Forrest Reed

Forrest Reed packed up camp for good Sept. 9, 2017, to make a new campfire in the sky. He was 68, and he lived every bit of it. He checked out too early for those who loved him. He passed peacefully but suddenly at his R&R Moose Camp with his dog by his side and three buddies. Those who knew Forrest well can be somewhat comforted in knowing that he died doing what he loved in the best possible setting, at moose camp, providing for his family.
Forrest was born in the Upper Peninsula County of Daggett, Michigan. His early years were spent in Amberg, Wisconsin, helping on his family's farms, hunting and fishing with his dad. He graduated high school in Kingsford, Iron Mountain, Michigan. He joined the U.S. Navy at the urging of his sister, Nancy, because it was believed to be a better choice than being drafted. After four years and four months in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War (where he roamed the Pacific), he was honorably discharged as an E-5.
He married his first wife, Marie, in Wisconsin, then drove his little family with son, Chris, to Alaska, as it was his lifelong dream. In 1975, he built a home in Two Rivers, where he raised three boys. Forrest took his three boys out camping, hunting and fishing every chance he got. When he remarried to Cynthia (the girl next door), he ended up with a family of seven; he couldn't be happier - he was a family man at heart. Forrest never tired of taking family and friends out camping, hunting or fishing, and it was always an adventure. He'd pack as many kids as he could carry, his own or the neighbors.' The kids learned the ropes when camping with Forrest - he demonstrated the value of hard work, dedication and reward. He was old school but very inventive. He had a twinkle in his eye when sharing his latest invention to make tasks easier. It was fun going anywhere with Forrest, whether it be on foot, canoe, boat, dirt bike, on horses, by snowmachines, 3- or 4-wheelers, Argo, motorhome or a Silver Eagle bus  - the game was on in his annual trips to Chitina, Valdez, Homer, Delta, various moose camps, the Yukon River, and the many mountains he climbed throughout Alaska.
He was employed as a heavy equipment operator at the city of Fairbanks,Public Works Department in 1975. He worked that job for over 30 years. He worked hard in retirement, too. The gardens became a farm, and the hunting and fishing trips multiplied. There was never a dull moment - ask his family and friends who shared in his (mis)adventures. His moose camps became outdoor living rooms. The Earth was his playground and his survival skills were superb. When preparing for a hunting trip, his buddy, Jack Koegle, once said, "You can't speed him up, you can't slow him down, and you can't stop him!"
When Forrest smiled, you knew he was a genuine, kind soul whom you could count on. He had the knack for making people feel at ease in his presence. Forrest liked to "take it easy, but not too easy." And he could wear a person out that way.
Forrest is survived by his wife and partner of 25 years, Cynthia Hill Reed; his three grown boys, Chris Reed, Ted Reed and Andrew Reed, as well as his stepchildren, Johnny (Ashley) Greenway and Vanessa (Jason) Vondra; grandchildren, Wyatt R. Reed, SPC with 5th Special Forces Group (A), U.S. Army; Daniel C. Reed, Joe and Kiana Vondra and Cheyenne Greenway, all of Alaska. He is survived by two sisters; Nancy Gustafson, and her children (his nephews), Gary and Darren (Norma) Leonardi, and their children, D.J. and Natalie, of Illinois; and Juanita Spade, of Wisconsin, and her children (his nephews and nieces) John Nau, of Fairbanks; Cathy (Shawn) McLain and Kim (Jerry) Wery, and her children, Misty and Autam, as well as nephews, Dallas Huebner and Darel Huebner, of Wisconsin.
He will be missed by the many friends he made at the city of Fairbanks; Dave Geis, Mike Herrman, John Gillette, John Lemberger, Ron Pegalo, Harold Sipes and Roland Castillo, just to name a few.
He and his wife, Cynthia, enjoyed their special friends in Ellamar, Alaska, where he will be terribly missed. The friends who were by his side at moose camp this year were Ben Hirn, and Dale and Tracy Robinson, as well as his dog, Toby. He will be missed by all of his longtime hunting buddies Jack Koegle, Todd Raymond, Bobby Joseph, and many others previously mentioned above, just to name a few.
Forrest was predeceased by his mother, May Naud; his father, Darel Reed; his uncles, of whom he was very fond, Donald and Dallas Reed; his nephew, Daniel McLain; and his buddy from 6th grade, Rowdy Richer. He also was predeceased by his in-laws, Betty Hummel, Catt Hill, Jay Hill and Melinda Hill Miles, who loved him dearly. 
A celebration of the life of Forrest Reed, as a good old-fashioned Scots-Irish Wake, will be held, starting at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Pleasant Valley Community Center (24 Mile Chena Hot Springs Road, behind the Pleasant Valley Store and past the ball field; turn right.) A 21-Gun Salute will be held at 4 p.m., followed by dinner. Everyone is welcome to come, bring a dish and tell stories about Forrest. Inquiries concerning the wake can be made by calling 488-6872 or 978-3069. Please leave a message.
Forrest will be sorely missed.