Reed Nixon, 38, of Northborough

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obit-reed-nixonNorthborough – Reed Brown Nixon, 38, passed away peacefully at home Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, after enduring 21 years of paralysis from a spinal cord injury which left him immobile and ventilator dependent.

Reed was born March 3, 1978, to Mark Reed Nixon and Sheryl Brown Nixon in Provo, Utah. He was the third of six children. He lived in Orem and Lindon, Utah and College Station, Texas before settling in Northborough in 1993.

Reed was an excellent student and was captain of the cross-country and track teams at Algonquin Regional High School. He was a National Award winner in DECA – business marketing. He and his brother, Rob, were paralyzed in a car accident in 1995 which rendered them both quadriplegic.

Reed graduated in 1996 from ARHS. He went on to graduate magna cum laude from Bentley University in 2007 with a degree in finance.

Blessed with a tremendous sense of humor, Reed possessed a remarkably positive attitude despite his very difficult circumstances. This positive attitude sustained and uplifted everyone he met, particularly those who worked closely with him.

An Eagle Scout (earned after his injury), Reed was very active and played all kinds of sports prior to his injury. He was a sports enthusiast attending many Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics games. He visited over 16 ballparks around the country and traveled to 26 states and Canada all after becoming paralyzed.

Reed loved music and the arts. His collections of minerals, fossils, shells, and sports memorabilia were impressive. He managed his own on-line E-bay store selling sports cards and memorabilia. Reed was a wonderful motivational speaker and a regular guest lecturer at Bentley University. With his doctor, James Broadhurst, he taught many third-year medical students at UMASS and became a compelling advocate for patient care. He served faithfully, to the best of his ability, in various church responsibilities and leadership positions.

Reed deeply loved his five siblings and 21 nieces and nephews. He is survived by three sisters, Raelene (Nixon) Norman of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Renae (Nixon) Ellis of Hillsboro, Ore., and Natalie (Nixon) Dayton of Summerfield, N.C.; and two brothers, Robert Scott Nixon of South Jordan, Utah and Kent Mark Nixon of West Jordan, Utah. He is also survived by his grandparents, S. Reed and Joyce Nixon, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws.

Everyone is invited to spend time with the Nixon family Friday evening, Oct. 28, from 5-7 p.m., at a viewing at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. Please wear bright-colored clothing in celebration of Reed’s joyful life.

There will also be a viewing with the Nixon family Saturday morning, Oct. 29, from 9-10:30 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 150 Brown St., Weston. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in Utah. Again, please wear bright-colored clothing as we celebrate the life of our wonderful son and brother.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Reed’s memory may be sent to the Perpetual Education Fund at http://give.lds.org/pef. This fund provides educational opportunities for underprivileged individuals worldwide.

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