Luther E Reid

L. Ernest Reid, 87, of Keene, died Friday morning, March 14, 2014, following a period of declining health, in the comfort of his home with his devoted wife. He was affectionately known as Mac to his family and friends.

He was born September 16, 1926 to Luther Ernest and Mary Philomena (Stacey) Reid in Waynesboro, VA. As a young boy he moved to Massachusetts with his sisters after their parents passed away. He always carried fond memories of the summers he spent in Waynesboro with his grandparents. He attended schools in Everett, MA and in 1944, at the age of 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served for two years as a Private First Class and spent much of that time in the South Pacific before his honorable discharge. After returning home, he completed his schooling and went on to receive a degree in Accounting from Bentley College.

On June 16, 1949, Mac married the love of his life Marilyn Pierce in a service in Melrose, MA. They started their family and in 1961 moved to Keene, NH where they built their home on Appleton Street and lived for over 52 years. At that time he began working for Homestead Woolen Mills, Dartmouth Woolen Mills and Warrenton Woolen Mills. He worked from 1961 until 1987 retiring as Treasurer. In 1988 he partnered with his son in the formation of Multi-Med, a medical device manufacturing business in which he served as Treasurer for more than 26 years.

In his younger years Mac was an avid jogger, enjoyed golfing and loved tennis. He was one of the founders of The Racquet Club in Keene and first President of the Board of Directors. He continued as their Corporate Treasurer until his passing. He also served on the Board of the Keene YMCA and the Keene Country Club. Throughout his life Mac was a proud Marine, loved to cook, enjoyed reading and was a history buff. He cherished his family and always looked forward to family gatherings, especially at their summer home in Casco, Maine, which has been in the family for more than 80 years.

He is survived by his wife of over 64 years: Marilyn R Reid of Keene; his children: Alan Reid and his wife Linda of Keene, Susan Starkey and her husband Russell of Keene, Donna Menard and her husband Marc of Nelson, Janis Davis and her husband Alan of Keene, and Tricia Patnode and her husband Gary of East Sullivan. He had 10 grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Grumpy”: Katey Adams, Sarah Haberkorn, Lisa Starkey, Devon Sweeney, Denelle Henretty, Heather Davis, Brian Davis, Daniel Patnode, Christina Patnode, and Timothy Patnode. He was also blessed with eight great grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters Dorothy Bond of Keene and Philomena Marquis of Woburn, MA. He was predeceased by his sisters: Gertrude Tolman and Phyllis Fitzgerald.

At the family’s request, there are no public calling hours. Services will also be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent, in Mr. Reid’s name to the Casco Public Library, P.O. Box 420, Casco, Maine 04015, or the Pulmonary Rehab Center at CMC-DHK, c/o Cheshire Health Foundation, 580 Court St. Keene, NH 03431.

Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services( www.fletcherfuneralhome.com), 33 Marlboro St., Keene, NH, has been entrusted with the arrangements.