SPOKANE, Wash. – The beloved doorman at the Historic Davenport Hotel has passed away at the age of 88.
John Reed first started at the hotel in 1942 as a busboy working for 35 cents an hour. He most recently worked as the head doorman four days a week. He has since become a staple in Spokane.
If you have ever visited the Historic Davenport Hotel, you have likely to have been greeted by Reed.
"The red coat was kind of a giveaway. He was kind of a beacon at the front door. Everybody wanted to talk to him and come see him," said Davenport Director of Marketing Matt Jensen.
In June 2017, the hotel celebrated his 75 years of service by renaming a conference room after him.
Hotel representatives said Reed knew every nook and cranny of the building better than anyone.
Details have not yet been released regarding his memorial service.
"He became the reason people came to visit," said Davenport Managing Director Lynnelle Caudill.
"It's unheard of to have a 75 year employee in any company. It was just a different time," Jensen said.
Over the years, Reed certainly had his run-ins with celebrities who were guests of the hotel.
"We sat in the state suite and having what would be our first employee meeting of this new team. We were looking around and waiting for Walt Worthy to come in. John looked around and said, 'Last time I was in this room, I was serving room service to Bing Crosby.' Then he corrected himself quickly, I didn't know his history. He said, 'No, no wait, that was Elvis Presley,'" Caudill said.
Jensen said Reed was hard to shop for when his milestone birthday's came around. Jensen said he lived a simple life and was content without any extra privileges at the Davenport. So for his 75th birthday, staff decided to reserve a parking spot for him and marked it with a plaque.
"And he had a routine. He always came to work early, hung out in the break room, just kind of mentally got ready for the day," Jensen explained.
In a release from The Historic Davenport Hotel Tuesday, Lynnelle Caudill, Davenport Hotels Managing Director, made a statement:
“It is with great sadness that I announce the unexpected passing of Mr. John Reed. John was 88
years old and worked all the way to the end to ensure that he personally welcomed our arriving
guests to “The Davenport” and City of Spokane. He loved our community and the hotel where he
worked for over 75 years. Over the past few years he courageously fought a few health issues.
He continued to work without complaint and had the strongest determination of any associate in
our history. I find peace knowing that he was comfortable in his home and in his own bed at the
time of his passing.
On a very personal note, I have learned so much from John and will miss him greatly. We know
what a rare thing it was to have him continue year after year and put us first. He really did, even
when not feeling well, he drove himself to work every day, put a smile on and made a difference.
That is something very special we all can take from him. He gave so much and I want to thank
all of you for making John a part of your family and taking good care of him as well. He was
loved.”
PHOTOS: Beloved doorman at Davenport Hotel passes away
Editor's note: KREM 2 was first made aware of Reed's passing Monday but we were asked to delay reporting on his death out of courtesy to his family by the Davenport Hotels.