GILFORD ---- Reed Worthen, age 50, of Gilford, New Hampshire, passed away suddenly in a tragic accident on July 14, 2024.
Born on March 5, 1974, in Danvers, MA, Reed was a beloved figure in his community, known for his charisma, infectious smile, positivity, and dedication to his family.
Reed graduated from Beverly High School in 1992 and pursued further education at Deerfield Academy for his postgraduate year where he played hockey, football and lacrosse. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire in 1997 and excelled on the lacrosse team and played hockey and football. Professionally, Reed spent his career in medical sales, primarily specializing in spine equipment surgery in the OR where he was adored personally and respected professionally.
Beyond his professional life, Reed was deeply committed to his family and community. He was an enthusiastic sports coach, dedicating his time to coaching tee ball, soccer, flag football when the kids were young and most recently basketball and lacrosse. Reed also contributed his time to youth sports events and was often found running the clock at local basketball games, even when his own kids weren't playing. He loved the smell and sound of the ocean, boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, the outdoors, being active and supporting Bethany's love for gardening. His greatest joy and accomplishments were his children, with whom he loved spending all his free time. He had just celebrated his 20th anniversary in Maine with his loving wife, Bethany.
Besides Bethany, Reed is survived by his 3 children, Klava, Rowan, and Sam Worthen; stepmother Carol Worthen of Laconia; stepfather Henry McLaughlin of Beverly, MA; sister Jamie Forest and her husband Keith of Gilford; Brigid Garry and her husband Vance of Weston, MA; Erin Doran and her husband Bill of Sudbury, MA; Kathryn Cotraro and her husband Mike of Beverly, MA; In-laws JoEllen & Tom Space, David and Lynn Cote, Cortney Cote and her husband Greg, Nathan Cote and his partner Tesse Maciejko, and his large family of many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, A Reed Worthen III, and his mother, Christine McLaughlin.
A service to celebrate Reed's life will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 1 PM at Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH, with a casual reception afterwards. Casual attire welcome in spirit of Reed.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made towards his children's educational fund: Support Reed's Legacy or directly to the 529 Account .
Reed's legacy of kindness, generosity, love and his smile will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to wilkinsonbeane.com.