Jeff Reed

Jeff Reed, 48, transitioned into peaceful eternity on Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor nine months ago. Jeffrey William Reed was born in Billings on Oct. 6, 1966, to Charles and Audrey (Appel) Reed. He joined older brother Timothy. Jeff grew up on Parkhill Drive and attended Highland Elementary School and Lewis and Clark Junior High. He graduated in 1985 from Billings Senior High School and attended MSU-Bozeman and MSU-Billings. After two years in college, he was employed at Supervalu for 13 years. During this time, he also began a second job as a commercial house painter, which became his life's career, eventually owning Jeff Reed Painting. For 20-plus years, he painted interiors and exteriors of homes, apartment buildings and businesses. In addition, he spent weekends painting at West Park Village, where he enjoyed the staff and meeting the residents. He also painted at Billings Clinic, where he was employed at the onset of his illness. Jeff's work ethic was impeccable and he often went to work at the Clinic very early in the morning when there weren't so many people to "paint around." Those who employed Jeff knew he was trustworthy, conscientious, fastidious, hardworking, honest and willing to carry out their decorating wishes. His athletic career began early with Little Guy Wrestling. In elementary school, he became interested in track and participated in both track events and cross-country at Lewis and Clark. As a sophomore at Billings Senior High School, he was proud to be a member of the 1983 state championship track team, running the 400 and the 1600 relay. He continued those sports through high school. Jeff also played basketball, beginning on a fifth grade city recreation team and continuing through high school, as well as on an adult league later. As an 8-year-old, he began Little League baseball. He was a member of the Montana state championship Little League team which went to regionals in San Bernardino, Calif., in 1979. Three years later, he went to regionals in Oregon with a state championship Senior League team. As an adult, he played in men's and coed softball leagues for several years. Jeff enjoyed golf as time allowed, but fishing was his favorite. (Our thanks to Bob Freeman, friend and coworker, who took Jeff fishing several times this summer.) In 1996, Jeff met his soulmate, Tiffany Garner. They shared a beautiful love for each other, their animals, gourmet food and sporting activities. All who knew Jeff were aware of his love of college and professional sports. He was an avid Ohio State fan, dating back to the days of running back Eddie George. He also followed the Tennessee Titans, California Angels and Vancouver Canucks. Fantasy football was a favorite activity. He and Tiffany traveled to many ballparks and stadiums over the years to watch their teams play. Jeff's world was shaken in January 2013 when his brother, best friend and only sibling was killed in a tragic traffic accident. Life was never quite the same for him after Tim's death. Jeff's parents and Tiffany, who lovingly cared for him during his cancer journey, are grateful to his family and many friends who visited him often, took him fishing and came from out of town and state to visit him during his illness. The family also expresses appreciation to Dr. Marty Lucas and Dr. Lee McNeely, their staffs at Frontier Cancer Center, Rocky Mountain Hospice and other medical personnel who cared for him during his hospitalizations. Special thanks to Father John Houlihan, St. Patrick Co-Cathedral. Jeff is survived by his parents, Charlie and Audrey; and his soulmate, Tiffany Garner, her mother Maggie Tillinghast and brother Jeff Garner. Also surviving him are aunts and uncles, Bill Appel (Barb Courtney), Gillette, Wyo., Eileen (Bill) Suchor, Pine Haven, Wyo., and Myrtle (Bill) Riggle, Mission, Texas; as well as cousins, Angela Kennedy, Brett Suchor, Tiffany Cholez, Melanie Sylte, Jennifer Green, Anna Savage, Charles and Lester Riggle, and Jennifer Kaiser, and their spouses and families. Also missing him will be his dogs, Cassie and Emma. He was preceded in death by brother Tim; an aunt, Sherry Appel; his grandparents, Bill and Vera Appel and Lester and Vanchie Reed; and his beloved canine friends, Mesa, Lucy and Burrito. Vigil services will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral, 215 N. 31st St., with rite of committal immediately following in Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. If friends desire, memorials may be made to the Reed Memorial Scholarship to be awarded annually to a BSHS graduate (Billings Public Schools Education Foundation, 415 N. 30th, 59101); United Luv, which provides iPads for young hospitalized cancer patients (3215 Reimers Park Drive, 59102); Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (615 Second St. E., Red Lodge, 59068); or charity of choice.