George Reed

Life in Saskatchewan
Immigrated in 1963
Moved to Calgary, Alberta in 198?

Contributions:
Sport
Social Services

Ancestry: Born 2 October 1939 at Vicksburgh, Miss. U.S.A.

Biography
George Reed “is considered by many to be the greatest fullback in the history of the CFL.” He is more than a football player however, and his contribution to Saskatchewan goes far beyond seeing the Roughrider’s in the playoffs each of the 13 seasons he was with the club. George Reed is also known for his humanitarianism.

goes far beyond seeing the Roughrider’s in the playoffs each of the 13 seasons he was with the club. George Reed is also known for his humanitarianism.

There is no denying he was a great football player. “There was no quit in George Reed. There was no tackle, no linebacker, no back, no defense which could stop him, control him, force him backwards.” He has received numerous awards for his ability on the football field. He has also been inducted into both Canadian and Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

He also worked on behalf of the players serving as President of the Player’s Association for several years. Colleagues remember, “if you had something you wanted to talk over with somebody, George Reed was always there to give you his ear and, if you wanted it, his advice.”

Reed graduated from Washington State University with an Education degree and taught school in Regina for the first couple of years. This proved too demanding, what with football practices and games so he took a job with Molson’s Brewery, first in Saskatoon and then in Regina where he made his home until he was transferred to Calgary.

He married Angelina (Angie) in August 1961 and they raised a family of three, Keith, Vicki, and Georgette.

One of his proudest moments off the field came with the launching of the George Reed Foundation for the Handicapped in 1976. The Foundation was established “to provide opportunities and funding for the mentally and physically handicapped youth of Saskatchewan.”

He also took the lead in the Special Olympics movement and has

been involved with Easter Seals’ over the years to mention only a few of his humanitarian commitments. “He does a lot of things nobody ever hears about and does a lot of work in the background . . . everything he does is on a volunteer basis.”

Reed is both humbled and honoured by the recognition he has received over the years. He was named a member of the Order of Canada, (1978), received a Honourary doctor of laws degree (1981) from the University of Regina for his contribution to the advancement of disabled persons, as well as, the Queen’s Jubilee medal, (2002).