Edward Winston Reid

In Loving Memory of 

Edward Winston Reid 

July 31, 1943 - June 9, 2025

We regret to announce that Edward Winston Reid, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, motorcycle enthusiast, cycling fanatic, camera hoarder, and self-proclaimed crab cake connoisseur, passed away in his Frederick apartment on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the age of 81.

Ed lived a full and happy life with very few regrets - though he might have wished for a slightly more dramatic exit. In his perfect world, he would’ve gone out in a flaming ball of motorcycle glory or perhaps drowned in a bucket of steamed crabs. Alas, with his motorcycle out of commission, and the crab season not fully in gear yet, he settled for the next best thing: a sudden departure while still fiercely independent and living life on his own terms. Honestly, he wouldn’t have had it any other way (except for the crab thing - he really would’ve preferred the crab thing). His only real regret? That he went out before crab season really got going. Talk about bad timing.

He was known for his collection of motorcycles, bicycles, and an impressive - and apparently endless-array of cameras. As the family now sorts through his belongings, they continue to discover cameras stashed in the most unexpected places. Just when they think they've found the last one, another appears - no doubt Ed’s final prank, laughing from above, as he watches the camera count climb higher and higher. The amount of motorcycle parts and helmets discovered also raises the possibility that he may have led a secret double life as a member of a biker gang. We may never know.

Despite never being much of a team sports guy himself, Ed happily became a devoted spectator at his grandchildren’s games and activities. Over the years, he mastered the complex rules of soccer, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse, and was especially proud when he confidently spotted an "offsides" call at one of his grandson’s soccer matches - a moment of personal triumph that took only three years to achieve.

An avid cyclist, Ed and his buddies once rode their bikes over a thousand miles from Ocean City, Maryland to Florida. “Once” because he vowed to never go through that hell again. The stories that arose from that trip are legendary. A decade later, the annual Seagull Century bike tour became a family tradition for a few years. Family time was great but we all know the real motivation was making it to the third rest stop at the 88-mile mark where pie and ice cream awaited.

And let’s not forget his particular taste in humor. Ed was fluent in Monty Python absurdities, South Park sarcasm, and Spinal Tap logic.

Ed is survived by his four children: Mary L. Cowing, Cheryl L. Martucci, Robert F. Reid, and Katherine S. Hohl; his six grandchildren: Stephen B. Kopsidas (28), Logan R. Kopsidas (25), Eion E. Cowing (26), Shannon E. Cowing (22), Travis W. Hohl (22), and Hillary J. Hohl (19); and his great-grandson, John B. Kopsidas (1.5).

He was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Hobby (1945-2010). He is also survived by his nephews and niece: Edward Scott Hobby, Kimberly A. (Hobby) Marshall, and Charles Brian Carraway. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Christopher Lee Hobby (1964-1988).

In true Ed fashion, there will be no somber funeral. Instead, the family gathered for a memorial dinner at Dutch’s Daughter - featuring more crabmeat than would be considered reasonable - to honor a man who lived life fully, laughed often, and would definitely want us to remind you that "life’s too short not to quote South Park and eat more crabs."

He will be greatly missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.