Duncan M. Reed, 76, a resident of Onalaska since 1975, was called to be with the Lord on Oct 12, 2020 after courageously battling cancer for a year. He passed at home in a glorious manner of fashion with his family.
Duncan was born to Malcom and Lucy Reed on Oct 4th, 1944 in Oakland CA. He lived in Oakland, CA until moving to Chico, CA in 1960. He was a graduate of Chico Senior High in 1962.
Duncan joined the USAF in 1963 and was an Engine Mechanic on the Atlas ICBM at Vanderberg AFB, CA and was honorably discharged in 1967 with the rank of A1C (E-4).
While working for his future wife's uncle in Chico, CA Duncan met the love of his life; Margaret Arends of Brooten MN in 1967. They were married in Reno, NV September 1, 1968. They were blessed with three children. They celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary last September. In 1975 the family moved to a small farm in Onalaska.
Duncan had a career as an auto and farm machinery mechanic, a logger, a mill worker, and mostly as a heavy equipment operator. He was employed for eight years at the Hemphill-O'Neil Lumber Mill in Napavine until it closed. He spent just over 28 years at a bark flour mill in Centralia which was owned by Menasha Corp., Ace International, and now Willamette Valley Company.
Duncan was an Eagle Boy Scout, and had been a member of the Washington State Grange at Ethel where he served as Master for a few years. Over his life span he served a part of the Lord's needs as acolyte, an usher, and Session elder at Community Presbyterian Church of Onalaska.
Duncan had a passion for old cars, especially the '65 Mustang he bought in 1972. He loved driving in local parades with his kids and grandkids, feeding candy to the crowd. He went to over 80 parades and over 80 car shows collecting boxes full of trophies and Grand Champion ribbons.
He is survived by his wife Margaret, their children; Jo Ann (Eric) Sabisch of Olympia WA, Gary (Nicki) Reed of Mt. Juliet TN, and Linda (Chris Thomas) Patraca of Ethel WA, their grandchildren; Megan, Roberto, Drew, Joaquin, Emily, and a great grandchild Michael. He is also survived by a niece Valerie Graves, and a nephew Keith Graves. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister Donna, and two aunts.
A private celebration of Duncan's life will be held at the Reed Home in Onalaska. Donations may be given to the Onalaska Community Presbyterian Church or to the Veterans Memorial Museum of Chehalis in his name. He was loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather that will be dearly missed.
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