Kurt Reed
Kurt passed away on February 13th surrounded by his family. He was born in Buchanan Michigan to Paul and Dorothy Reed. The Reed family moved to Roswell New Mexico when he was 8 years old graduating from Roswell High School. He spent his high school years playing saxophone in a rock and roll band and cruising around in his hot rod.
Kurt and Sue met and married in Roswell New Mexico. They moved their young family to Santa Barbara in 1966 where he started his career in the automotive industry working for 50+ years until his retirement. He worked in the service department at Butts Buick, Gregg Motors, Cutter Motors and Santa Barbara Auto Group. Kurt was well respected and had a strong work ethic.
Dad spent his retirement years watching his grandkids play golf, baseball, and football. Friday nights were spent at Dos Pueblos High School watching his grandsons play football and his granddaughter Michelle cheer. He attended out-of-town baseball tournaments becoming a part of the travelling Slugger family.
He was interested in hot rods and owned numerous cool cars in his lifetime. He restored a beautiful 1940 Ford, which was his pride and joy. Kurt and Sue loved to attend car shows around town and in Ojai. He met an excellent group of friends in the classic car community and enjoyed spending time with the Lunch Bunch. He loved to ride his Harley and went on rides with his close friend Randy Butts and the Hardrocks Motorcycle Club.
Survived by his wife Sue of 62 years, daughters Stormy (Wayne) Esp, Shea (Stan) Soto and son Logan Reed. Grandchildren Jason (Christina) Esp, Krystal Garcia, Matthew Soto, Nolan Soto, Michelle Esp and Great-grandchildren, Isabella, Dylan, and Cali. Sister Zelma Wilcox, brothers Alan, Britt, Vance, and Mark Reed. Preceded in death by brother Jimmy Reed, and parents Paul and Dorothy Reed. Kurt had a huge extended family of brother and sister in-laws, nephews, and nieces.
Dad was a cool guy, we all thought he would be cruising on his Harley for many more years, unfortunately that was cut short by his Dementia diagnosis.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Juretic for his respectful and thoughtful care. We would also like to thank the staff at Mariposa, especially Jasmine.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association. It is our hope that a cure will be found for this cruel disease that steals your humanity.
There will be a celebration of life Friday March 22nd at Mulligan’s Café from 11-3. Friends are welcome to join us for lunch and to raise a Coors Light in his honor. Please dress casually, Harley and Hot Rod attire are welcome. RSVP via email Stanthemilkman@cox.net or text 805-450-0120.