Industry veteran Donald Reed passes away

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is sad to share the news that Donald Reed passed away in his home at the age of 89.

Reed worked at NMMA when it was known as the Boating Industry Association (BIA) through the 1970s and 1980s. He was one of the earliest founders of the NMMA certification program and worked closely with the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and on many International Organization for Standardization (ISO) boat standards.

NMMA’s former senior vice president of engineering standards, Tom Marhevko said, “Don was a true pioneer in the use of standards and testing in the U. S. recreational boating industry. Upon his retirement, he was asked to continue to represent the NMMA and the U.S. on many of the early ISO Working Groups that created the recreational boat standards that are still being used today. He was one of the first “experts” of our industry and his passion for his work will be sorely missed.”

Furthermore, John Adey, president of ABYC stated, “I had the pleasure of knowing Don for several years as a key member of ABYC’s electrical committee. His wit and wisdom will certainly be missed and his service as an ABYC volunteer has helped make boating safer for all of us.”

Reed was an engineer who served his country (Korean War, Volunteer Police Force, Civil Air Patrol), his family, his community, and the boating industry with devotion, excellence, and honor.

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One Comment

  1. I met Don in the early days of safety standards work when I joined the WYLE Lab team that developed the requirements for Recreational Boating safety that wound up in 33 CFR. I enjoyed many “Safe” flights in Don’s plane and the knowledge and experience transfer he conveyed in private conversations were a great inspiration to me as I pursued product certification testing services after founding IMANNA Laboratory. I have many great memories and a great respect for Don’s involvement and achievements in the recreational boating field. I will miss his counsel. May the Lord bless the remaining friends and family with courage to carry forward the vision Don cut into our lives.

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