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Born April 16 1942- Died quietly in his sleep on September 2, 2014 while visiting his son Steve in Port Angeles WA; after a wonderful weekend visiting with family and friends.
At the time his death Rocky was retired from his many years of work-- a master mechanic, fisherman, heavy equipment operator, boat captain, pilot, trucking company owner/operator and church camp manager- however he was still puttering full time in his "Garage-Mahal", and serving as a volunteer facilities person and board member at the Methodist camp.
Also, later in life he attended UAS, and was certified to work with the disabled- which became a calling for him- in order to best support his special needs son, his family and the community. He mentored other parents of children with disabilities and traveled with Special Olympics athletes as a chaperone. He co-facilitated the first Hispanic parent support group in Juneau, even though he didn't speak the language and wasn't Hispanic.
Rocky's loves were his family, music, motors, boating, and the outdoors -and later in life- reading, cruising and the camp. Some of his favorite things were racing, building engines, riding motorcycles, working on the "dragster" with son Art, fishing, camping and working on boats with sons Steve and Jake, restoring the "hauler" with Ray; and mentoring young mechanics. He reminisced fondly about his fishing days throughout SE when his oldest sons were boys.
He traveled widely throughout his life. Since 2004 he and Bunti had become avid cruisers to warm climates; making friends from around the US, and thoroughly enjoying the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera.
He graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School and served in the U.S. Army and National Guard in the 1960's. During his adult life, he lived elsewhere, but always returned to Juneau.
He is survived by his wife Bunti Reed, his sons Art Reed (Annette), Steve Reed, Ray Carpenter, and Jake Carpenter (Crystal); sister Gloria, brother Duane, his grandchildren David, Eleanor, Jessica, Elizabeth, Joshua, Justin, and great granddaughter Trinity. He is also survived by his former wife Virginia Reed (Doug Hanon), and nieces and nephew, Keith, Sandi, Sue, Betsi, Kathy and their families; and beloved friends and family too numerous to list. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his sisters Sandy, Georgia, Charlene and brother Roger.
A celebration of a life well lived will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday October 4th at the Methodist Camp at 28 mile in Juneau. All are welcome to come and share fellowship, Rocky stories, and a meal. Later that afternoon some of the family will be stopping at the Sandbar to lift a glass in Rocky's memory- all are welcome.
Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to. can donate to Eagle River United Methodist Camp SE.
Published in The Juneau Empire on Sept. 21, 2014
