Max Clair Reid

Max Clair Reid, age 78, passed away on March 26, 2026. He was born on October 9, 1947, in Gunnison, Utah, to Kenneth Reid and Vera Bills Reid. He was the youngest of four children. They often joked about him being the “spoiled baby” of the family.

Max was raised in Ephraim, Utah, where he developed a deep and lasting love for the outdoors. That passion shaped his life’s work as a Forest Ranger with the U.S. Forest Service, where he served with dedication, integrity, and vision. Over the course of his career, Max made a profound impact on public lands and outdoor recreation in Utah and beyond.

Max proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, where he enlisted right out of high school. He served for six years both in active duty and later in the Army National Guard of Utah.

Those who know the outdoor recreation world understand the impact of Max’s work. As one tribute fittingly noted, “Max Reid wasn’t famous in a celebrity sense – but in the outdoor recreation world, he’s a big deal.” Without his leadership and persistence, the Paiute ATV Trail likely would not exist in the organized and accessible way it does today. Max helped change the way people recreate in the Sevier Valley and beyond, opening the door for countless families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the land he loved.

Max was deeply involved in wildland firefighting. He earned respect for his leadership and visionary efforts in combining the independent fire organizations from the various area government agencies into one interagency fire service, something that had never been accomplished before.

In addition, Max coordinated a historic land exchange in Flagstaff, Arizona, which required an act of Congress to make possible the construction of the Flagstaff District offices of the Coconino National Forest. Which still stands as a tribute, at the base of

Mount Elden, to the monumental efforts he made, another lasting contribution to the Forest Service and the communities it serves.

Beyond his professional life, Max was a man of many talents and passions. He loved a good piece of wood. He created many beautiful pieces of art, each crafted with care and skill. He also had a gift for storytelling and a deep appreciation for cowboy poetry. Max wrote many entertaining and beloved poems and leaves behind a rich life history filled with cherished stories that will live on through his family.

He found great joy in the outdoors, especially riding OHV’s along the Paiute Trail system he helped bring to life. On any given day, Max could be found in the mountains leading a group of enthusiasts across the Paiute Trail, sharing stories of the rich history of the area.

Max is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Neil, and his sister Eva Joy. 
Max is survived by his beloved spouse, Peggy Slade Reid; his children, Peggy (Shane) Christopherson, Michael (Shannon) Reid, Kelli (Carter) Reid, and Russell (Sherri) Wenzlau; his 12 cherished grandchildren; and his sister, Bonnie.

Max will be remembered for his vision, his service, his creativity, and his deep love for the land and the people in his life. His legacy lives on in the trails he helped build, the lands he protected, and the many lives he touched.

Max was a friend to all, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a true believer in life-ever-after. This isn’t goodbye, but rather ‘see you later,’ Max, my honey (aka Gramps).

Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 3, 2026, at 12:00 NOON in the 5th Ward Chapel, Richfield East Stake Center. 
Viewings will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, and again prior to services on Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Church. 
Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery with Military Honors.
Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti
An online guestbook and livestreaming of services can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com