‘George was a legend’: Fans remember George Reed as they say farewell

Rider fans wore their best green and white Friday to honour team legend George Reed at the celebration of his life.

Glenn Cline attended, he said Reed is a role model for the future.

“I would hope that my grandchildren grow up with the same qualities George has. The work ethic, the personality, the things he did so well,” he said.

When Glenn Cline saw this jersey hanging in a rider store in Saskatoon, he knew he had to have it. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)

Cline wore a unique jersey with Reed’s retired number 34 and highlights of his career, as well as a George Reed signature

When Cline saw the jersey in the store, he knew he wasn’t leaving without it.

His admiration for Reed goes back to when he was 17 years old.

“I remember we were here when they came home from that winning cup in 66,” he said.

He said legends like Reed are unique.

“They just don’t make ’em like that anymore,” said Cline.

“One thing that amazed me is, you see the older players, there’s such a bond there. When you see guys my age and they’re hugging, they mean their hugs. There’s even a few tears there. There’s just a special bond that they have,” he said.

Cline said he will never forget the words Reed said when he was inducted into the Plaza of Honour.

“’I came, I played, I stayed,’ that was George,” he said with a laugh.

Fred Wall (L) and his son Shawn attended George Reed’s ceremony of life. Fred said George was like a father to him. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)

Fred Wall and his son Shawn went to the service to show their respect.

“I wanted to say my last goodbye to him,” said Fred.

Fred’s parents had season tickets right beside Reed and his wife, so he knew the great well.

When Reed had extra tickets to give away, he would give them to Fred’s father so Fred could tag along. He said he felt Reed took him in like a son.

“Now that I got kids, it brings back memories,” he said.

Fred said he will always remember Reed’s laugh and how he lit up a room.

Others at the event had worked alongside Reed – Brenda Helfrick and Roger Finishen worked with Reed at the Molson brewery.

“He’s done so much work, he’s just admirable in what he’s done for the organizations that he’s devoted his time to it’s just incredible,” said Helfrick.

Finishen said Rider events are usually loud and exciting, but this one was different.

“Something like this you expect it to be lively and bouncy, but you have to remember this is a memorial for him. It was very very nice. Georgette (Reed) speaking at the end, she did a very good job,” he said.

Helfrick said Reed’s impact on Saskatchewan and the CFL is unforgettable.

“In Saskatchewan, football is heart of the nation. He was Mr. Football. Everybody wanted to say they knew him,” she said.

Helfrick agreed Reed always remained humble.

“George was a legend in everybody’s mind but his own,” she said.