Kenneth Reeves forecast for AccuWeather

Kenneth W. Reeves, 50, senior meteorologist and director of forecasting operations for AccuWeather Inc. and a community activist, died Sunday, March 25, after a fall at his home in Lemont, Pa.

A meteorologist for AccuWeather for 29 years, Mr. Reeves was the man reporters called not only to find out what was coming, but also to find out what had been and what it all meant.

"Ken had a passion for weather and a passion for everything he did, with a larger-than-life personality," his family said in an obituary in the Centre Daily Times in State College.

"He touched all he came into contact with and will be deeply missed by so many as a mentor, a colleague, a friend, and a loved one."

AccuWeather founder Joel N. Myers said: "Ken contributed to the success of the company in many ways over the years."

"Ken was a person of great energy, was liked by all, and will be greatly missed," said Barry Lee Myers, AccuWeather's chief executive officer.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Reeves grew up in Abington and graduated from Abington High School in 1979. While in high school, he trained three days a week with the head meteorologist at the Franklin Institute.

He went on to Pennsylvania State University, from which he graduated with a bachelor's degree in meteorology in 1983. He was vice president of the Undergraduate Student Government and was named to Who's Who Among American College Students. He also was active with the campus weather service.

Less than a month after graduating, Mr. Reeves started working for AccuWeather, the worldwide weather service based in State College.

He rose steadily through the ranks and was instrumental in the establishment of AccuData, a weather database for government agencies, weather hobbyists, pilots, and others who need weather information. He also helped integrate Apple Macintosh computer systems into AccuWeather's forecasting operations.

Mr. Reeves married Raychel Harvey-Jones in 2011.

Among his community activities, he was long active with the Mount Nittany Conservancy, which seeks to protect the recreational area near State College from commercial development.

He also was a player and coach with local softball leagues and was an active fund-raiser for Children's Hospital of Orange County, Calif.

He was a member of State College Presbyterian Church.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a sister, Beverly Thompson, and a brother, Stephen F. Reeves.

Services were held Thursday, March 29, in State College.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mount Nittany Conservancy, Box 334, State College, Pa. 16804, or Children's Hospital of Orange County, 505 S. Main St., Orange, Calif. 92868.