Frank J. Reich peacefully passed away from complications due to Parkinson's disease with family by his side on October 7, 2018.

Frank was born on June 18, 1927 in Wallace, Idaho to Dr. Leo and Lula Reich. His early years were spent in Wallace before moving to Kellogg, Idaho for high school. During Frank's high school years he was a star basketball player and was honored by being voted student body president for two consecutive years.

Soon after high school graduation Frank joined the Air Force and was stationed in Germany. After finishing his tour of duty Frank returned to Kellogg and married his high school sweetheart, Irene Johnston. As newlyweds Frank and Irene moved to Moscow, Idaho where Frank completed a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Idaho. They had three children, Richard, David and Debra.

After graduation the family moved to Missoula, Montana where Frank was hired as Missoula Superintendent of Parks and Recreation. In 1962 the superintendent of Missoula Public Schools recognized that Frank's skill-set, personality, and leadership abilities made him the perfect candidate to apply for the job as "Director of Physical Education and Athletics". Frank was hired and with due diligence took on the task of visiting each class in 16 schools grades 1 through 8, two times a year for extra special physical education classes. When   "Mr. Reich" came decked out in his white polo shirt and white khakis the children were delighted to get to play games that were outside the framework of their typical P.E. classes. These included floor hockey, parachute games, somersaulting, and square dancing.

Being a pioneer, Frank's vision was one of complete health enhancement, developing the whole child in and out of the classroom. He envisioned a well rounded child. In 1974 he started recruiting young educator's fresh out of college. Frank had a very distinct vision of the type of people he wanted to hire. He wanted teachers not coaches. He loved his job and supervised his team for 28 years. Frank was very well known and respected in the state of Montana and nationally by the American Alliance of Physical Education, Health, Recreation and Dance.

Frank teamed up with two doctors and created scoliosis screening programs throughout the school system. He strived to prevent back problems at an early age.

Frank was ahead of his time believing that athletics should not only be for boys but needed to include girls as well. He introduced track and field as his first effort to get both involved in athletics. Later, he also began soccer in the schools allowing girls to have more athletic choices.

Frank was an avid jogger. He wanted to stay in shape to keep up with his "Kids" throughout the school district. His daughter, Debra got him a log book to track the miles he ran. He set and met his goal of running 24,000 miles, which is the approximate circumference of the earth, at the age of 83. He was a man of the world. His leadership, innovative skills and dignity were the threads that wove throughout his life and made Frank the man he was until his death.

In 1964, as his summer job, Frank started mowing many of the school districts grade school lawns. He was meticulous and to this day teachers still comment of what a thoughtful gentleman he was when performing his mowing job. He continued mowing until the age of 85.

After retirement Frank could be seen in his motor home sporting his "MR. P.E." license plates given to him by his fellow co-workers. He was extremely proud of his license plates, so much that they are still on his vehicle to this day. Years later the school district honored him by naming the new Cold Springs gymnasium after him.

Touching the lives of thousands, Frank could not go anywhere without a past student asking, "Aren't you Mr. Reich"?

Frank had a golden singing voice. He led 3 square dance clubs and participated in many musical festivals, and competitions even while enjoying a cruise. An avid hunter, fisherman, and camper, he taught his children to enjoy Montana's outdoors.

His wife, Irene passed away Jan. 1990. The following year he met the second love of his life, Nelda Farr. They married in 1991 integrating Frank's three children and Nelda's five children into one loving family.

Frank was always a true gentleman who personified dignity in everything he did. If a song could describe how he viewed everyday of his life, it would have to be "What a Wonderful World'.

Left to cherish his memories, Frank is survived by his wife Nelda, his three children; Richard, David (Sandy), Debra (Cameron), and Nelda's five children, Carolyn (Keith), Clarice (Norvel), Gary (Stacey), Charla (Bob), and Neal (Stephanie). He was blessed with 26 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at The Church of Latter-Day Saints, 3201 Bancroft; visitation from 9:00 to 9:45 AM, with services beginning at 10:00 AM on Friday October 19. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery, 7406 Mullan Road. Luncheon will follow after returning to the church.

A memorial service will be November 1 ^st 7pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1455 N. Harris Dr., Mesa, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Frank's name to help Missoula's children in need of necessary clothing or shoes to participate in physical education or athletic events. Donations can be sent to MCPS Families in Transition Program. Attn: Trish Kirchten. 215 S 6 ^th St W. Missoula, Mt. 59801.