John William Reed

John William Reed

John Reed passed away peacefully in Glendale, AZ.

John was born in San Diego, CA, on March 20, 1941, as was his twin brother James, who preceded him in death, as do his parents Pearl and James Reed. He is survived by his wife, Dale; daughter, Susan; son, Michael; granddaughter, Nicole Kotlan; and grandson, James Reddick.

John grew up in Salem, OR, and loved the rodeo and adventure, so after graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17 and served in Vietnam. After he left the USMC he went off to start a new chapter which led him to Washington, and his first child, Susan. Then it was off to Alaska in 1970, where he worked many different jobs. Eventually John joined the Anchorage Police Department. John loved Alaska and eventually fulfilled his dream of flying and obtained his first Super Cub. She was the love of his life, he absolutely loved being an “Alaskan Bush Pilot”, and, if you knew John at all, you knew the crazy stories that went with that.

He lived a very full and adventurous life, and in the end wanted to move to Arizona and hang in the sun. His time there was short, but he was happy to feel the sun and walks by the pool. John was always there to help a friend or someone in need; his heart was defiantly bigger than his size. You will forever be in our hearts and you are now free to fly the skies. Love you see you on the other side.

A Celebration of Life will held on Saturday, June 20th 2020 at 1pm until 3pm. The ceremony will be at the Alaska Aviation Air Museum at 4721 Aircraft Dr, Anchorage, AK 99502.