David Reid

The Brigham community mourns the loss of David Reid, an Environmental Services aide, who died Sept. 8. He was 64.

A member of the Brigham community for an extraordinary 47 years, Mr. Reid most recently was responsible for clinical administrative areas along the Ground Pike, where he worked during the evening shift to provide a clean, safe and welcoming environment for patients, families and staff.

Mr. Reid was remembered by colleagues for his kind and open heart, outstanding dedication to the Brigham and wholehearted commitment to helping anyone in need.

“David was such a generous and humble person,” said Felix Berrios, a supervisor in Environmental Services. “He was always willing to extend his hand when we needed it to make things happen. We will all miss him as a colleague, and some of us will also miss him as a true friend. His legacy will live on through all the great work he did.”

Cislyn Ferguson, an Environmental Services aide, was a colleague of Mr. Reid’s for more than two decades and cherished the warmth and camaraderie he brought to their work.

“He always made jokes and made me laugh,” she said. “He was kind and respectful. If I asked him to help me with something, he was always there for me. He will be missed.”

Jean Dalmeus, evening operations manager in Environmental Services, recalled how he and Mr. Reid laughed often at inside jokes they shared and would miss Mr. Reid’s friendship, sense of humor and love of his Jamaican culture.

“David was the most dedicated employee in our department. It broke my heart to lose him, but he did not go alone. A part of us went with David the day God took him home,” Dalmeus said. “In life, we loved him dearly at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In death, we love him still. In our hearts, David holds a place no one could ever fill.”

Yodit Mebrahtu Gebreyesus, an Environmental Services aide, said the heartbreak and grief she felt over Mr. Reid’s passing was tempered only by the fond memories they shared over the years.

“David helped me in more ways than I can describe. He wouldn’t just do something for me — he would teach me and give me genuine opportunities and a learning experience,” Mebrahtu Gebreyesus said. “David was far more than a mentor. He was a beloved friend.”

In an obituary honoring Mr. Reid’s life and legacy, his loved ones reflected on Mr. Reid’s passion for education, debate, religion and current events. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education and history from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

“David was deeply committed to the Rastafarian religion and the teachings of Marcus Garvey,” they wrote. “He thought deeply about current events and found ways to analyze, interpret and explain how Biblical history relates to world events. He always found a parable to describe everyday situations. A favorite was, ‘A patient man rides a donkey.’”

Mr. Reid is survived by his siblings Hubert Reid, Pauline Alexander, Derrick Reid, Franklyn Reid, Sharon Reid-Worrell and Jodie Williams; his cousin, Avia Reid; and many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, relatives and friends in England, Canada, Jamaica and the United States. He is predeceased by his siblings Lurline Daley, Roland McBean and Cecil Barrington Reid, and his parents, Lebert and Muriel Reid.