Herbert “Herb” Reich, of Malibu, died on Monday morning, Jan. 1. He was the son of Lester and Ella Reich and was born in New York.
Herb and his wife Ellen were happily married for almost 47 years. When they married in 1971 they joined their families together. There are four remaining children: Paul Reich, Julie King, William Gaynor and James Gaynor. Herb and Ellen’s youngest son, Barry Gaynor, recently died on Dec. 9. Herb leaves his beloved brother Richard and sister-in-law Dorothy Reich, along with his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, as well as the entire extended family, all of whom contributed to his joy in life.
Herb grew up in Newark, N.J., and met Ellen when they were in fifth grade. After high school, Herb served our country in the Air Force and then moved to California. He attended USC and, up until his death, you’d see him wearing his SC cap.
Herb and Ellen remet when he was back east on business in ‘71 and they married the same year. He brought his family to California and, for three years, they lived in Pacific Palisades.
In 1971, Herb started H.R. Medical Supply, delivering durable medical equipment to people in need at their homes. His company became known as “The Company With a Heart.”
In 1974, the family moved to Malibu. At that time, Malibu was a township of Los Angeles County. Herb was very active in the cityhood movement. He participated in many other community services and served on the board of Senior Health and Peer Counseling, now known as WISE. He also was actively involved in fighting against the LNG proposal in our Malibu ocean waters.
Herb had many passions. He flew a single engine Cessna, enjoyed sailing, boating and fishing, rode motorcycles, and traveling in the U.S. and other countries. He crafted beautiful ceramics, painted pictures and wrote poetry and stories.
“He was a devoted husband and father and especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” a loved one recalled. “Herb was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.”