Obituary for Gregory D. Reed
Obituary: Gregory D. Reed
Dateline: Alfred, Maine
Gregory D. Reed, 75, beloved husband, father, and brother, passed in his home with his loving family by his side on April 14, 2023.
Greg was born in Sanford on November 22, 1947, one of three children born to Lester and Gloria (Libbey) Reed. He grew up in Sanford and graduated from Sanford High School in 1965. Soon after graduating he enlisted in the US Army serving in Germany.
While Greg was a Senior in high school, he became smitten with a blonde, fun-loving Junior, Jill Ricker from Alfred. Greg was quiet, handsome, and shy. Following their courtship Jill gave him an ultimatum, you marry me, or I am moving on. After three days, He returned and said, “Set the date!” Being unconventional, they eloped on August 15, 1970, and got married in West Newfield at the church’s parsonage. Following their wedding vows, Greg went to the general store nearby and called his parents and told him he would not be coming home because he had just gotten married. They have been devoted to one another for close to 53 years.
In 1971 they had their daughter Heidi. With determination and hard work, they were able to build their cute A-Frame in Alfred. Greg began working at EC Ricker and Sons with Jill’s father and learned about farm machinery and pumps. Then was employed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a pipefitter. Greg traveled to Scotland, Groton, CT, and California while working for the yard. He was a good provider and worked hard.
Wanting to be closer to home and his family, Greg started Reed Water Pump Service and was well respected for his knowledge and for being fair. Before selling someone a new pump, he would give free advice and try to troubleshoot the problem. In Greg’s eyes, the Classic Red Farmall International Tractor was the best! He was a member of the Southern Maine Tractor Club and hosted many tractors pulls and hayrides.
Greg enjoyed restoring old antique water pumps and spending time in his garage and barn. He also planted a large garden each year. Many happy summers were spent camping, baking bean hole beans and canoeing down the Saco River. He and Jill enjoyed taking the canoe and leisurely paddling down Estes Lake with a cool six pack and cigars! They took trips to Canada, Vermont, and Boothbay Harbor. Family reunions in Virginia was a trip he looked forward to.
In the winter months the family would go snowmobiling and he was a proud owner of a 1970 Polaris Snow Machine. Greg made his rounds visiting his buddies during lunch breaks and evenings at local stores and at friends’ garages, enjoying a few cold Buds. He was thankful and humble when his mobility and driving became limited, that the same friends he “hob knobbed” with came to visit.
Greg was comforted by having Baxter, a gentle Black Lab by his side. Even as his family cried and grieved, Baxter remained by him on his bed. Who says animals have no feelings. . .
A few days before Greg passed, he shared that he had dreamt about his parents and brother Dexter. He smiled and was reassured he was going to see them again. Greg passed knowing he was loved and remained home with his wife Jill by his side. The young couple that eloped – remained true to their marriage vows and daily he thanked her for keeping him home. He made sure to tell her he loved her and how pretty she was. He was a protective father and wanted only the best for his daughter Heidi.
Words from the Irish Blessing: May the wind always be at your back. . . We will always love you and know you are at peace.
Greg is lovingly survived by his wife Jill Reed and daughter Heidi Reed of Alfred; his sister Sheri Pageau and husband John and their two sons Justin and Ryan Pageau of Burke, Virginia; and his sister-in-law Lynn Reed and her two sons Denver and Dylan Reed of Ontario, Canada.
He was predeceased by his parents and brother Dexter.
A Graveside Service with military honors will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Alfred.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wentworth Hospice Care, 9 Andrews Rd., Somersworth, NH 03878 or Grammy Rose Dog Rescue & Sanctuary, 1542 Rt 109, Acton, ME 04001.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at Greg’s Book of Memories at www.bibbersautumngreen.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green, 47 Oak St., in Alfred.
Dateline: Alfred, Maine
Gregory D. Reed, 75, beloved husband, father, and brother, passed in his home with his loving family by his side on April 14, 2023.
Greg was born in Sanford on November 22, 1947, one of three children born to Lester and Gloria (Libbey) Reed. He grew up in Sanford and graduated from Sanford High School in 1965. Soon after graduating he enlisted in the US Army serving in Germany.
While Greg was a Senior in high school, he became smitten with a blonde, fun-loving Junior, Jill Ricker from Alfred. Greg was quiet, handsome, and shy. Following their courtship Jill gave him an ultimatum, you marry me, or I am moving on. After three days, He returned and said, “Set the date!” Being unconventional, they eloped on August 15, 1970, and got married in West Newfield at the church’s parsonage. Following their wedding vows, Greg went to the general store nearby and called his parents and told him he would not be coming home because he had just gotten married. They have been devoted to one another for close to 53 years.
In 1971 they had their daughter Heidi. With determination and hard work, they were able to build their cute A-Frame in Alfred. Greg began working at EC Ricker and Sons with Jill’s father and learned about farm machinery and pumps. Then was employed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a pipefitter. Greg traveled to Scotland, Groton, CT, and California while working for the yard. He was a good provider and worked hard.
Wanting to be closer to home and his family, Greg started Reed Water Pump Service and was well respected for his knowledge and for being fair. Before selling someone a new pump, he would give free advice and try to troubleshoot the problem. In Greg’s eyes, the Classic Red Farmall International Tractor was the best! He was a member of the Southern Maine Tractor Club and hosted many tractors pulls and hayrides.
Greg enjoyed restoring old antique water pumps and spending time in his garage and barn. He also planted a large garden each year. Many happy summers were spent camping, baking bean hole beans and canoeing down the Saco River. He and Jill enjoyed taking the canoe and leisurely paddling down Estes Lake with a cool six pack and cigars! They took trips to Canada, Vermont, and Boothbay Harbor. Family reunions in Virginia was a trip he looked forward to.
In the winter months the family would go snowmobiling and he was a proud owner of a 1970 Polaris Snow Machine. Greg made his rounds visiting his buddies during lunch breaks and evenings at local stores and at friends’ garages, enjoying a few cold Buds. He was thankful and humble when his mobility and driving became limited, that the same friends he “hob knobbed” with came to visit.
Greg was comforted by having Baxter, a gentle Black Lab by his side. Even as his family cried and grieved, Baxter remained by him on his bed. Who says animals have no feelings. . .
A few days before Greg passed, he shared that he had dreamt about his parents and brother Dexter. He smiled and was reassured he was going to see them again. Greg passed knowing he was loved and remained home with his wife Jill by his side. The young couple that eloped – remained true to their marriage vows and daily he thanked her for keeping him home. He made sure to tell her he loved her and how pretty she was. He was a protective father and wanted only the best for his daughter Heidi.
Words from the Irish Blessing: May the wind always be at your back. . . We will always love you and know you are at peace.
Greg is lovingly survived by his wife Jill Reed and daughter Heidi Reed of Alfred; his sister Sheri Pageau and husband John and their two sons Justin and Ryan Pageau of Burke, Virginia; and his sister-in-law Lynn Reed and her two sons Denver and Dylan Reed of Ontario, Canada.
He was predeceased by his parents and brother Dexter.
A Graveside Service with military honors will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Alfred.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wentworth Hospice Care, 9 Andrews Rd., Somersworth, NH 03878 or Grammy Rose Dog Rescue & Sanctuary, 1542 Rt 109, Acton, ME 04001.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at Greg’s Book of Memories at www.bibbersautumngreen.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green, 47 Oak St., in Alfred.