Reed F. Mayer, formerly of Denver, passed away Feb. 27, 2015, two weeks shy of his 70th birthday, in Gig Harbor, Wash. He was surrounded by his family and friends.
A celebration of life for Mr. Mayer is scheduled this summer in Washington.
Mr. Mayer was born in 1945 in Sacramento, Calif., to Eileen and Adolph (Bud) Mayer. He moved with his family to Denver when he was an infant.
He lived in the home of grandparents Rose and Louis Barnett and his great-aunt Libbie and great-uncle Dave Steinberg.
Part of the large, loving Goldberg family, Mr. Mayer was adored by his Aunt Libbie, whose loving nature remained with him always.
Mr. Mayer graduated from George Washington High School and then studied sociology at Western State College.
After working as a social worker for the WICHE program in Steamboat Springs, he moved to Seattle, Wash., to further his interest in helping troubled youths.
Mr. Mayer became a juvenile probation officer for the state of Washington and also earned an MA in public administration at Seattle University.
The family said his friendly and calm nature, combined with his quick wit and sharp mind, served him well in this challenging role.
Mr. Mayer spent the majority of his adult life in Washington but returned to Colorado for six years to care for his ill mother.
“Everyone knew that Reed’s favorite place in the world was any garage,” the family said. ”His love of working on fast (and not so fast) cars was enhanced by the fact that they were on the road because of his efforts.”
Mr. Mayer is survived by his wife of 33 years Vicki Reed of Port Orchard, Wash.; son Jonathan (Ryan) Mayer of Ferndale, Wash.; and sister Meredith (Frank) Vaught of Ft. Collins, Colo.
Contributions may be to Animal House Rescue and Grooming, 1104 W. Vine, Ft. Collins, CO 80521.
Copyright © 2015 by the Intermountain Jewish News
