Michael Jay Reid

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” -Psalms 34:18

Dr. Michael Jay “Jay Bird” Reid, age 78, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, in Owatonna, Minnesota. He was born on April 8, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio, and lived a life defined by service, love, laughter, and unforgettable stories.

At just 17 years old, Michael bravely enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served aboard the USS William H. Standley. He was honorably discharged after six years of dedicated service, from 1964 to 1970. His time in the Navy shaped his strength, independence, and lifelong sense of duty.

Michael went on to earn his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1982 from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota. After completing his education, he made Palm Springs, California, his home, where he spent most of his life surrounded by friends, his loving daughter, Nancy, and his grandchild, Cassidy. Despite settling in California, he always returned to Minnesota whenever he could to enjoy cabin life, the peace of the lake, and time surrounded by nature.

Michael had a deep love for his dogs, being on the water, bird watching, sculpting, reading, and learning about his ancestry. Above all else, he cherished time with his loved ones. He was an amazing and unforgettable dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather, known especially for his storytelling, his ability to make others laugh, and his unmistakable Irish stubbornness.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Nancy, and his son, Shawn; his grandchildren, Kali (and her significant other, Tim), Jacob, and Cassidy; his great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Lincoln, and Grayson; and many friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Doris; his brother, Larry; several cousins; and his beloved son, Frankie.

In his later years, Michael made a meaningful decision to return to Minnesota so he could be closer to his family, valuing every moment spent. He shared a special, devoted bond with his granddaughter Kali, serving as a kindred spirit and constant source of love and support. He was an incredible great-grandfather to her three children and took every opportunity to see them or proudly brag about them to anyone who would listen. His love for his family was unwavering and unconditional.

Michael will be remembered as kind-hearted, strong-willed, forthright, and deeply empathetic to those he cared for most. He was a jokester, a storyteller, and a man whose presence filled every room with warmth and laughter. He will always be remembered, deeply missed, and lovingly cherished. Though he is gone from our sight, he lives on in our hearts- and now sings and dances his heart out in heaven.

“I've loved, I've laughed and cried, I've had my fill, my share of losing, and now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing, to think I did all that, and may I say, not in a shy way, oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way” – Frank Sinatra