PORTER - Scott Robert Reed, 70, passed peacefully at home on January 17, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Originally from Milford, CT, Scott relocated to Maine 21 years ago with the love of his life, Debbie. While they met in high school, they didn’t reconnect for 30 years - but once they did, they built their life together as though they had never missed a day. Living and retiring in Maine was Scott’s dream since he was a little boy; so when they found their piece of heaven in Porter in 2003, they jumped on it - even though it meant Scott was driving 260 miles round trip to work in Boston every day. He continued that trip for 17 years and he always credited that to having the right mindset and respecting his work.
In his younger years, Scott was an independent welder and fabricator - work that he loved and continued for fun throughout his life. While still in Connecticut, Scott started working as a union laborer for Local 151 - a position he stayed with right up until his retirement in 2020. Retirement was not a concrete word though, as Scott spent the last three summers volunteering at Lily Bay State Park on Moosehead Lake - working as a host for other campers there and helping to keep the park enjoyable for everyone. Scott was so grateful to make wonderful friendships there, while also sharing a place he loved with his family.
A laborer by trade, Scott would not be afraid to tell you that he had a much more important job: being Papa (or Grandpa Scott depending on who you were talking to). Scott lived everyday for his 8 grandchildren; from football games to dance competitions, piano recitals to fifth grade graduations, Scott never missed a chance to be with and celebrate his grandkids. He was a constant in each of their lives - creating a unique relationship with each of them, always giving them the freedom to be themselves and never wavering in support. His love for these kids was palpable, and right until his last breath, his worry was making sure each of them was going to be ok. Whether it was four-wheeling, fishing, doing arts and crafts or just sitting and reading with them - his presence will be missed everyday in the lives of his grandkids.
The only thing that could potentially hold a candle to Scott’s love for his family was his love for motorcycles. His favorite place to be was on his Harley - and despite his pain, Scott was able to take one final ride on Christmas Day, 2023.
Scott is survived by his wife Debbie, his brother David (Josephine) Reed of Farmington, his children: Lisa (Brian) Arakelian of Hampton, NH, Jessica (Jaret) Cox of Buxton, ME, Daphne (Mike Molinaro) Miner of Parkersburg, WV, and Justin (Krislynn) Miner of Plainfield, CT; his grandchildren: Dahrius (Angela), Norah, Brady, Mason, Madison, Maci, Asher, and Zya; his lifelong friend Hoss, and countless friends, family members, and “granddogs” who will miss him dearly.
At Scott’s request, a Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date when the snow melts, so his friends and family can come together in his hayfield and remember the amazing husband, brother, father, grandfather, friend and all-around wonderful human he was.
Online condolence messages are available at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com