Obituary of Philip Glen Reader

Philip Glen Reader passed away quietly Thursday at 4:15 am, surrounded by loved ones. He was a devoted family man, community activist, and professional researcher and writer. Born in Santa Cruz, CA, the third of five boys, Phil was raised in the farming community of Live Oak; his passing was preceded by his parents, Ralph L. Reader and Elizabeth May (Bessie) Reader. Phil attended Live Oak Elementary school, and graduated high school at Holy Cross in 1959. Phil was among the first student body of Cabrillo Junior College upon its formation in Watsonville, CA. in 1959, and in 1962 he enlisted in the National Guard. Phil was an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, and toured California with a Santa Cruz-based folk trio called The Couriers (later the Tiki's, and Harpers Bizarre). In 1964 Phil married, a union which produced three children. With a passion for social justice, Phil involved himself in regional politics, and was an activist in local Democratic Party politics. In 1977 he met and married Lorraine Flores, adding two daughters to an expanding family. From the 1980s until his passing, Phil had become a respected local historian, self-published his research, and wrote numerous articles for newspapers and journals. Phil is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine; his son, Joshua A. Reader of Santa Cruz; his daughters Kassondra Knight (Karen Brusca) of Soquel, Jenny Reader of Santa Cruz, Johnna Coty (Paul Coty) of Felton, Terri Woods (Geoff Woods) of Royal Oaks, and Lisa Meidl (Roger Meidl) of Salinas; grandchildren Desiree Steber (Arturo Cuevas) and Zachary Reader of Santa Cruz, Elyse and Aidan Coty of Felton, Allie and Damon Woods of Royal Oaks, Sarah and Vivian Meidl of Salinas, and Ryan Brusca of Soquel; a great-grandchild, Daniel Cuevas of Santa Cruz. He is also survived by his brothers Larry Reader of Santa Cruz; brother Wayne Reader of Central Point, OR; brother Wallace Reader of Santa Cruz; brother Richard Reader of Sepulpa, OK. Phil is also survived by several nephews and nieces, all of whom will miss his kind and caring nature. Family, friends, and the public are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Oakwood Memorial Chapel at 3301 Paul Sweet Road, in Santa Cruz.