RIP: Reid Bechtle

[El Presidente]

It came as a shock overnight to learn that good friend Reid Bechtle passed away suddenly. 

Reid was one of the great guys in this hobby. Truly great. He was always free with his time, knowledge, support, love of life, laughter. Larger than life, humble, sharp as a whip. 

Reid (cigarnv) was an oldtimer of this forum. Joined in 2005 and while he hasn't posted in many years, we always stayed in touch and he is a central part of the lives of so many members here. 

Reid will be greatly missed. Condolenses to his family and all that knew him. What a massive hole he leaves. 

I look forward to sharing time again in the next life. 

Safe travels Reid 

[wjs]

I got to know Reid through a bourbon group he started almost 15 years ago. All my best cigars, the best bottles of bourbon I’ve ever tried/owned are all due to his kindness, generosity and spirit. He is terribly missed.

[westg]

Always sad to hear the passing of an FOH member. RIP 

[JohnS]

Sorry to hear this sad news.

[yadegari6]

Grateful to have been able to call Reid my friend. He was a true gentleman and one of the most generous people I have come across. He was respected and loved by many and will be dearly missed 

[Fuzz]

Condolences to his family and friends.

[Glass Half Full]

Reid Bechtle was an avid collector (and connector) of people.

From all backgrounds and places, Reid could somehow find people and perceive in them a common spark.  He helped all who were fortunate to become his friends become friends with each other.  He connected so many of us, it is impossible to count.

Yes, Reid collected — and became a renowned expert about — a great many things, including cigars and wine and spirits.  But as he was always quick to highlight — those are only accompaniments to meaningful and fun exchanges between us.  It was always about the people.

One of Reid’s closest friends reminded us yesterday of Reid’s health scare some years ago.  At that time — and many, many other times since — I and almost all others heard him extoll this exact perspective on life:

"I have lived a good life with no regrets…  My choice of family and friends above all else has been absolutely the right priority in my life.  I am blessed with my wonderful wife, two fantastic daughters, a wonderful grandson as well as a great son in law. My entire family and all my friends have been outstanding.  Live your life, enjoy it on your terms....as in the end it is the quality not the quantity that really matters."

Reid lived that way everyday.  (We enjoyed conversation, and a cigar, just the week before last :)  He brought that truth home to all who met him.  

And while Reid is greatly, crushingly missed, that spirit lives on.

With appreciation for the truly remarkable experiences and people that Reid brought into my life, I hope to carry on in that wholly positive, productive way.

The world is a better place thanks to Reid Bechtle.

What more can one say, except to quote Reid once more:  “As I look back I have benefitted from the kindness and generosity of others in many ways throughout my life so at this point I just try to do the same in any way I can.”

[yadegari6]

So well said @Glass Half Full. Thanks to Cliff I met Reid over a zoom call in July of 2023 as we enjoyed the new nudie canonazo. A few days after our first zoom call together a package of incredible Cuban cigars arrived at my house. It quickly became a regular weekly occurrence to smoke a cigar over zoom multiple days a week together.  I wanted to share this email from Reid to Cliff after I first met him so those who did not know him could get an idea of the kind of person he was.

[Coloniales]

I am truly upset hearing this news. I have known Reid, some early part of this millennium, maybe a little before. We were on a private forum, and had even MRN (who got thrown off lol). 

I was able to meet him and Dorothy in London, and stayed at his wonderful house in Clifton, VA many times. Reid was a connector of people, and I still have many mutual friends that I truly value.

I last visited him in June 23 (see image), he collected me in his Shelby (I have one as well!) and had yet another wonderful afternoon, chatting about cigars, friends and cigar gossip and life in general. I am a better person for having known Reid. Thanks for your dear friendship, cigars, wine, bourbon etc etc..Great memories, always will be missed. 

 

Keith Rowson.

[PigFish]

Had known Reid for many years as well from the same forum as Keith. Smoked with him on a few occasions living on opposite coasts. True gentleman. While we had lost touch after the forum that Keith spoke of went offline, I alway figured we would come together somewhere in the cigar world once more. I had noticed him as a seller on BR, so I knew he was still around. Sad news...

[sharks]

RIP ! 

[Fox Sterlingworth]

I knew Reid through the bourbon world. He was truly a trail blazer in the single barrel selection world.

[CigarZen]

RIP Reid and my condolences to Dorothy and his family.

I met Reid like PigFish thru a cigar forum. He was a class act and a true gentleman. I was fortunate to share dinner at his home, followed by cigars and bourbon. It was a great evening that went into the morning.