Reed H. Nelson, CPA
born February 2, 1923
died March 1, 1999

The world's most famous meteorologist certainly is the groundhog. Each year on February 2, he appears, makes his prediction of the Spring weather, and disappears back into his burrow.

Less well known, but nearly as talented a meteorologist was Reed H. Nelson. Born February 2, 1923, it is rumored that Reed took stock of the world around him, announced that it was less dismal than the alternative, and decided to stay. It wasn't until June 1944 that he received his official certificate in meteorology from the University of Chicago, while in military service with the United States Army.

Reed's career in public accounting spans the past 43 years, 37 of which have been in Bend. He was the senior practicing Certified Public Accountant in Bend and has richly earned recognition as a leader in our profession, both locally and state-wide. Among his achievements were a three year term on the Oregon State Board of Accountancy, past president of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, and wide recognition for his expertise in public finance and municipal auditing.

Those of us who had the opportunity to work with Reed, either as his associates or clients, have long recognized the thoughtful and professional manner in which he approached all the variety of disciplines of public accounting. He had been known to harbor an opinion or two in other areas as well... actually, almost all other areas.

It takes a wide base of experience to develop the depth of personality that Reed Nelson had. Reed entered public accounting at the relatively late age of 32 in a profession dominated by 22-year-old entry level individuals. A brief look at those first 32 years offers some insight into the development of Reed the person.

Reed graduated from Salem High School in 1941 and entered the University of Oregon, majoring in college more or less. In March 1943 the Army Air Corps beckoned. It was during his three and one-half year stint in the Army that Reed attended the University of Chicago, receiving a meteorology certificate. After the end of World War II, Reed re-entered the University of Oregon, and received a degree in General Science in 1947.

A two and one-half year term with Standard Oil Company, employed as plant salesman (flunky, in his words), convinced Reed that the world of big business was not his idea of a career. If that wasn't enough convincing, the Army called again. Two more years of military service, including one year in Korea, added to evidence that he utilized his meteorological training in this tour of duty. He explains it away by saying that it rained all the time anyway. Incidentally, Reed did finally escape the military, retiring in 1983 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

From 1953 to 1955, Reed's life took some dramatic changes. First, and certainly most significant, he married Katie Sutherland of Salem in April 1954. During that time he entered the University of Washington and in 1954 received a degree in accounting. He insisted that he majored in accounting because he didn't have to study. After graduation, he took what would be his first and only job in public accounting, with Bowers, David & Hoffman in Salem. Reed opened that firm's Bend office in 1961, which after many mergers and transitions ultimately became the firm Harrigan  Price Fronk & Co. LLP that exists today.

Reed and Katie had three daughters and five grandchildren.  Reed continued to serve clients during the last ten years of "retirement", although he stopped wearing neckties unless he had a St. Charles Medical Center board meeting. He periodically shifted his attention away from the practice of public accounting, such as in the late 1980s when he and longtime friend Paul Farnsworth were partners in a lumber remanufacturing plant in Bend. The golf course became a more or less regular challenge in Reed's life, and anyone who has driven past their Neff Road home can quickly see that Reed spent a great deal of time supervising Katie's lawn and garden maintenance. Oregon football was a bit of a passion, except he was always confused just who to root for during the annual Oregon - Washington brawl.

In truth, knowing and working with Reed was a richly rewarding experience for us all. He maintained an office with the firm through February, 1999. We feel honored to have had his knowledge, judgment and professionalism available to our firm.