Harold (Lucky) Benjamin Reed Jr.

Harold (Lucky) Benjamin Reed Jr., 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on January 6, 2022. He was born in Boles, Arkansas on Jan. 26, 1934 to Winnie and Harold Benjamin Reed Sr.

Harold is survived by his wife of 61 years, Diane J. Reed; children Jacqueline (José), Carolyn Sue (D), Linda (Gary) and Harold Benjamin III (Suzie); and sisters; Alice & Claudia.

He is also survived by 19 grandkids — Erika, Dustin, Jason, Twins; Jennifer & Jessica, Nicole, Shasta, Kaitlyn, Garrett, Joey, Christopher, Esteban, Lacee, Krysteena, Brian, Adrianna, Michayla, Savannah and Zach.

Following these grandkids are 32 great-grandchildren; Twins; Shai & Syrus, Destiny, Aidan (D), Shaylee, Meghan, Carter, Isaak, Connor, Taylor, Blake, Hannah, SaraSophia, Lucas, Jacob, Dillon, William, Tristan, Hunter, Ryden, Tanner, Dawson, Gracieanna, Walker, Stella, Granger, Manolo, Colt, Emma, Brayden, Isaiah, & Aria.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents, Harold & Winnie Reed, and his daughter Carolyn Sue.

After Sue’s death, Lucky and Diane took on raising all seven of her children.

Harold graduated in 1952 from Visalia High School. He went into the Air Force immediately after and enjoyed his four years spent there.

He went on to become a resident deputy in Hoopa with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Lucky continued his education and received his AA degree, BA degree and finished with his masters in public administration.

Harold met the love of his life while conducting a traffic stop for a broken taillight in 1960. He didn’t ticket her but instead spent his mornings at the Oaks Cafe where Diane worked. She would have his coffee and donuts waiting. They married four months later on December 17, 1960 and went on to have four beautiful children and 61 years of marriage.

In 1967, Harold became Sergeant with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and served 32 1/2 years and the family moved to McKinleyville. Soon after, he joined the Masonic Lodge #106, and became a Master Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite and Shriners. He was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, and the Order of Amaranth. Lucky also joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves where he later retired as Lt. Commander of the reserve group.

Harold and Diane joined the Humboldt Gem & Mineral Society for 40 years becoming lifelong rockhounds. They enjoyed many trips together. Harold also enjoyed hunting and going shooting at the gun range. He enjoyed playing the game Farkle with many people, especially Mike, who taught him how to play.

He was the best storyteller and an avid reader. He used to say “Never let the truth keep you from telling a good story”.

We love you, Papa! We will see you again someday.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks, for the wonderful help and care given by MRCH Home Health Services and Hospice of Humboldt.

There will be a viewing on January 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home in Eureka at 1835 E St.

A celebration of life will be held on January 18, at 1 p.m. at the Six Rivers Masonic Lodge #106 in Arcata at 251 Bayside Rd.