Obituary of Reed Clarence McNutt

Reed Clarence McNutt, age 78, of Saint John, NB, passed away on April 23rd, 2025 at the Saint John Regional Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Reed was born on November 7th, 1946, in Plaster Rock, NB, to Clarence and Alice McNutt (Reed).

He was the oldest of four children and quickly became the man of the house when his father died when he was only 15.  He helped to raise his brother and sisters all while going to school and taking odd jobs to make ends meet.

After graduating from Tobique Valley High School the family moved to Moncton where Reed married the love of his life, Loella in 1968.  He attended Mount Allison University while working weekends as an installer for NBTel.  

In 1974 the family moved to Saint John to raise their two children and Reed continued a long career in management at NBTel until his early retirement in 1999.

Reed had many passions and interests and was never happier than when he was being active: renovating or building homes, playing badminton (phew, he was competitive!) hunting, fishing, chopping his own firewood (which he did nearly his entire life), and spending time at his happy place – his camp near Springfield.

 Although Reed had many wonderful qualities, he was best known for his incredible generosity.  All anyone had to do was pick up the phone and Reed was always there to help – with his time, his talents, his mentorship, and his wisdom.

Reed is survived by his wife, Loella; son Rodney (Elizabeth); daughter Julie (Ken Peabody); four grandchildren: Cameron, Gwen, Sam, and Brooke; his brother Doug (Janet) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Kay and Cheryl.

Reed’s family would like to thank the staff in the oncology and palliative care units at the Regional for their exceptional care during his final days and weeks.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 8^th, 2025, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Donations in memory of Reed may be made to Canadian Cancer Society.