DUBLIN, Ireland – Michael James Reeve, 71, of Fayette, Maine, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland, surrounded by his loving family. He will be greatly missed by those who loved and knew him. Michael was born July 7, 1952, in Farmington, the oldest son to Everett and Gay (Burhoe) Reeve. He attended elementary school in Fayette and was a 1970 graduate of Livermore Falls High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy serving his country from 1970 – 1975 in the “Silent Service” on the USS Sailfish until he was discharged with a National Defense Service Medal. On June 16, 1973, he married his wife of 51 years, Linda (Atkinson) in California where they lived for the first six years of their marriage. Michael then went on to attend Cypress College where he received his degree in mechanical engineering while working full time to support his growing family. In May 1980, Michael and Linda made the decision to move back to his childhood home in Fayette, Maine to raise their family in the same home where Michael was also born and raised.
Michael, alongside his wife, owned Tri-County Refrigeration for many years before going to work for Hannaford Bros. in 1987. After leaving Hannaford Bros. in 1998. Michael joined Linda once again to open Maine Market Refrigeration LLC, in 1999, alongside his daughter, Rachael, grandson Tyler, sons-in-law Shawn and Kent. Michael continued to co-own and operate until his retirement in 2020.
Michael was a very active member of his community in his younger years. He served as a town selectman, on the Fayette school board, on the volunteer rescue and as a youth softball coach for his daughters. Additionally, he helped many throughout the town over the years as part of the Fayette Fuel Assistance group and during the holidays for families in need.
As Michael grew older, he often journaled his thoughts, many about his adventures. He became an avid poet with several printed in small pamphlets for the poetry class he attended. He enjoyed spending an abundance of time with his dog, Maggie, visiting his camp, taking yearly fishing trips to the Allagash with his grandsons, relaxing by his outdoor fireplace, reading books of all kinds, using his sawmill, traveling and most importantly spending time with his beloved family. Michael will be best remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, countless stories and the deep love of his family.
Michael is survived by his wife, Linda. He is also survived by his four daughters; Theresa and her husband, Kent Stewart, Crystal and her husband, Eric Arbour, Michelle and her husband, Ryan Baldwin, Rachael and her husband Shawn Littler, his nine grandchildren; Tyler Reeve and his wife, Jessica, Gabrielle and her husband, Noah Jacques, Peyton Arbour, Kendall Arbour, Isabella Littler, Anderson Arbour, Korbin Littler, Reed Baldwin and Hannah Baldwin. He is also survived by his mother, Gay Reeve and brother, Wayde Reeve and his wife, Cynthia, his beloved dog, Maggie and his cat, Allagash. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Everett.
Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, with visitation from 12 – 1 p.m., at Finley Funeral Home, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. Interment with military honors at Fayette Mills Cemetery, Tom Surry Road, Fayette, Maine. A celebration of Michael’s life to immediately follow the burial at the Reeve Homestead, 23 Morris Springer Road Fayette.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following; Mater Foundation (www.materfoundation.ie ), Fresh Air Fund (www.freshair.org), Kennebec Land Trust (www.tklt.org), or Maine State Museum (www.mainestatemuseum.org )
https://www.centralmaine.com/2024/06/13/obituarymichael-james-reeve-2/