Honoring the Life and Legacy and Resilience of Jeff Reeder

Dear Supporters of Cascade Relief Team,

It is with profound sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our beloved colleague, Jeff Reeder. A steadfast pillar of our organization, Jeff dedicated his life to journalism and his time with Cascade Relief Team to Journalism, Jeff consistently demonstrating his unwavering commitment to people in crisis.

Jeff's commitment to his work was deep and personal. His spirit of service transcended the call of duty. He was not only a teammate but a mentor, a leader, and a source of boundless inspiration. His dedication to Cascade Relief Team was as vast as his capacity to empathize with the individuals he served.

One of Jeff’s many contributions was his incredible work in communicating our mission to the wider public. He understood the power of storytelling in advocating for our cause, and therefore, began blogging about what we do and keeping people informed of important information from the disaster relief world. His blogs were windows into the heart of our work, captivating the hearts and minds of our readers. They illuminated the challenges we face, the victories we celebrate, and most importantly, the resilient spirit of the survivors and communities we serve. People near and far loved Jeff’s work.

In his final days, despite his failing health, Jeff continued to tell these stories through blog writing. His Brother sent an email with Jeff’s last blog to Jordyn stating that the blog was written by Jeff, and he had his brother assist him with getting it typed. When I last saw Jeff in hospice I was told that he was trying to write another blog after the previous. I am so honored, and humbled that in his final days he was doing what he loved for the Cascade Relief Team. That is the greatest compliment I have ever received from someone who worked for me. Jeff and I connected and had a shared love of writing and information sharing. He was driven by his unwavering commitment to raise awareness and inspire action. His blogs, often filled with hope and resilience, will continue to guide and inspire us.

To say that Jeff was loved by our team would be an understatement. He was a major portion of the heartbeat of Cascade Relief Team. Jeff was one of our first employees. He was Jordyn's first hire. His spirit displays our work with warmth, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to service. He was an amazing colleague, a compassionate mentor, and a cherished friend. His laughter and wisdom enhanced our daily interactions, creating a positive and inclusive work environment. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

We mourn the loss of Jeff Reeder, but we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived. We remember him not only for his remarkable professional accomplishments but for the kindness, empathy, and unchanging compassion that defined him.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. In these difficult times, we stand with you, sharing in your sorrow while remembering a life lived in such an incredible way.

As we navigate this loss, we are reminded of the resilience that Jeff instilled in us. Jeff never quit, never gave up, and never backed down. Jeff had fought with illness throughout the time we knew him. He always came back just as vibrant and strong and ready to share. We will continue our work, carrying forward his legacy of compassion, dedication, and unending commitment to our cause. We will strive to honor Jeff's memory, not only through our words but through our actions, embodying his spirit of service in all that we do. A friend of mine told me, in the work we do there is a spirit and a process to the work we do. She said when you can unite those together you will have success. Jeff is a prime example of the spirit, and understanding the process.

Thank you for your support during this difficult time. Your kind words, thoughts, and prayers are deeply appreciated. Together, we will remember Jeff, honoring his life and legacy, as we continue our mission to provide relief to communities in need.

Sincerely,

Marc Brooks