Roger S. Reist was always happiest in a garden; nothing gave him greater pleasure than his beautiful roses – unless it was sharing those flowers with friends and family. On December 9, 2010, following a struggle with Parkinson’s disease, Roger passed into God’s garden, where the flowers never fade and the sun is never dimmed.
Roger was born in Lancaster, on August 11, 1932 the sixth child of Linneus L. Landis and Frances Lentz Reist. He was a graduate of Manheim Township High School (1949); Franklin and Marshall College (1953) and the George Washington University Law School (1956).
Roger served as a Naval Intelligence Officer during the Cold War, before returning to Lancaster for his legal career. He was the law partner of K.L. Shirk, Jr. until Mr. Shirk’s death in 2006 at which time he became “Of Counsel” with the firm of Nikolaus & Hohenadel, LLP from which he retired in 2009. His practice focused on business and estate planning; areas of law which suited his gentle, courtly manner. He served as President of the Lancaster Bar Association in 1990.
Roger believed strongly in serving his community, and was a valuable board member of many organizations including Pennsylvania Dutch Boy Scout Council where he was a Silver Beaver award winner, Fulton Opera Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Lancaster County MH/MR Citizens Board and the Men’s Garden Club. He was a life long member of First Presbyterian Church.
Roger had a special place in his heart for the Lancaster Rotary Club, whose Wednesday luncheon meetings were the highlight of his week. He was a faithful alum of F & M, was a past member of the alumni board and was pleased to attend the Nevonian Luncheon at the college’s 2010 Homecoming.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diana (Smelzer) Reist; three children, Barbara Reist wife of Jesse Dillon, Gregory L. Reist, and David F. husband of Danielle Sempier Reist; three grandchildren, Miranda Dillon, Alexander Dillon and Benjamin Reist all of Lancaster County. Also surviving is a sister Susan R. Severs and a brother Arthur L. Reist both of Lancaster. He was preceded in death by sisters, Frances R. Bush and Luela Ruth Bradley and by a brother Linn L. Reist, Jr.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church, 140 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA with the Rev. Dr. Randolph T. Riggs and the Rev. Dr. Donald W. Hackett officiating. Friends may call at the Kearney A. Snyder Funeral Home, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA on Monday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and at the church on Tuesday morning from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment in Landis Valley Mennonite Cemetery will be private and held at the convenience of the family prior to the visitation at the church on Tuesday morning. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Reist’s memory may be made to the Rotary Club of Lancaster Foundation, P. O. Box 1387, Lancaster, PA 17608-1387 or to the Pennsylvania Dutch Council Boy Scouts of America, 630 Janet Avenue #B114, Lancaster, PA 17601-4541
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