from the May 31, 1995 issue of The Country Chronicle
Canaan, NH–Ernest Burnham Smith, 70, of Canaan, NH passed away on May 23, 1995 at Lary Pond in Canaan, NH. He lived in Canaan most of his life and attended Canaan schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Army serving during World War II in the European Theater. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service in the Central Europe Campaign. In 1947 he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard serving until April of 1950. He was married to Anne Magoon Sept. 3, 1947. Mr. Smith was employed in the law enforcement from 1964 until his retirement in 1979. He served the Town of Windsor as a police officer for 3 years. He later became a police officer for the Town of Canaan and in 1970 was elected to the Chief of Police. He served as Chief of Police until retiring in 1979. He was a member of the Canaan American Legion, a former member of the Windsor, VT Masonic Lodge, a member of Social-Summit Lodge F. & A.M. of Canaan, a 32 degree member of the NH Scottish Rite Bodies, the Canaan Lions Club, the Cardigan Mtn. Fish & Game Club and Co-Chairman of the Concerned Citizens of Canaan. He served as a Boy Scout leader in Canaan for several years and was a member of the Canaan Assembly of God Church. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping.
Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home in Enfield last Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. and the funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Canaan Assembly of God Church with Pastor Philip Anderson officiating. Burial was at a private ceremony in Pine Grove Cemetery in Grafton.
Survivors include: his wife, Anne Smith of Canaan; his mother, Agnes Smith of Lebanon; a son, Walter Smith of Windsor, VT; a son, Allen Smith of Fallston, MD; a daughter, Diane Chisholm of Allenstown, NH; a brother, Earl “Bucky” Smith of Canaan; a brother, George Smith of Canaan; a sister, Elsie Wilson of Canaan; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Smith; a sister, Dorothy McLaughlin; a sister, Fannie Hill; and a sister, Emma Chase.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 309 Pine St., Manchester, NH 03103 or to the Mascoma Area Senior Center, Indian Ridge Grange Hall, Rte 4, Canaan, NH 03741
Ricker Funeral Home of Enfield was in charge of arrangements.