The Valley lost a good friend on Sunday, December 13 when Chris Reed died following a sudden illness. He was 55 years old.
Many people will remember Reed as the affable checker at Sonoma Market, as quick to ring up your purchases as he was to give you a hard time about that morning muffin you probably didn’t need to buy.
Others will remember Reed for his years of service as Master of Ceremonies of the Glen Ellen Village Fair parade, an event that would not have been complete without his wit. Reed was a Glen Ellen resident for most of his life.
He worked for the Sonoma Market company for 20-odd years, first at Shone’s in Glen Ellen and later at the Sonoma store. Co-worker and fellow checker Davo Connolley worked with Reed for 10 years and the two became good friends during that time. Connolley says he’ll miss his friend, especially his sense of humor.
Reed is survived by his daughter, Tiffany Carranza, son-in-law, Andres Carranza and grandson, Anthony, 6, all of Sonoma. Despite the suddenness of his illness and death, Carranza said she feels lucky to have spent the past couple of weeks with her dad.
“I have so many good memories,” said Carranza. “And the most amazing thing is all the people who’ve come forward to give their condolences. I hope he knows how important he was to so many people throughout Sonoma.”
Carranza relayed some of her father’s passions like being a civil war buff and a die-hard Raiders fan. She said she probably would have been put up for adoption if she had ever considered following another team. According to Carranza, Reed loved his job and considered his co-workers family, even calling younger employees ‘kids.’
“He always said that work for him was like his stage. He liked to keep people entertained,” said Carranza.
A memorial service for Reed is planned for Saturday, January 23 at 1 p.m. at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building, 126 First Street West.
