Robert Paul Reedy

Robert Paul Reedy, of Santa Cruz, died July 22. He was 86.

Reedy, the son of Thomas and Alice Reedy of Santa Cruz, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was recalled during the Korean War into the U.S. Air Force. After completing his AA degree from San Francisco City College, he apprenticed for six years as a machinist/tool and die maker. He was awarded for Apprentice of the Year in all metal trades in California.

During his distinguished career of 30 years at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, he designed and built scientific instruments. He was an international inventor and publisher of scientific articles, which are now housed in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Upon his retirement, he received an award of excellence.

Reedy was a passionate hobbyist in the areas of astronomy, gardening, jewelry making and cycling. After retiring in 1990 he spent the next 24 years building 1/8 scale life steam locomotives. He drew his own blueprints from full-sized engines. He has been the feature writer for Life Steam Magazine and had been honored on the cover twice. He always attributed his talents and abilities to God. Serving his church and community by volunteering at the soup kitchen, homeless shelter, Jordan House and Santa Cruz Bible Church (SCBC) were his favorite past times. He was a 3rd degree master mason of lodge No. 122.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sheila, a native of England; his sister, Margaret Todd; his three children and their spouses, Charles and Estelle McKinnon, Jim and Heather O'Brian and Jeff and Dorinda Reedy; five grandchildren, Delaney, April, Andrew, Adam and Emily; and three great grandchildren.

The celebration of his life was held on August 3 at at SCBC, 440 Frederick St, Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating any amount to SCBC or to the Homeless Persons Health Project. To send your condolences to Reedy's family, share memories, view or post photos or light a candle, please visit the Santa Cruz Memorial Website.