Reid, 58, died Aug. 11 after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his two daughters Sara Booth and Brittany Hirschman, his wife Gerrie Reid, his brother Morgan Reid; a sister Karen Cleveland; and parents David and Marilyn Reid. However, about a 200-strong army of bikers in the Harley Davidson of Jamestown’s parking lot were ready to ride. The drive took the group of those honoring Reid’s life to his hometown of Gowanda where a Celebration of Life event was held.

Asked what the family was feeling in the moment with such a large turnout of family members and friends, Morgan Reid said simply, “love.”

“A lot of love,” he continued. “It’s a totally different feeling. Your Harley riders are a group, it’s a family.”

Brian Reid was the owner of the Jamestown motorcycle shop, an ownership that was passed down to him and his brothers from their father. The three siblings’ grandfather started Harley-Davidson of Gowanda in 1947. Their father took over around 1975, with the Jamestown store being opened as well. After being passed down to the next generation, Brian Reid ran the Jamestown business with his brother, Kevin Reid, until he passed away Feb. 17, 2016, after his own bout with cancer.

Brian Reid

Outside the shop Monday, Booth and Morgan Reid addressed the group.

“We’re going to celebrate him today and we’re going to drive him home,” Booth said just before the motorcade, being escorted by New York State Police troopers, left for Gowanda Free Methodist Church.

She further explained by just saying “thank you,” was not enough to express her gratitude for the turnout.

“If Dad was here right now, his jaw would probably drop because there’s so many of you on a Monday but on two wheels,” Booth said of the turnout of bikers. “That’s the important part. This is what he lived for. Two wheels and family and friends.”

Booth assured the bikers about to start up their engines that her father was already happy as he was free from cancer and medication.

He was described by those who knew him as family man, religious and a devout Harley-Davidson enthusiast.

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Brian Reid’s niece, Jackdaleth Montiel, who is the Jamestown shop’s marketing manager, described her uncle as “remarkable.”

“Just a great guy overall, always willing to give back in some way or help others in anyway he could,” she said. “He’s definitely made an impact on the community and as you can see the amount of bikers here today. There’s got to be 200, 300 bikes that he left an impact on and he’s going to be greatly missed in the Harley Davidson community, the riding community and any other community he’s had an impact on.”

Leading the bike run was Brian Reid’s blue 1966 Mustang. In the vehicle was Reid’s ashes, allowing him to go on one last ride.

A bike blessing was held Monday that saw bikers ride in honor of Reid from Falconer to Gowanda where a memorial service was held. P-J photo by Jordan W. Paterson