen. In his later career, he owned a New York-based sales territory, selling Safeguard Business Systems, until retiring in 1991. Reed was active in politics, running for state delegate in the 73rd district in 1993 and volunteering at the election polls. He was active with St. Giles Presbyterian Church of Richmond and attended Bible Study Fellowship for nearly 25 years. He was a member of the Sons of American Revolution and Colonial Wars and served as a docent at the Wilton House Museum. He was an avid sailor and was often seen by many in the front yard of his home tending to his garden. In addition to his wife of 61 years, Reed is survived by his sister, Nancy Lee Woodmansee (Charles) of Brentwood, Calif.; two sons, Reed Harbeck Halsted (Lorraine) of Winchester and Bruce Pierce Halsted (Cindy) of Bridgeport, Conn.; and grandchildren, LeighAnn Morris, Benjamin Hayward Halsted, Dale Stewart Halsted, Christina Jeanne Halsted, Anna Pierce Halsted and James Pierce Halsted. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bruce Cushman Halsted and Arthur Halsted Jr.; and his son, James Spencer Halsted. The family will receive friends Tuesday, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave. A celebration service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at St. Giles Presbyterian Church. A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall, following the service. Burial will be in Stockbridge, Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Giles Presbyterian Church or Bible Study Fellowship, International.