Obituary: George Earl Reed (June 10, 1954 – Jan. 15, 2012)

George Earl Reed passed away suddenly on January 15, 2012, in Grants Pass, Ore.

George was born in Crescent City on June 10, 1954. He joined the Army in 1973 with his buddy Carl Scott, which led him to Texas. He met and married Donna Nagel (Barker) and they had a son, Harley Lee Reed, in 1975. George and Donna continued to remain friends throughout the years. George moved back to Crescent City where he met and found his life-long companion Brenda Del Ponte. George and Brenda moved to Cave Junction in 1990 where they created a beautiful and unique life.

George was a proud Yurok tribal member. He was a gifted artist in many ways. He loved to build, paint, draw, and tattoo. One of the biggest parts of his life was being an avid “biker” through and through. He was a collector of many things and enjoyed going to yard sales to find his many treasures. It was a great joy for George to visit with the many friends and family that were in his life. Many people who didn’t know, George may have been intimidated, but George was one of the funniest and generous person around. Big George, Redwood or George “E.” Reed, he was bigger than life and was loved by so many.

He was preceded in death by his father Fred Julius Reed, his sister Barbie Renee Reed (Jones) and his significant other Brenda Del Ponte.

He is survived by his mother Marlene Lumb of Anderson, Calif., son Harley Lee Reed, grandsons Devin Reed and Steven Reed all of Fresno, Calif. Sisters Mary Reed (Almansa) of Shasta Lake City, Calif., Janeane Reed (Bao) of Red Bluff, Calif. Nephew Josh Bao and family of Redding, Calif., nieces Desire Bao and family of Red Bluff, Calif., Michelle Bao and family of Fortuna, Calif., Monique Shumway of Red Bluff, Calif., and Kendra Jones and family of Crescent City.

Visitation will be held at Wier’s Mortuary Chapel on Friday, January 20, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. with services starting at 2 p.m.  A gathering of family and friends to follow.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel, Crescent City.

— Submitted by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel