Published in the May 27, 2016 edition
FT. COLLINS, Colo.— Reginald M. “Reggie” Edwards, 100, passed away on May 16 at home in Ft. Collins, Colo.
He was born on Feb. 29, 1916 in Malden, to the late E. James and Cora M. Edwards. His parents and three siblings Delores Kervick, H. Leroy Edwards and James K. Edwards preceded him in death. After graduation he had a year of radio/electronic school that proved useful in the military and throughout his various careers.
A World War II veteran, Reggie served in the U.S. Army Air Corps with the 401st AB Squadron on Alaska’s Umnak Island. He ran the radio repair shop for 3½ years keeping equipment always ready for damaged planes. His sweetheart, Ruth, waited until he returned and they married on Oct. 21, 1945, sharing 50 years together before she passed.
They had two children, Arlene Wilder from Yakima, Wash. and Dana Edwards from Greeley, Colo. Three grandchildren survive him: Todd Bayles, Scott Bayles and Justin Edwards, and three great-grandchildren: Amaya, Daniel and Caroline Bayles.
Reggie’s varied careers include radio/TV serviceman, expert cabinet maker and finally carpenter at General Electric in Lynn. In 1978, he retired to Sherwood Forest Park in Exeter, N.H. and then he and Ruth followed his son Dana to Fort Collins in 1988. Reggie was well known all over town at the lumberyards, parts houses and car dealers. A jack of all trades, he was always involved in projects around the mobile park where they lived.
A true highlight in his life was taking the Honor Flight tour of the war memorials in Washington, D.C. at the age of 98. Traveling with over 100 other veterans and being thanked for his service repeatedly was a thrill to him.
His final celebration was for his 100th (well – 25th) birthday on leap day Feb. 29, 2016.) It was a grand surprise party with news coverage and he loved every minute of it.
Reggie remained sharp and involved in life to the very end and family is grateful to the many friends and caregivers who came alongside to allow him to spend his last years at home with his cat, De De.
In Colorado, relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Reggie’s life for his Memorial Service on Saturday, May 21 from 3-5 p.m. at the VFW, 603 Lesser Dr., Ft. Collins, Colo.
In Massachusetts, relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Reggie’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, May 26 from 4-8 p.m., and again on Friday morning for his funeral service celebrated at 9 a.m. Services concluded with military honors presented by the U.S. Air Force.
Memorials in Reggie’s memory may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston MA 02114 or to Honor Flight of Northern Colorado, PO Box 363, Ault CO 80610. For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
