>> i try to do that with everybody. >> reporter: reid also inspired fierce loyalty from many of his long time aides as well as fellow senators. not all out of fear, but affection. he often told colleagues he loved them, even in public. >> i love you, john kerry. >> reporter: he had a story book romance with wife landra, his high school sweetheart. the two converted to mormonism together when they married. >> man, it looked so good. >> reporter: that's amazing. >> it is true. >> reporter: in january 2015, reid, a workout addict who ran numerous marathons, had a brutal exercise accident that left him severely bruised and blind in one eye. it cemented his decision to retire. a few years later he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. the effects of chemo made it hard for him to walk. we went to see him in las vegas. >> that's one of my keepsakes from donald trump. >> reporter: never any complaints. >> i'm doing fine. i'm busy.