LEWISTON — Our beloved father and grandfather, Reggie Masse, passed away unexpectedly doing what he loved, working in the woods, on Wednesday, June 6.

Reggie was born Feb. 1, 1927, in Lewiston, the son of George and Valeda (Richard) Masse. He grew up at 901 Main St. in Lewiston with his brother, Fern, parents, and extended family. He attended Barkerville School, Jordan School, and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1946. He studied business at Central Maine School of Commerce. He served his country during World War II as a paratrooper until a leg injury during a flight jump.

After his military service, Reggie returned to Lewiston and married Carmen T. Paradis on Aug. 23, 1947. The two celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1997, shortly before Carmen’s passing in 1998.

He also built a home for his family in 1955, where he and his wife raised their three children, Richie, Cathy and Caren. In the 1940s, Reggie began his career in the logging and trucking business. He worked for 18 years for Emile Michaud of Greene until he founded Reginald Masse Pulp and Lumber, where he continued to work 6 days a week with his son, Richie. He developed a reputation as an honest businessman with a great work-ethic. Reggie began plowing snow with his father at age 9, riding on the plow frame to operate the plow manually. He was close with his father, George, and enjoyed helping him in his gravel and snow plowing business.

Reggie or “Bub,” as he was often called, adored his children and grandchildren. He led by example and passed on his qualities of work-ethic, determination, doing what is right, positive attitude and kindness to his family.

Over the years, Bub did so much for his children and grandchildren. He served as a coach in hockey and baseball and worked countless hours as one of the founders of Elliot Avenue rink and baseball field. Bub was a dedicated sports fan, never missing any of his grandson’s baseball games.

His love of sports started from age 5 when he would listen to the Red Sox on the radio and cry when they lost. He played many years of baseball, playing for teams such as Bates Manufacturing, the Auburn Asas, and the Turner Townies. Bub also played professional baseball in Canada, and played locally for more than 30 years. A pitcher and first baseman, known as “Stretch” by other players, he was known to show up to the baseball field in his pulp truck and change into his uniform.

Reggie had an amazing mind and memory and was very proud of his family ancestry. His fond memories of working at his grandfather Richard’s farm on Grove Street and stories from his childhood, the woods, and baseball will be cherished by his family for years to come.

Bub was a loyal father, grandfather, brother, husband, and friend. Bub’s life experiences in the woods, in business, in machinery, and in life were profound. He was the man that family and friends would call to ask for advice. Bub always had an answer or common sense solution to any problem. His independent determination to go to work everyday is a testament to what he stood for and what a great and humble man he was. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Reggie is survived by his son, Richie, and his life-partner, Rachel Cloutier, of Sabattus, his daughter, Cathy, and her husband, John Goodwin, of Auburn; his daughter Caren, and her husband, Richard Lussier, of Lewiston; six grandchildren, Jesse Goodwin of Auburn, Seth Goodwin of Lewiston, Rebecca Lussier and her fiance, Bill Hensley, of Lewiston, Christopher Lussier and his wife, Emily of Omaha, Neb., Jared Lussier, and Caleb Lussier of Lewiston; one great-grandchild, Helena Lussier of Omaha, Neb.; his brother, Fern Masse, and his wife, Susan, of Auburn; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carmen in 1998; his mother, Valeda, in 1980; and his father, George, in 1987.

Donations, condolences, and a photo tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.