John Reed, Renton Councilman

The death of Renton City Councilman John Reed, who collapsed of a heart attack while playing basketball Wednesday evening, shocked friends and family who remember him as an avid athlete and a devout family man. Reed was 40.

Firefighters were called to the Renton Community Center at 6:24 p.m., but could not revive Reed, who had no known health problems. Battalion Chief Ray Barilleaux said Reed died before he was transported to Valley Medical Center.

Reed, who studied urban and regional planning at Western Washington University, was a manager in Boeing Computing Services. He spent most of his life in Renton and was the council's expert on environmental matters, council President Nancy Mathews said.

``More than any other person on the council, he had a love for the environment and he made use of that as watchdog over our land-use decisions,'' Mathews said. ``He had tremendous insight, a sense of humor and a great love of the city. He was a leader who found ways to disagree in a positive manner.''

Reed, a 10-year incumbent who ran unopposed in the November election, recently was appointed chairman of the council's Planning and Community Development Committee.

Colleagues said Reed kept a low profile as a councilman. On the basketball court, however, he stood out.

He played on the Renton High School team that won state AAA championships in 1966 and '67, then played varsity at Western Washington University.

``He was an animal - one fantastic basketball player,'' said close friend Ron Clark, who knew Reed for 35 years. ``Even at 40 he played like he was in high school.''

Cliff Komoto, another friend, described the 6-foot-6 Reed as a good sportsman who never lost his temper. ``He was an excellent manager as well. People who worked with him like him because he was fair. He was a hard worker, but always happy.''

``He didn't have a mean bone in his body,'' said his wife, Darlene. ``John was different from most people because he was very open-minded. He was the best father. And not a selfish person at all.''

Sevices will be held at 1 p.m. tomorrow in the Renton High School gymnasium where Reed spent hours playing basketball. Interment will be in Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Renton.

In addition to his wife, Reed is survived by two children, Jenna, 2, and Devin, 4. Contributions may be made to the John Reed Memorial Fund, a college trust fund for the children, at the First Federal Savings and Loan Association, P.O. Box 360, Renton, 98057.