Richard “Dick” Forester Reid Sr., 84, Korean War Veteran

Richard “Dick” Forester Reid Sr. of Shelburne, died peacefully of complications from heart surgery on Feb. 6, 2013, at the age of 84.

Dick, also known as “Bucky” to his many friends, was a caring and loving parent, grandparent and husband. He made close friendships and maintained his active and vital approach to life to the very end. Dick was born in Mineola, NY, on Sept. 29, 1928, the son of Cornelius and Muriel Reid.

He married Shirley “Sherie” Reid Thompson in the summer of 1951.

Dick graduated from the Kent School in Connecticut, and Cornell University. He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Dick raised his family in Bedford, NY, while spending many happy vacations in the Adirondacks. He was an insurance broker for many years, working in the family business with his father and brothers.

He was an avid naturalist, who fought tirelessly to protect the environment, including a battle to re-route Interstate 684 in New York and the Velco Powerline through the Champlain Valley. He hiked in Vermont with his family; climbing Camels Hump 18 consecutive months when he was 78 years old. Dick loved sailing at Long Point, gardening, watching his grandchildren play sports, and especially attending soccer games in which his granddaughter, Eliza, was the goalie.

He was an active member of the Audubon Society, organizing the Ferrisburg territory of the annual Christmas bird count for many years. He pursued his interest in the artwork of colonial painter, Robert Feke, writing a book, which included a history of the family home in Mill Neck, NY.

He is survived by his children, Dinah, Jessie and her husband, Jeffrey Bradley, Shirley, and Dick and his wife, Jo.

He had nine grandchildren, Bridget, Juliana, Thomas, Matthew, Meridith, Eliza, Alexandra, Forest and Amelia. He is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Cordy and Vic McCuaig, Pammy and Charlie Trippe, Neil and Edwina, and Weezie Reid; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Sissy; and brother, John.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of his life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at the Charlotte Congregational Church.