In Memory

Boardman Colwell Reed - Class Of 1933

Boardman Colwell Reed

Boardman Colwell Reed, a resident of Chico, California, died March 16, 2012.  He was born July 31, 1913 in Alhambra to Harmon and Blanche Reed.  He graduated from Pasadena Junior college.  Named after his grandfather, World War I Captain William Boardman Reed, the young Boardman Reed aspired to be the next Captain Boardman Reed.

Known and loved by many as "B.C.", he began his flying career in 1929 and in 1939 was accepted as a flying cadet with the U.S. Army Air Corps.  He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in August 1940.  After World War II was declared, B.C. became a B-17 instructor pilot on the "Flying Fortresses."  He became Squadron Commander of the 562nd Bombardment Squadron (heavy) (388th Bombardment Group) 8th Air Force in England 1943.  After the war he returned stateside and as a reservist he worked for Lockheed.  In 1950 he was re-called to active duty and, during the Korean War, flew the P-51 "Mustang."  He was assigned Squadron Commander in the 5th Air Force, K-18 Airfield at Kangnung.  At the end of the war with just over 20 years of service, B.C. retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Two years later, and to the amazement of his family and friends, B.C. answered God's call to enter the ministry.  He spent two years of seminary in Vancouver, British Columbia, was ordained a Deacon and then in 1958 was ordained an Episcopal Priest.  His ministry took him from Northern California to Central and Southern California.  His final ministry, after retiring, was to found St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Chico.  Though now a retired Priest he was given the honorary title of Canon.

B.C. was a life member of the VFW and was Post Commander of VFW 10135, the OX5 Aviation Pioneers with the 388 Bomb Group Association Inc.  He also held membership with the Order of Daedalians and the Experimental Air Plane Association.  He was Chaplain and member of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and was very active with the Beale Air Force Base Museum.  B.C. will also be remembered in the book he authored, "Flights Forgotten...and Remembered."

The Reverend Canon Boardman C. Reed is survived by his beloved wife Lorraine of 50 years; one daughter, one step-daughter, two step-sons; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren as well as several cousins.

Chico Enterprise-Record, March 20, 2012