In Memoriam: Shelley Reece MFA ’14

Shelley Reece MFA ’14 died Dec. 17, 2021, at age 85. Reece was a devoted husband, father, teacher, mentor, scholar, and poet. Born April 19, 1936, in Havensville, Kan., he earned a masters and PhD at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1969, he accepted a position as professor of English at Portland State University. During his 33 years at PSU, he served six years as director of Composition and six more as the English Department chair. His young family accompanied him to Cambridge on sabbatical for the 1975 academic year. He retired from teaching in 2002 after 43 years in education.

Reece had many interests. He lent his lyric baritone voice to a multitude of local choirs, facilitated an informal group studying James Joyce's Ulysses, and enjoyed getting away to his family's beloved vacation home on Anderson Island. His greatest passion was writing poetry. He wrote daily, sharing his work in a front yard 'poetry box' for the community to enjoy. He met monthly with fellow poets for writing workshops, and served 13 years on the board of Friends of William Stafford, including five as chairman. An advocate of lifelong learning, he earned a master of fine arts degree in poetry from Pacific University in 2014.

Reece is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary; daughter Lesley; and son Dan.