Everett Linwood Reed, Jr., age 76, died peacefully next to his loving wife in their home in East Wakefield, NH on Friday, January 5, 2024, after a decade battle with COPD.

Everett was born to Everett and Ruth (Oliver) Reed on April 3, 1947 in Farmington, ME, attended Rollinsford NH grade schools, a graduate of South Berwick High School, class of 1965, followed by earning a BA in Electrical Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA in 1965.

Directly from college, Everett was hired by Sanders Associates in Nashua, NH, where he advanced with multiple recognitions and survived two company name changes, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, where he proudly and successfully completed a 40year journey to retirement. Although he did not serve in one branch of our military, he certainly served them all quietly with his important work.  His high work ethic assisted leading his colleagues in successful completions of difficult tasks.

Everett's job often had him traveling around the United States, which instilled a desired to see and spend personal time exploring on his own.  In 1978, a trip to Nevada was the opportunity to marry Becky in a Lake Tahoe Nevada Chapel, beginning a beautiful 45year marriage.  Another trip West, 30 days in a 2man tent, sparked lots of interest for that kind of travel.  A similar situation combined a month-long job and personal opportunity to take his six children to Florida in a pop-up camper.  Use your imagination, but much later everyone had their own cute stories.  He loved those adventures and enjoyed sharing the sights and experiences with everyone.  He earned some early "wings" taking his wife, mother and mother-inlaw cross country in yet another pop-up camper.  How fun to put parents in the back seat, listen to them delight at the gorgeous sights in our country, one of the most heart rewarding trips ever.

Camping became a life long activity, taking he and Becky to nearly every contiguous state, using a variety of campers, even being KOA work-Campers in Carlsbad, New Mexico.  So many meaningful relationships were gained and kept to his end.  Many other "deer" friends over the years, shared hunting trips, playing billiards and cards, and often each family group scrambling up and around mountains and thru mud in 4x4s, occasionally Everett towing some of them with his Suburban.  The beach was a favorite place, often with buddies, trucks and families to surf fish all night.  Many quiet adventures were on the pontoon boat, providing his natural demeanor those tranquil moments.

Being a Ford man perhaps started when he learned to drive his dad's AA Ford truck around the yard.  He loved vehicles of all kinds, had several makes as a teen, to tote his sisters and friends around.  Everett loved a variety of Fords, especially the Mustang, but trucks fit him best.  He had great taste in, and showed pride of every vehicle.  He enjoyed a bit in XC skiing and mountain biking to expand in healthy experiences, but motorized adventures always won out.  The introduction to ATV's opened some exciting times locally and eventually into the deserts of Arizona.  He and Becky returned several winters to the dry warmth, to explore with friends the unending beautiful desert scenery and unfold its mystery and history.  Everett was most comfortable and happiest by a fire gazing at the Arizona stars one could almost touch, reminiscing the people and journeys he was blessed to have.

Everett is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Rebecca (Eldridge) Reed, two sisters and brothers-in-laws: Dolores & Vincent Burdick, Bonnie & Tom Shufelt and their families, Everett's children include Carrie of Islesboro, Maine, Jennifer & husband Steve of Hudson, NH, Sonja & husband Rich of Berwick, Maine, stepdaughter Cristal & partner Dave of Goffstown, NH and stepson Casey & wife Shannon of Litchfield, NH.  He enjoyed fun times with his 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.  Predeceased by his beloved son Steven in 2018.

Once said to me "If you are lucky enough to know this kind of man, then you are lucky enough."

In lieu of flowers, you may donate in his memory to the American Lung Association or the United States National Parks.

Everett's Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 13, 2024 at The Venue at the Ponderosa, 158 Governor's Road, Milton, NH.  Share a story or memory from 1-4pm while enjoying Everett's favorite desserts.

To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com