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Party will honor memory of Simi's first parks employee
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More from Local NewsAs the first employee of what is now the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, Les Reed helped to build some of Simi's oldest parks.
Now his son, Jim Reed, hopes people will offer those memories of his father and help celebrate the elder Reed's life at a memorial party Saturday at Strathearn Historical Park and Museum.
"His celebration is for others, not necessarily for him," Jim Reed said. "His final decree on what I did when he passed was, I don't care. I'm dead. So let's have a party.' "
Les Reed, who was 80 when he died April 5, served as the district's first general manager when he moved to Simi in 1962 when the district was called Simi Valley Recreation and Park District.
"Simi at that time had 10,000 people," Jim Reed said. "I used to be able to walk through orchards to get to school."
Under Les Reed's guidance, district board directives to have housing developers donate land or money for neighborhood parks was carried out.
"It added to the quality of life here," said Colleen Janssen, marketing director for the district.
Les Reed was an employee with the district for three years. He also was known as a member of the Ventura County Master Chorale and a barbershop quartet.
"His love of people who could sing well meant a lot to him. He really enjoyed being on stage; perhaps not being the center of attention but being part of the attention," Jim Reed said.
Les Reed was also known as the auctioneer for the annual Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley fundraiser and as the emcee for the annual Fourth of July Fireworks when they were held at Simi Valley High School.
"He was very hardworking and loved to be able to communicate. Give him a room and everybody would listen," Jim Reed said.
Les Reed's life celebration will be from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Strathearn Park, 137 Strathearn Place.
Jim Reed said the event is structured like an open house where people can drop in and share some food and memories.
For more information, call 955-0991.
— Jake Finch's e-mail address is alljake@hotmail.com.
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