Kenneth Earl Reid, age 72 of Albion, Illinois, most recently of Andover, passed away on December 30, 2020 following a valiant struggle with the COVID-19 virus. Kenneth was born on March 24,1948 in Olney, Illinois. He served his country during the Vietnam War and then worked for the federal government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration before retiring in 1995.

In 1979, Kenneth met Robert Hamilton, with whom he made a life until Bob’s death in 2018.  During their lives, they brought together their love of antiques and home renovation, moving several times to renovate “just one more house.” Their home renovation journey ended in Andover, where they settled in 1997, and stayed until Bob’s death. In July 2020, Kenneth relocated to Albion, Illinois to embark on a new renovation project breathing life into a storefront in downtown Albion.

During their lives in Andover, Kenneth installed and tended a beautiful garden surrounding their house. In addition, Kenneth and Bob created the Potters Place Secret Garden in the stone foundation of the old Potter House that is enjoyed by the community to this day. Kenneth worked with the Andover Historical Society to highlight all things historic, drawing on his extensive expertise in antiques.

People who knew Kenneth had the rare opportunity to experience a truly kind soul, ready to help others when needed. His commitment to Bob shone through all the difficulties of their later years, caring for Bob long after Alzheimer’s took away Bob’s memory of their time together.

Kenneth is survived by his four stepchildren; Damon Hamilton (Cindy), Christopher Hamilton (Bryan), Heather Hamilton Rapson (Steven), and Sarah Hamilton, all of Rhode Island, along with eight grandchildren. His two sisters, Marilyn (John) Shelby and Glenna (Rex) Bunting of Illinois, as well as many nieces and nephews, also survive Kenneth.

An outdoor memorial service will be held at a later date this spring, to be announced in the Andover Beacon. The family encourages memorials be given to Blackwater Veterinary Services in Salisbury, or by paying it forward in Kenneth’s memory. He will be missed by many and continues to be loved by all.