OTIS – Reed Lord, 61, died unexpectedly May 30, 2011, at his Beech Hill Pond home. He had just spent a wonderful day with close friends, and they were with him when he died. His passing leaves a great hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He was born Jan. 22, 1950, in Waterville, the youngest child of G. Phillip and Ruby (Reed) Lord of Brooks.
He grew up in Brooks. When he was old enough, he worked mowing lawns, which enabled him to buy his first motorcycle, a Bridgestone. He was a 1968 graduate of Mount View High School, Thorndike. After graduating, he worked in construction for a number of years. Eventually, he went into trucking and most recently worked for Dead River Oil Co. as a driver, transporting fuel into northern Maine and other locations. He retired from Dead River in 2010, after more than 25 years with the company. He was known and well respected for his strong work ethic. He believed in working hard and in always doing the best job possible. Reed loved hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and boating. At one time, he competed in local snowmobile and boat races. He was a staunch NASCAR fan. However, his most recent love was motorcycling. During the past few years he had logged thousands of miles on his Harley as he and friends rode to a variety of places, including Virginia, Niagara Falls, as well as cross country. This spring, he was very excited about spending Bike Week in Florida and riding Tail of the Dragon in Deal’s Gap, N.C., on the way back. He was an animal lover and took pleasure in the company of a number of pets throughout the years. He was fascinated by the world of nature and especially enjoyed the hummingbirds that returned to his feeder each spring. Another interest was in seeing that his father’s 1936 John Deere tractor was restored. He and his brother, Russell, had recently accomplished this, and Reed had been looking forward to driving it in this year’s Fourth of July parade in Brooks. Reed will be remembered for a number of qualities but especially for his grin, his easy-going, fun-loving nature, his friendly personality, and his sense of humor. Even as a young boy, he loved to tease. He enjoyed people, and everyone was a friend. He always took pleasure in getting together with family and friends. He especially loved hanging out with biking friends, Melvin and Cindy Seekins; with his “lake family,” Bruce and Judy Dorr, John and Kim Ericson, Frank and Sue Blake; and with close friends, Jeff and Laurie Gerald, and Jeff and Judy Warren. Reed loved life, and together with these good friends, he had so many wonderful times.
Reed was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by a daughter, Renee Lord; and a grandson, Dylan Hopkins and Dylan’s girlfriend, Melissa Conroy, all of Monroe. He is also survived by a brother, Russell Lord and his wife, Linda, of Brooks; sisters, Linda J. Lord of Brooks and Janice Small of Scarborough; second cousins, Osborne and Virginia Ellis of Winslow; and by many good friends. He is much loved and greatly missed by all.
Visiting hours will be held 1-3 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, Waldo Avenue, Belfast. The family extends an invitation to anyone who would like to speak to do so during this time. Afterward, everyone is invited to gather at the American Legion Hall, Church Street, Belfast, to share refreshments and memories. A private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Reed’s memory be made to UBM Biker Down Fund, care of Renee Lord, 49 Brown Road, Monroe, ME 04951. Donations may also be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be offered at
www.ripostafh.com.