BAR HARBOR – Early in the morning July 3, 2011, Wallace S. Reed died at a Bangor hospital after a long battle with the ravages of the effects of Agent Orange. Throughout his life he worked diligently to help others who also suffered the effects of Agent Orange and their families. Wallace was born July 23, 1945, in Skowhegan, to Sherman and Mary Reed.
He grew up in many towns throughout Maine, graduating from Bonny Eagle High School, the University of Maine, Cornell University and the University of Maine School of Law.
He served in the Navy for 31 years, including combat in Vietnam and support systems during the first Gulf War. He practiced law in Southern Maine and later taught for 21 years at Maine Maritime Academy, retiring as the director of the Graduate Program. Along the years his career choices brought him much joy and fulfillment, but his family was the true center of his life. He was a loyal and loving son to Sherman and Mary and a devoted husband to Sandra, also of Bar Harbor. He was a proud and loving father to Ellen of LaQuinta, Calif., Melissa of Salinas, Calif., and Wallace and Timothy, who died as newborns, a deep and abiding sadness throughout his life. He was pleased when his daughters gave him two fine sons-in-law, Duston and Jim. He deeply loved his grandchildren, Shannen Ellen, Cassady Reed and Ashlyn Reine, all of Salinas, Calif. He was the brother of Deanna Reed Peters of Port Charlotte, Fla.; and he enjoyed his relationship with many special aunts, uncles and cousins. His nieces, Katie and Angela; and his nephews, Neil and Cameron, were a particular source of happiness in his life. The friends, colleagues and former students he leaves behind all added a wonderful depth and joy to his life. Wallace was a tried and true Red Sox fan, celebrating for days after their 2004 World Series win and subsequent successes. He passed this love on to his wife and children, who now suffer through every season. He never succeeded in understanding Terry Francona’s strategies.
Wallace is survived by his mother, Mary Reed of Bar Harbor; his wife, his daughters, his sister, nieces, nephews, his beloved Aunt Wilma and several cousins. He will be deeply missed by his beagles, Winston and Leon. He was predeceased by his dear grandparents, father, two sons, many aunts and uncles, and several dear friends. Wallace’s family offer their profound thanks to all the healthcare professionals who, throughout his illness, provided him with the best of care, their compassion and friendship, and some great Red Sox stories. Words cannot express how much their care has meant to those of us who loved him.
There will be no calling hours, but a memorial service will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at Bar Harbor Congregational Church, 29 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor. Interment will take place at another time in Turner, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved sons. The family asks that no flowers be given in Wallace’s honor, but that any memorial donations be made to Fisher House Foundation, Inc., which provides a home away from home for military families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. These houses are located throughout the country. You may mail your donation to Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850-5168 or donate online at www.fisherhouse.org. Arrangements by Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.