Brian Leon Reed, 65

Brian Leon Reed, June 2, 1948 - February 19, 2014

Brian Reed of Athol, ID passed away at his home on February 19, 2014, at the age of 65.

Brian was born June 2, 1948, in LaGrande, Ore., to Hanford Reed and Hazel Reed Wing. He was raised and educated in Elgin, Oregon.

Brian grew up deeply involved in athletics, and played football and basketball throughout high school. He had the honor of playing football in the East West Shrine game in which they won the championship. He was a hunter and fisherman from childhood to his death. At the young age of about six he would don his coon skin cap and, armed with an air gun that shot ping pong balls, would trudge up to aunt Mildred's to check his trap line for mice. If you didn't find him outside with his dog, Butch, he would have strapped on his cap guns, mounted the saddle that our mother put on the arm of our davenport, and ride and shoot while watching various programs like the Lone Ranger (Mom wouldn't let him wear his spurs).

While in high school, Brian was a member of Husky Tracks (yearbook), Husky Howls (newspaper), the National Honor Society and, naturally, the football and basketball teams. He graduated from Elgin High School on May 26, 1966.

Brian moved on to college and studied, partied, and hunted his way to graduate on June 5, 1971, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in general studies. From that time on, he moved around and held several different jobs until settling in Athol.

Brian built his business, the Spice Shop, one step at a time and one loyal customer at a time, into a very lucrative business with dozens of customers who depended on him to make the blends necessary for their business. He researched and studied products until his knowledge base was sufficient to begin blending on a trial basis, often redoing the recipe many times after he had tried it out on himself. Brian was a hardworking man of honesty and integrity, and would take time to help others. His business was his whole life, and he rarely took time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life for himself.

Brian loved to play pool. He played everywhere, but his favorite place was the Linger Longer Lounge in Spirit Lake. I (his sister) was his partner a few times when he was playing for money while in college. Of course, I goofed up and then he would run the table. Tisk, tisk. His motorcycle was another love, and he rode frequently in the summer and fall months. One of his regular trips was to Cruisers biker bar where he would eat tacos until he was stuffed. Brian was involved in the Indian culture and their way of life. He respected their love of the land and respect for nature. He would always go to the pow wows in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. He had faith in the Great Spirit, and I know he will be carried to the Great Spirit wrapped in the wings of the Eagle where his spirit will be free and the body whole again.

Although the Spice Shop was his first love, Griff ran a very close second. Griff was Brian's best friend and went everywhere with him. He trained him from a pup, and Griff was his hunting dog. They made many trips hunting together with Griff pointing and retrieving, and Brian shooting. Their main focus was pheasants, and together they made many successful hunts. I can tell you this because of all the pictures he had, the multitude of feathers in his home, and the pheasants in the freezer.

Brian had many friends, and I am sorry for their loss as well. I want to thank you all for the offers of help with anything and everything. It means a lot to know you are out there. Brian will always be loved and sorely missed.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Handford H. Reed. He is survived by his mother, Hazel Wing; brother, Handford Reed; sister, Patricia Reed; stepsister and brother, Charlene Halfhide and Rod Wing. He is also survived by his longtime friend, Norma Evanson.

There will be a very informal gathering of friends from noon to 2 p.m., on Sunday, March 9, at Linger Longer Lounge, 6262 W. Maine St., Spirit Lake, ID.