For all the loving families here in Lynnfield who adored Reid, I want to share with you another Reid… our Reid … our Captain Reid!
As so many of you have said it is just so hard to put into words the lives he has touched. In Maine – in little Kennebunk Beach Maine – Reid has touched the hearts of every little sailor that has walked onto those KBIA docks. Yes they flocked to Captain Reid all in their little life jackets and water shoes jumping up and down with excitement … just waiting to learn everything he knew.
Although I have received so many, here are some words from two of the lives he touched.
Reid, what a great guy. Humorous, supportive and brave are the three perfect words to describe the #1 sailing instructor at KBIA: Reid Sacco. He taught everything you needed to know about sailing. “If the wind is coming from the north side of the cove, how would you dock? On the west side of the dock…” Besides humorous, supportive and brave he was also sweet and kind. If you made a mistake, he would nicely point it out and continue teaching the class. He was so cool. I’d arrive at KBIA around 8am. He’d be there, waiting for me. He would let me help set up the motor boats and sailboats, and he would let me help him with all of his classes. I miss Reid so very much: I’m positive that all the members of KBIA really miss him too.
4th grade sailor
Reid, the smile on your face I will never forget
For you were full of laughter, joy, energy,
Not seeing you before is something I’ll regret,
I am sending you this prayer, I hope you will get
While you’re smiling from the gates of heaven with your new
Friends you’ve met
The endless summers with you at KBIA
With this seeming like your last
During the awards, Captain Eric didn’t have much to say
While shedding a tear, hoping that god will let you stay
Hauling Optis up the ramp, teaching the difference between
starboard and port
Telling me how your leg was feeling better
However your body weight it could not support
Surgery and preparing for war was your last resort
You were always there for me, my best friend,
In order to ease your pain,
Our best wishes we knew to send
I just wish I could have been there for you in the end
And so, I make this final toast, even though I wish you would
Not go,
Here’s to your life, Reid Saco.
9th grade sailor
Reid sailed for so many years becoming a very accomplished sailor. He so loved participating in all the Hartley Lord Regattas and MIRC races. He was a great sailor who could also share his skill, knowledge and experience with others. Captain Reid was a sailing instructor that stood apart from the rest. He had an unspoken connection with those children like no other. Reid did not have to be cool … he was just genuine Captain Reid that the children adored and respected.
They could feel his passion for the waterfront. From rigging to docking, port to starboard, to hauling those boats day in and day out up that ramp. Reid was always there. Yes, from the wee morning hours to sunset when his clothes were wet and cold and his body tired he was still smiling and helping others. Not because his job hours required it and certainly not because he got paid for it … but because he loved it. He loved every second of being there. He instilled that love into every sailor who had him. He showed them strength, fun, responsibility and courage … all of which are gifts that will sail around in our children’s’ hearts forever.
We have lost one from our “Maine family”, one who we all loved so … I just wanted to share this poem with you that made me think of Reid:
Many times I needed you
A million times I cried
If love could have saved you, you never would have died
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone
For a part of us went with you
The day God called you home
He saw you getting tired
When a cure was not to be
He closed his arms around you and whispered “Come to me”
For all you went through
He saw you needed rest
God’s garden must be beautiful
For he only picks the very best.
Anonymous
That is so true … Reid is the very best! And as Lorraine whispered to Reid, “you can now sail wherever you need to go.”
Your Maine family loves you.
Love, the Puckette family
April 2005