COEUR d'ALENE - Even though Pete Erbland and Scott Reed didn't see eye to eye on politics, they had a tight friendship that lasted 35 years.

"I counted him as a dear friend," Erbland said Sunday afternoon. "He always had a twinkle in his eye. He always was professional and he never had a harsh word for any of his adversaries."

Reed, 87, died Saturday night with his family at his bedside. He had surgery about eight weeks ago and had been in failing health since.

"Scott is unique," Erbland said. "I don't see anyone filling his shoes."

Friends fondly recalled Reed's unwavering perseverance and commitment to his community as well as his dedication and respectful, kind demeanor during his nearly 60 years as an attorney. He and Erbland worked together and collaborated on many cases.

"I truly enjoyed that collaboration. I learned a lot from Scott," Erbland said. "His knowledge of property law was astounding. Scott was probably the most accomplished property law lawyer in the state of Idaho."

Reed was a champion for environmental causes, civil rights, education and much more. He served on the boards of trustees for several organizations and institutions - North Idaho College, Idaho Water Resources, North Dakota Wetlands Trust, Idaho Nature Conservancy and the Coeur d'Alene Library. He was on the Coeur d'Alene Planning Commission and the National Audobon Society's board of directors. He also received the Distinguished Lawyer Award from the Idaho State Bar in 2012.

Reed and Mary Lou, his wife of more than 60 years, were instrumental in preserving Tubbs Hill for the use of the people, among many other accomplishments that will leave a lasting impression on Coeur d'Alene. The Reeds were inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame last year.

"He has left a legacy," Erbland said. "If all of us could do a tenth of what he accomplished in his life, we would have lived a fulfilled life."

Through it all, Scott remained humble and modest, always shifting the spotlight to others.

Former city councilor Mike Kennedy said he vividly remembers being a dinner party guest in the Reed home, which friends jokingly refer to as the "Reed Hotel" because of the frequency with which visitors are welcome. He said rather than engage in fiery debates like many others, the brilliant Scott would walk around and make sure his guests' glasses were always full.

"He could have easily schooled all of us, but he was there filling wine glasses because he was so humble," Kennedy said. "He was the smartest guy in the room, but he never needed to show it."

When Kennedy met the Reeds in 1991, he said he was immediately embraced by them and they helped connect him to the community. He said Scott lived his life with a very light touch while being "serious as a heart attack about his work and his principles."

"He didn't take himself seriously at all, he was easy going," Kennedy said. "I think that's a good lesson for us all."

Kennedy said the word "hero" should be reserved for those who deserve it, and Scott absolutely deserves it.

"When you think about all the things he has done and preserved and saved, I think Scott earned that title as well as anybody," he said. "I am proud and honored to have been an acquaintance and a friend, and I will remember him forever, as will all of us."

Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations secretary Tony Stewart has been a close friend of the Reeds since 1970. Stewart said he would describe Scott as a "renaissance man."

"Not only did he work in the courtroom, but the whole region, and he was so committed to this beautiful environment we have," Stewart said. "He loved the outdoors so much."

Stewart said Scott believed in academic freedom, was a great adviser who loved life and had a passion for making sure everyone had rights. He said the community is very lucky the Reeds decided make Coeur d'Alene their home.

"The older you get, the more you realize you're on this planet just for a twinkle of an eye," Stewart said. "Scott Reed made a huge difference and it lives on in legislation and in programs.

"He maximized his years on this planet to make it a better place."