Patrick J. Reed, aka "Unc"'s Obituary
Pat was born Oct. 15 1948. It would be improper not to mention that he came into this world with twin and other half Patsy, because that is who his whole life revolved around. Their lives were entwined from the beginning, middle, and they were reunited in Heaven March 15 2024.
Pat's early years were shared with his 4 older siblings creating memories filled with laughter and camaraderie. Growing up in the North End of Tacoma he attended Holy Cross Catholic Church. He played street football and baseball, and would walk to Point Defiance and bring home pigeons as pets. This turned into a lifetime hobby and love for pigeons.
Pat attended Mt. Tahoma and Wilson High School. He returned at the age of 44 to earn the last of his credits to obtain his High School Diploma from Clover Park Technical College. It was an iconic moment as he was the only graduate who took over the microphone and gave a speech at the ceremony. He was a welder and worked for Lockheed Martin.
Pat served 3 years in the Army, including 9 months in Vietnam. Combat would change him forever. He talked to very few about that time, however, he would be the first to tell a fellow veteran "Welcome Home" while at the local V.A.
Pat's competitive side pushed him to participate in the Spanaway Speedway Demolition Derby. With help from his family and friends he took first place out of 40 cars his Rookie year in 1978. The opportunity to show his pigeons in the State Fair arose in 2014. He was very proud that they earned 16 ribbons, including 7 first place.
Pat was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing and hunting throughout the Puget Sound. He found solace in the serenity of nature, and enjoyed watching the leaves on the tree's change color with the seasons.
Pat was tremendously loyal, had a fighting spirit and his generosity was unheard of. He cherished the time he shared with his family and friends, especially his nieces and nephews. He later in life was blessed with his grandson Landyn, who he shared a bond with and was his everything. He loved making people laugh, and enjoyed brightening everyone's day with his jokes and humor.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents John and Josephine, his brother's Bob and Jimmy, and twin sister Patsy.
He is survived by his daughter Janelle, son-in-law Jeremy and his cherished grandson Landyn; Sister Mary, and Brother John and wife Dolly. He is also survived by a large extended family who he loved so very very much.
Want to remember him? Take a shot.
See a pigeon? He is remembering you.
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