A Memorial to John Reed
Oct. 20, 1932 - April 15, 2011
Johanna Dillard remembers:
"I met John 29 years ago this October on my first day at Twin City. He was in his forties and so wonderful! Teaching me all about Fort Howard, Johnson Wax and the wonder that is Hanset Bros! Always such a gentle soul, who could sell you anything! I still picture his wrestling those 55 gallon drums of Step-ahead floor finish into and out of the little laundry vans and cruising off down Hwy 101!"
"John started his Janitorial career with the North Bend Barco Supply in the 70's. He then went to work for Lanny Boone in 1982 at Twin City Cleaning Supply (AKA Services). He did a short stint with the Bishop Office supply people before coming to work for Coastal Part time and taking care of Select accounts."
Biography:
John was born Oct. 20, 1932, the second child of Ernest W. and Hazel M. (Moore) Reed in North Bend. Sadly, he passed away April 15, 2011, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Springfield from complications due to congestive heart failure.
John and his older brother, James H. Reed, spent most of their lives in the Bay Area. John was active in sports at North Bend High School and went on to play football at Lewis & Clark college in Portland. John joined the U.S. Army in 1954 and was active until 1956, when he transferred to the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1962.
John met Corrine Joyce Hayes in 1958 and when they were married Aug. 22, 1958, he became an instant father to Corrine's children, Merle F. (Moore) Reed and Cynthia L. (Moore) Reed, who he loved and raised as his own. In 1961, Corrine and John had a son, Robert W. Reed, and the family was complete.
John worked at various jobs in the Bay Area, the most recent at Coastal Paper and Supply where he was a salesman. He liked keeping his afternoon open to spend time with his very special granddaughter, Mikalee R. Reed. She helped watch over him after school, staying right by his side with her father, until John passed away.
John was a proud Beaver fan and enjoyed going to Corvallis to watch sporting events with his family. John also enjoyed bowling with his teammates and special friends at North Bend Lanes and having fun at The Mill Casino-Hotel. Most of all, he enjoyed morning coffee at Autumn House and later El Guadalajara restaurant with his friends.
John is survived by his son, Robert W. Reed, granddaughter, Mikalee R. Reed of Coos Bay, honorary grandson, Hayden Watson of Springfield and their mother, Tiffanie McWilliam of Alsea; daughter, Cynthia L. and husband, Bruce A. Slate of Vinton, Iowa; grandsons, Gary, Kelly, Jeffrey and their families of Iowa; granddaughter, Thereasa of Portland; nieces, Debra McClure and Gretchen Reed of Coos Bay; and very special friends, Pati De Ronden-Pos and Jim Cutrell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Corrine; son, Merle; nephew, Michael; and brother, James H. Reed.
A special thank you to all the caring people at Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend.