Obituary of William James Reed

Bill had a full 61 years of life and was proud to call Santa Cruz his home, where he passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side. He came from a poor, but loving, background and, against all odds pursued his education, graduating from Cabrillo College, then UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Art. He met Linda, "the love of his life", in yoga class. They married in 1983 and were later blessed with their daughter, Rachel, "the other love of his life". He was a devoted father and was so proud to see her grow up to be a strong, intelligent, and beautiful young woman. He was happy to see her graduate UCSC in 2012 and get a job in her field of study, marine sciences. Bill worked for the City of Santa Cruz for 28 years, retiring in 2005. He was a member of the Elks Club for 26 years. He was a very unique man: well-respected, lucky, intuitive, spiritual, and a bit of a rebel. He had a quick, often biting, wit and was a believer in truth and social justice. He loved music, art, animals, cars and motorcycles, and deeply appreciated nature. Bill counted his years in summers, enjoying surfing Rivermouth in the late 1960s and last summer's trip to Big Sur to celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary. Preceded in death by his loving mother, Thelma, Bill leaves behind his wife, Linda; daughter, Rachel (and boyfriend Brandon); brother, Walter; numerous extended family members and friends; and his best friend and companion, Ossie, "the best dog ever". He will be dearly missed by many but never forgotten. Contributions can be made to the family for a memorial bench as he requested.