RSS
 

In Memory of Chris Reid – He Spoke Flynn Fluently

26 Apr

My brother, Chris Reid, died yesterday. He was a huge fan of Errol Flynn, so much so that he moved thousands of miles to live in Chico, where he graduated from Cal State there. He knew Bidwell Park intimately and all the other famous (and many only rarely known) Flynn sites in and surrounding Chico. I was fortunate to get a few royal tours. He also knew many of Errol’s other haunts in California and Mexico. In fact, I was with him when we climbed the hills of Hollywood in a valiant but unsuccessful attempt to penetrate Mulholland Farm. (If only we knew Jack Marino then!) Chris could and did quote Flynn fluently. He was also a very big Beatle fan, hence the ‘Let It Be’ inspired image below that will be part of a forthcoming video tribute. He was only 57, is already very dearly missed, and will be forever by his large family and many friends.

Godspeed on your new journey, Chris.

— Tim

 

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  1. barb

    April 27, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    Tim, I am so sorry for your loss. Chris sounds like such a special person, and he passed way too early. He always will be looking over you. Cherish those memories.

     
  2. Claudia

    April 27, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    My sincere sympathies, Tim. Your memories of him will hopefully be some comfort to you
    Claudia

     
  3. shangheinz

    April 27, 2020 at 4:57 pm

    My heartfelt condolences Gentleonmymind Tim.

     
  4. David DeWitt

    April 27, 2020 at 6:15 pm

    Oh, Tim, I am so very, very sorry …

     
  5. Gentleman Tim

    April 28, 2020 at 4:47 pm

    Dear Barb, Claudia, Shangheinz, David and Karl,

    Thank so very, very much for your condolences. Chris was a great brother and Flynnmate. In addition to what I mentioned above, during the early 80’s Chris became friendly in San Diego with a yachtsman and his wife who used to socialize with Erroi on their sailboats in San Diego Harbor and Glorietta Bay. Some wonderful stories from that friendship.

    Karl sent this beautiful eulogy:

    “How can they die these bright ones? How may such energy, once released, be prisoned by earth, or stone, or grave. We die as we lived, say they, with life, and with life, how can there be death? Only remember us, only open a little book- and we shall always be with you- to ride a fine horse, or to cross a sharp blade, or carouse with a barrel or dally with a maid- come one come all.

    And so passed a brave and glorious man… in honor. Only think and we live again; we live forever. For with us, now as ever, it’s one for all and all for one. And thus it was in France of old, in fiery days when hearts beat high, when blood was young and hate was bold and sword crossed sword to do or die- for love and honor glory then, when life was life and men were men.”

    ~Man In The Iron Mask, 1929, Epilogue, (and one of 2 spoken parts in an otherwise silent film), on the passing of Dartagnan

    God bless all of you.

    Tim