Mt. Mansfield Ski Club fixture Paul Reed dies at 68

C. Paul Reed, a longtime coach and volunteer at the Mt. Mansfield Ski Club and esteemed figure in Vermont ski racing, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 10 at the age of 68.

Born on Feb. 8, 1948 in Minneapolis, Minn., he moved with his family to Meredith, N.H., in 1956 to join his mother’s sister and other family members who also lived in New Hampshire. Reed found his natural home in the woods of New England. He attended Holderness from 1964-66 and graduated from Middlebury College in 1970 where he was a star figure, a leader and captain of both ski teams. He continued to be a strong supporter of both schools throughout his life, sending both of his sons, Clayton and Jack, to Middlebury College.

Paul continued his leadership as a ski coach after college. He moved to Stowe in 1974 where he began changing the landscape both figuratively and literally, always with an eye toward the natural beauty and historical significance of Vermont. His company Sundown Corp. was an extension of his creativity and work ethic. He also donated much of his free time to the community and the individuals who were part of it, offering his leadership and advice.

Reed was a mentor to many. He was president of the Mt. Mansfield Ski Club board from 1991-2002 and most recently president of the Waterbury Revitalization commission. Paul adored his family. He was the salt of the earth and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his wife Louise, sister Pam Merrill and two sons, Clayton and Jack.

Paul Reed – A Work in Progress
Paul will never stop working,
Or thinking about the hills, the cliffs, the paths, the rivers.
He belongs to the lineage of black bears
(Hidden, but always present)
In that beloved Vermont of his.
His stare was a gleam of intelligence, veracity and boldness.
A total friend: solidary, generous, splendid.
With an eternal smile and a laugh that bounced around the mountains.
I miss you.
I admire you.
You will always be a “work in progress” with no end.
Your friend, Manelick de la Parra

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at the Mt. Mansfield Ski Club at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. Donations can be made in his memory to the C. Paul Reed Memorial Fund c/o The Mt. Mansfield Ski Education Foundation at 403 Spruce Peak Road, Stowe, VT 05672.