Funeral Mass for Harry Thomas “Tom” Reed was celebrated Monday, April 5, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church with Rev. Ronald Belisle, Celebrant. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery at a later date.

Harry Thomas “Tom” Reed, 74, died April 1, 2004, at Careage of Whidbey following a lengthy illness. He was born April 14, 1929, in Glendive, Mont., to Harry Blaine and Ellen Mae (Graven) Reed. He moved to the Spokane area at the age of five and lived on a small truck farm in Otis Orchards.

Tom joined the U.S. Navy in 1946 at the age of 17. He served a four-year tour of duty. In 1950, he left the Navy. He purchased a new Harley-Davidson and started out from Norfolk, Va., to California and on to Washington state.

In May of 1950, he met Corinne Cote‚ and a romance blossomed. Tom found work at Kaiser Aluminum in Spokane for a short time and then attended Devries College, earning his degree in electrical engineering. He and Corinne were married Jan. 10, 1953.

Tom worked for Columbia Electric, repairing recording equipment and phonographs and then moved into sales. During this time, he and Corinne used his GI Bill to purchase a new home in a model home tract. Tom started his own electrical repair business out of his garage. He also began installing sound systems in schools.

Tom and Corinne moved to Sand Point, Idaho, where Tom installed the sound system for Schweitzer Basin ski area. He also did work at Governors Convention at Glacier Park. The Reed family returned to Spokane, where Tom did work for Geiger Field National Guard Facility.

Tom also started a new business as a distributor of automotive chemical products. His service expanded throughout Eastern Washington and eventually to Western Washington. His sales brought him to Whidbey Island and he knew he had found his new home. The family came to Whidbey Island in 1969 and, after a short stay at Deception Pass, Oak Harbor became their new home.

Tom continued his automotive product sales and also added insurance products from Banker’s Life Insurance Company to his sales, which he continued into the 1980’s.

Corinne purchased the Seattle P-I distributorship in 1979 and eventually expanded that position to include the Seattle Times. Tom joined her in that operation, which they continued until 1996, when Tom became disabled from the effects of Parkinson’s disease.

Tom was a member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, John O’Brien Council 3361, both of Oak Harbor. Tom enjoyed his family and exercising. He loved to create memories for his grandchildren. He also loved to tell jokes and was known for his soft-spoken manner.

Tom is survived by his wife Corinne at the family home and by his 11 children and their spouses: Juanita and Martin Robinett of Coupeville; Corinne and Steve Watt of Monument, Colo.; Teresa and Lawrence McKenrick of Marysville; Robert and Clara Reed of Edmonds; Rolland and Johanna Reed of Camano Island; Raymond Arnold Reed of Oak Harbor; Annette Marie and Matt Dotlich of Sequim; Russell Thomas Reed of Tacoma; Randall and Lori Reed of Kennewick; Ada and Jason Ayer and Kathleen Reed, all of Oak Harbor; and by one brother, Stanley Reed of Spokane. One daughter Cynthia Melinda Reed and two brothers, Everett Reed and Neil Reed, preceded him in death. Thirty-two grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren also survive.

Memorials may be made to St. Augustine’s Catholic Church.