David B. Reid, Jr.

ROYALTON – David B. Reid, Jr., 68, died peacefully Thursday, June 6, 2024, with family and caregivers at his bedside. He had been ill with colon cancer.

For the past seven years, he lived at the home of Sadie and Len Tetrault, where Sadie – assisted by Len and household member Jay Cook – was his principal caregiver. Other recent caregivers working with her included Saira Hancock, Jessica Tetrault, Jen Benoir and Victoria Tyler. Together, they made sure Dave stayed happily out and about, whether helping out in the home and community, tending to farm animals, stacking firewood, or going on walks and road trips with them near and far.

Dave was born December 31, 1955, the son of David and Betty Reid of Barre.

He was born intellectually disabled. While life was not always easy, Dave made the most of it.

Dave was social and outgoing, quick to greet with a firm handshake and always up for an outing. He was curious, had a contagious smile and laugh, and never missed a meal.

In addition to his family, many wonderful people helped care for Dave throughout his life. His mother Betty made sure he was active and engaged throughout. Early years were spent on the family’s West Hill farm in Barre Town, as well as at the Brandon Training School. For much of Dave’s adult life, Upper Valley Services in Randolph helped oversee his care, especially his long-time case manager Paula Scott.

A highlight for Dave was spending some summer weeks at Camp Thorpe in Goshen, where he was an enthusiastic camper for more than 30 years. He also enjoyed participating in the Vermont Special Olympics.

Dave particularly liked to thumb through photos that featured him and blow out any and all Christmas Eve service and birthday candles – often repeatedly; all of which he enjoyed doing – along with other activities and outings – with his siblings.

He is survived by his mother Betty Reid of Barre; as well as siblings, nieces and nephews: Sylvia Oliver of Barre, and her daughter Lily; Sarah Reid-Schroeder and husband Scot of Oswego, Ill., and their children Andrew and Elisabeth; Betsy Reid of Montpelier, and her step-daughter Sabra Ayres; John Reid and his wife Patti of Woodbury, and their children Driscoll and Amanda; and step-brothers Kim Morrow and his wife Tracey of Barre, and Craig Morrow and his wife Christine of Simsbury, Ct. Dave is also survived by Allen, Reid and Strong cousins and their families.

Dave was predeceased by his devoted grandparents Maurice and Lucy Watkins, and Howard and Pearl Reid; his father David Reid; stepmother Lee (Morrow) Reid, and stepbrothers Jim Morrow and Scott Morrow.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Barre Congregational Church, 35 Church Street, Barre. A reception will follow at the church. Family and friends may call on Monday, June 17, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.  For a memorial guestbook, please visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Last Mile Fund at Gifford Medical Center, 44 South Main Street, Randolph, VT  05060, Camp Thorpe, Inc., 680 Capen Hill Drive, Goshen, VT  05733 or to the Vermont Special Olympics, 16 Gregory Drive, Suite 2, South Burlington, VT  05403.