On March 21st, 1980 in Camden, NJ a young man was born. His name was Reginald Lee Streater. Reggie was the 2nd oldest of 10 and the oldest of the boys in his family- although his physical frame didn't look as such. Reg took care of his little brothers and sisters like they were his own. In fact, he would tell me funny stories about when he would change diapers incorrectly or try to feed a crying baby. He had to grow up fast, but in the end, his childhood experiences made him one of God's greatest creations and gifts.
As a teenager, Reggie played football in High School. And while he didn't brag, I got the feeling he was Mr. Popular with the students and with the teachers. Whenever we would talk about his high school days, he would get that infamous smirk on his face as if to say "You have no idea." Outside of school, Reg was in the choir at Cecil Deliverance Tabernacle Church in Williamstown, NJ. Yes, in the choir! He would try to sing to me every once in a while. I guess he was trying to relive his glory days. lol. Perhaps, he would have become the next Usher lol.
In 1999, Reggie entered Bryant College as a Freshman and continued his athletic career on the football field. He would always talk about his teammates as his brothers. They laughed and fought like brothers too! Most people knew Reg as the peacemaker. If you had a problem with him, more than likely it was your own fault. And while everyone moaned and groaned about Bryant being out in the "boonies" of a small state called Rhode Island, he enjoyed it! He always made things work either by himself or with other people. At Bryant, nicknames were common among the students. He had many, but the one that most people knew was "OG".
Finally, after many years of soul searching, "OG" decided to move to Hawaii and try something new. It was a great opportunity to challenge himself and see how far he could go. Needless to say, he made a great decision! He applied to Hawaii Tech where he earned his technical certifications and began working at a local doctor's office. Ironically, Reg knew a lot about anatomy and the medical field. In college, he was also known as "The Doctor" because he could identify any bone or muscle by its medical term! In Hawaii, he also met a new set of friends who he called "Da Crew". He always made me jealous with his fun stories about Hawaii and all the new things he was learning from his new friends. Most all, Reg told me he felt challenged but yet free and at peace. He told me ,"Things are different out here. It's hard, but it's really easy you know?".
Reggie loved life. He loved different people and different things. The word "Conventional" does not fit the character of who he was and how he did his thing. You'll read stories, I'm sure, of examples of this all throughout this memorial. What a world this would be if we all had half the adventurous and caring spirit he had.
This page is dedicated to the life and memory of our amazing and truly unique friend, brother, uncle, and son. As you'll see on the page, you can post comments and stories in his memory. Please be mindful of other people (including family and close friends) who may be viewing the page. We all know how loving he was and the joy he brought to many so let's do our best to protect that.
To Reggie:
You are one in a million. You are sorely missed. You are deeply loved.
