Charles Webster reed
Charlie was born in Addison, Vermont on April 20, 1918, the son of Charles Lyon Reed and Lillian Mae Wynne. He was the youngest of four brothers. He worked on the family farm while growing up and attending Vanderhoofschool, just up the street from his house. He then attended high school in Vergennes, but did not graduate, but instead transferred to the Randolph School of Agriculture for his higher learning. After leaving Randolph he did an apprenticeship at GearShaper in Springfield Vermont with his brother Lockwood, learning the machinist trade. He did not care for this type of work and returned to Addison to assist his Father and Brother Edward on the family farm known as Big Meadow Farm.
While recuperating at Mary Fletcher Hospital he met Pauline Algie Young, from Lyndonville, VT. After a period of dating they were married on June 15, 1943. This resulted in the birthing of a son, Michael Reed in 1944.
Charlie continued working with his family and purchased a house and land a mile north of the home farm. His Father told him it was a waste land and it would never grow anything. After much persistence and hard work he gradually turned the land into production of farm crops. In 1956 he purchased a bordering barn, animals and more land to start Aspirin Acres.
Also in the 1950’s he started a retail business selling elevators and Oliver farm equipment. This business evolved over the years from strictly agriculture to a store that tried to serve the community with most everything that the farm might need to operate.
He retired selling the operation to his son on December 31, 1980 after suffering massive heart attack, from which he recovered to live another 37 years.
He lost his wife, Polly, on November 3, 1992. In 1999, he renewed a family friendship with Lelah Estey, who had lost her husband, Richard, previously. They married on April 29, 2000, in Lincoln, Vermont.
Charlie and Lelah enjoyed many breakfasts on the road at a couple of local restaurants in Addison and Crown Point, NY. They also enjoyed mingling and meeting new friends at the many local “retired†lunches that are sponsored by area organizations.
Charlie was predeceased by his wife Pauline(Polly) and three Brothers, Thomas, Lockwood and C. Edward.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Lelah Sumner Estey Reed, his son, Michael(Marshlyn) of West Addison, his grandchildren, Penelope, Stacie, Judy and Todd. There are also four great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren. His extended family also includes step-children, Debra (Glen) Cullen, Rick (Chris) Estey, Lori (Jim) Rivers, Curt (Heather) Estey, Karen (Bob) Whitcomb, and Judy (Jim) Brown.His grandchildren, and 10 step-grandchildren.
Visiting hours are scheduled for Wednesday June 7, 2017 from 6-8pm at Brown McClay Funeral Home at 48 S Maple St in Vergennes. A Service or Remembrance will be held Thursday, June 8, 2017 at the West Addison Methodist Church on Jersey St (down the road from his house) at 10am, with burial following. A reception lunch will follow at the Community House (beside the church) will follow the burial for friends and neighbors to gather and remember one of the longest living members of the community.
Rather than send flowers that will soon disappear the family would rather that if you would care to donate, then do so to either the West Addison Methodist Church c/o Grace Birchmore, Lake Street, Addison, VT 05491, or to your favorite charity.