Harold “Mike” Riley Reed, Jr., of Smith River, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2012. Born in Hollywood, Calif., on January 3, 1940, to Barbara Neel Bell and Harold Riley Reed, Sr., he moved with his family to Crescent City at the age of 8.
As a boy Mike quickly took to the outdoors, learning to fish and hunt in a time of abundance on the North Coast, and he remained an avid outdoorsman his entire life. In the 60’s and 70’s he worked as a Cat Skinner for both Simpson’s and Simonson’s, and was a woods boss for Arcata Redwood at one time. He also owned The Victory and commercially fished out of Crescent City Harbor for several years. He later guided on the Smith River for steelhead, salmon and trout.
Throughout his life, Mike worked with his hands and could fix or build anything. He built several wood drift boats from scratch without formal plans that quickly became desired and were sold to friends. He was also a master builder of custom guns and knives, and word of mouth brought many eager customers over the years. Mike’s knives and guns are truly works of art. Above all, Mike gathered many close and devoted friends who shared his passion for guns, fishing and hunting. He loved and was loved by, his family and friends and will be sorely missed.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Bob Criteser. He is survived by his children Barbara Reed (Chet Edwards, deceased) and Laurel Rosenthal (David), both of Sacramento. He leaves two grandchildren Riley Edwards and Rachel (“Peanut”) Rosenthal (we love and miss you papa); his sister, Mrs. Patricia Criteser of Crescent City; his nieces, Kathy Silva (Raul) and Theresa Hegnes of Crescent City; his nephew, Timmy Criteser (Becky) also of Crescent City and grandnieces and grandnephews, Travis, Jennifer, Wyatt, Shea, Raven and Chris.
Services will take place at the Smith River Cemetery on Monday, June 11, 2012, at 11 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel of Crescent City.
— Submitted by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel
