STEPHEN F. RECKARDS
ROCKWOOD, Stephen F. Reckards, 58, died February 5, 2007 at his home in Rockwood after a long battle with cancer. He was born December 20, 1948, in Farmington, son of Frederick and Mabelle (Comstock) Reckards. Raised in Farmington Falls, he graduated from Farmington High School in 1967. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War. After the service he toured Europe and then settled in Rockwood with his wife, Rita (Vainio) Reckards.

Steve mainly worked in the woods with his special friend Francis Tomer, and nephew Stephen Vainio. He managed the Rockwood transfer station for many years. He had his hand in many things including starting a maple syrup business at Munsungan. His passion for the north woods was contagious and many fond memories were made there.

Steve is survived by his mother, Mabelle of Farmington Falls; his wife, Rita; son, Toby Reckards; 2 daughters, Amy with her husband, Steven Lane, and Ruby with her husband, Darcy Turner; 4 grandchildren, Aaden and Eli Lane, and Dale and Brooke Turner; a special Aunt Dot with Ray Titcomb; and step-mother, Betty Reckards, all of Rockwood; his mother-in-law, Madeline Vainio; and many brothers and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Fred Reckards and son, Ori Fred. Steve will be greatly missed by family, friends, and loyal companions Jessie and Sadie. He was "one of a kind and as real as they come."

Graveside services will be held in the spring at the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Rockwood. Those who wish may make donations in his memory to Maine Veterans Campaign, American Veterans Coalition, P.O. Box 9739-1162, Portland, ME 04104-5039 -or- The American Cancer Society, One Main Street, Suite 300, Topsham, Maine 04086-1240. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Greenville. To sign an online guestbook go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.