Reid C. Stanley

Reid C. Stanley of Benedicta, Maine was born in Farmington, Maine May 22, 1952 and passed away January 20, 2025 at the age of 72 at his home. Reid didn't battle cancer; in fact after being diagnosed he barely recognized it and he let the disease simply slide right into his daily routine. He fought the fight and ran the race. He is now in his eternal home with Jesus.

Reid grew up in Kingfield, annoying his older sister, raising cane with his brothers (except Dean), and lifelong friends, Linwood Doble, the Pinkham Boys, and others. An avid skier with a love for the slopes, Reid dedicated thousands of hours to skiing Sugarloaf Mountain, which held a special place in his heart. Among his many accomplishments, he and Doble claimed The World Heavyweight Race Championship in 1975 -a feat that saw two men (combined weighing 300 lbs) masterfully navigate a single pair of skis for the first time on Sugarloaf Mountain. Although they were quickly disqualified after their win, it was a day he remembered forever.

Reid moved to Benedicta in 1979 and opened the Benedicta General Store on nothing more than a hope and a prayer. It didn't take long for Reid to win the hearts of the fine people of Benedicta, where strangers soon became family. For seven wonderful years, he poured his energy, kindness, and humor into serving others through BGS, selling everything from a "baby fart to a clap of thunder", making it more than just a place of business but a hub of warmth and connection, where he and Cathy coined the term, "Benedicta General Store: We're closer than you think."

Beyond his dedication to the store, Reid was a pillar of the community. Among others, Reid was one of the founding members of the Benedicta SnowGang. He dedicated many hours to this organization and prided himself on the annual snow golf tournaments he helped organize and execute on Perry Pond. In addition, he and others were influential in convincing the great State of Maine that Benedicta needed its own exit. Reid often said, "Benedicta is so great, once you get off the exit, there is really no need to leave."

The next chapter of Reid's professional life consumed a thirteen year stint at his namesake company: Reid's Confectionery Company as a route salesman. The measure of a salesman is when his customer is happy when you arrive and even happier when you leave. Reid was very fortunate to work with a host of talented, amazing people. (Except Bob, he never liked you, Bob). Reid cherished the relationships he made with his colleagues at Reid's and enjoyed their reunions. Colleagues Bill Johnston, Jim Flynn, and John Perry, became like brothers to him over the years and he was thankful for their unwavering friendship and support through the decades.

Reid lived a life of adventure, possessed many talents, and embraced a career as an entrepreneur. With a heart dedicated to service, every path he pursued was rooted in his commitment to uplifting others (except when he didn't) and making a meaningful difference in his community. Reid was always willing to lend a hand to his neighbors and friends. He was a skilled carpenter and mason, and many of Reid's friends and family in the area have a "Reid Stanley & Mark McDonald" chimney. In 1984, to help raise funds for St. Benedict's Church renovations, Reid drove through Joe Rush's fields, climbed onto the roof of his old blue Ford, and captured the iconic photo of St. Benedict's Church with Mount Katahdin in the background. Reid's photograph is featured on trivets and framed with boards from George McAvoy's barn. Raise your hand if you have one of these in your kitchen. Today, the photograph is prominently displayed on the "Welcome to Benedicta" sign.

Reid loved to cook and to cook for those he loved. He prided himself on fixing Sunday dinners and often fed half the town and his favorite mechanic with his culinary delights- everything from lasagna to casseroles to peach cobbler to his famous milkshakes he loved to serve at camp. Always one for reflection, he did learn in the early 90s, with feedback from a special niece, that banana omelets were not his best dish.

Reid was a man with a servant's heart and loved to serve small businesses. He was known as a great connector. He seemed to know almost everyone from Southern Penobscot to Northern Aroostook County, always bringing people together. Affectionately known as "The Coffee News Man," he spent 26 years publishing Coffee News, a role he cherished not just for the work but for the relationships it fostered. His customers weren't just clients-they became family, and serving them was his true joy.

Reid treasured his time at his camp on Perry Pond, his true happy place, where he loved hosting friends and family in all seasons. He always looked forward to spending time on the pond, Grand Pitch, (or anywhere) with his lifelong friends, Bonnie and Colby Robinson and CB Holbrook. Some of Reid's favorite memories of raising his family were the annual trips to Myrtle Beach. One of his favorite holidays was Labor Day, when he and Cathy hosted the family's annual croquet tournament since losing his niece, Karen, and sister-in-law, Mary, in 1990.

Reid leaves behind Catherine Duffy, a very patient, loving, tolerant, forgiving, prayerful, caring dang fool of a wife of 48 years. Brittany Ann and her husband Elijah who is kind of glad that they will be left with memories and not the real thing. Logan Patrick, an extremely bright, empathetic and animal loving son, who did his damndest to like his Dad but somehow Reid, managed to block that sentiment year after year. Lindsay Josephine, a fun-loving, bright, popular girl who decided at three years old that any kind of authority providing laws, rules, or regulations was an entity to never be trusted, and God forbid, obeyed. Kathryn Cecelia, toting an effervescent smile, a laugh that came too easily on occasion with a huge heart and questionable decision-making skills arrived as his youngest. Kathryn's ability to test Reid in almost any social situation was alarming on occasion. And of course, Thomas Cummings, everyone knew as "Reid's favorite child." Reid's children (except Thomas) believe that he's in heaven attending anger management classes six days a week.

Reid also leaves behind his three grandsons. Silas, the oldest, and a young man to watch as he displays too many good traits as they are hard to measure. Isaiah, an introspective, deep thinker who is destined to if not save humanity, then impacts it in a powerful way. Ezekiel, with a sparkle in his eye that should cause small countries to simply shudder at his name. A bright, grand communicator destined for a grand life. Reid is also survived by his sister Marlene Bunker of North Carolina, Drew Stanley of Kingfield, Rand Stanley and his wife Lynn of Broad Brook, CT, and Dean Stanley and his wife Annette of Strong. Reid was blessed to be accepted and adopted by Cathy's family-which became his own. He leaves behind the best sister-n-laws and brother-n-laws in the world. He was "Uncle Reid" to many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. We take comfort in knowing that Reid is now in heaven with his parents, Cis and Arnold Stanley, Steve Freytag, Mark McDonald, and many other friends and family members he deeply missed during his time on earth.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hyrnick for his exceptional care and profound empathy in caring for Reid.

Reid always had a remarkable gift for words, and we have tried to honor him by including his own words and musings in this obituary, as he had written much of this himself before his passing.

A celebration of Reid's life will be celebrated at 12:00pm Saturday, February 15, at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, 1063 Benedicta Rd., Benedicta, ME 04733. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the service at 12 p.m. Reid's service will be followed by a luncheon hosted in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Reid's memory to one of the local organizations that held special meaning to him: St. Benedict's Catholic Church Capital Campaign (PO Box 27, Benedicta, ME 04733) The Katahdin Children and Families Foundation (PO Box 66 Patten, ME 04765), or The Benedicta SnowGang (PO Box 94 Benedicta, ME 04733).