Bartender remembered by friends and families at Oui Lounge
Chance Welch
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A bartender well-known among university students will be honored by friends and his family at Oui Lounge this weekend.
Trent Reid was a bartender at the Blue Bonnet Circle location for 28 years before he died of cancer March 1 at the age of 56. Co-workers and "regulars" will hold a memorial for him Saturday night with music by guitarist Bill Hamm, a friend of Reid's, and barbecue.
Chad Chipman, a bartender at the Oui Lounge, said Reid was not only known for his long beard and cowboy hat, but also for his love of history and reading.
Reid chose bartending as a living, even though he had a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, Chipman said. Although he could be quiet at times, Reid would carry a conversation with anyone over a beer or drink of his or her choice, Chipman said.
Senior finance-real estate major Kevin Tofsky said Reid was an "institution" at the bar.
"The Oui definitely has a lot to make up for now that Trent is not here," Tofsky said.
Tofsky said that he will attend the event and that he thought having the memorial at the bar would be a fitting tribute.
Senior film-TV-digital media major Thomas Fenoglio said he was saddened by Reid's death.
"Trent was kind of the heart and soul of this place for a real long time," Fenoglio said. "When I heard that he died, I almost didn't want to come back here. I didn't know what to expect."
Senior ranch management major Taylor Marley described Reid as "a guy who would give you advice, help you out and pour the best drinks."
Marley acknowledged that the bar would be different without Reid but said he was hopeful that the bar would carry on in his memory.
"You never know when it's your time to go, but Trent always lived like his last day was tomorrow," Marley said.
Oui Lounge Tribute to Trent Reid
Where: Oui Lounge, 3509 Blue Bonnet Circle
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
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