John "Tom" Thomas Reeve

John Thomas Tom Reeve of Rochester, died Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home, where he had made his home for nearly four years. Tom was born March 16, 1933, in Rochester to Myron and Alice (Bennett) Reeve. He was a graduate of Rochester High School and attended Rochester Junior College, Macalester College in St. Paul and the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his BS in Business Administration and MS in Administration, Personnel and Counseling, with a minor in Psychology. Tom also received military training, beginning as an Air Cadet at Lackland AFB, Texas. He trained as an Aircraft Radio Operator at Ellington AFB, Houston, and completed active service at Hutchinson AFS, Kansas, receiving an honorary discharge as airman first class in 1960. Over the years Tom held a variety of positions, primarily with colleges and art schools. He served as dean of Campus Programs and Activities at UCLA in the 1970s, was dean of admissions at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and president of the Art Institute of California in Laguna Beach.He was most proud of his volunteer work during the Civil Rights movement, helping African Americans in Mississippi register to vote. Tom married Camilla Tedford on January 14, 1955, in Biloxi, Mississippi.They were later divorced. Tom loved California, but Rochester, Minnesota, even more. He took an active role in his world and was excited by plans to secure Rochester as a global Destination Medical Center. He rarely missed Thursday afternoon BINGO at Samaritan Bethany (and laughingly planned to make a million at the 50 cents a week limit).He enjoyed performing in Pastor Jeans plays, singing with his good friend Lou, and pizza or snacks any time.He probably will be most remembered for his jokes, the good and bad, because he always had one for every situation and all occasions. (Paramedics:The Mayo brothers) He is survived by sisters-in-law Glendle Reeve of Spokane, WA, and Laura Reeve of Windom, MN, numerous nieces and nephews, and dear friends at Samaritan Bethany. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert, Gordon, and Mark Reeve; and sisters, Helen Burke, Virginia Schultz and Marsha Reeve. A memorial service will be held 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 at Samaritan Bethany with Pastor Jean Boese officiating. His body was donated to the Mayo Clinic. Cremains will be interred at Oakwood Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com