John William "Little John" Reed

Mar 20, 1941 -

Apr 17, 2020

John Reed, U.S. Marine, bush pilot, police officer, photographer, adventurer, husband and father, passed away peacefully at home in Glendale, Ariz. John was born in San Diego, Calif., 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 who, like his grandfather, is a U.S. Marine.

John grew up in Salem, Ore., and loved the rodeo and adventure, so after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, at age 17, he served in Vietnam and upon his time to reenlist John already knew he wanted to fly, but the military said no, so he said no to them and off he went to start a new chapter which led him to Washington, and his first child, Susan. Then off to Alaska in 1970, where he worked many different jobs, like driving truck and bartending. Eventually John joined the Anchorage Police Department, first as a reserve officer and then a sworn officer. John loved Alaska and eventually fulfilled his dream of flying and 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 adventures 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.