Author: Canaan Town Library

Patricia Therese Kilton

From the August 11, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Patricia T. Kilton, 64, of Canaan, died on Monday, August 4, 2003 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. She was born in Wahiawa, Oahu, HI on June 18, 1939 a daughter of James George and Margaret Mary (Mraz) Balluf. She came to the United States mainland as a child and grew up in Chicago. She attended Loylla College in Chicago. She has been a resident of Canaan since 1982. She was married to John R. Kilton Jr. in 1971 and they made their home in Canaan where she was the editor of The Country Chronicle newspaper for the past 11 years. Pat was a past member of the Canaan Lioness Club.

She is survived by her husband: John R. Kilton Jr. of Canaan, NH; a son: James J. Kilton of Sacremento, CA; a daughter: Shannon K. Wyman of Piermont, NH; 3 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, August 7 at 10:30 am at the St. Helena’s Church in Enfield. In lieu of flowers the family asked that memorial contributions be made in her name to: St. Helena’s Church, RFD #2, Box 26, Enfield, NH 03748.

The Ricker Funeral Home & Crematory of Lebanon was in charge of arrangements.

Robert Herbert Withington

From the August 11, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Robert H. Withington, 84, of Canaan, died on Saturday, August 2, 2003 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center In Lebanon, NH. He was born in Canaan on March 8, 1919 a son of the late Herbert and Julia (Stevens) Withington. He was a lifelong resident of Canaan where he attended school. He was discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945 after serving in WWII. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart Medals. He was married to Phyllis Cross on June 29, 1954 and they made their home in Canaan. Mrs. Withington died in 2001. He had been employed by the Baltic Mills in Enfield and following the mill’s closing, he worked construction for the State of NH for a while until becoming employed by Dartmouth College in the Buildings and Grounds Dept. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion of Canaan.

He is survived by a daughter: Diane Boisvert of Claremont, NH; a son: Douglas Withington of Canaan, NH; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home in Enfield on Wednesday from 7-9 pm. Funeral services were held on Thursday a 11 am at the United Methodist Church in Canaan with the Rev. Patricia Williams officiating. Burial followed in the Wells Cemetery in Canaan.

Ricker Funeral Home & Crematory of Lebanon was in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy M. Harpootlian

From the July 21, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle

Orange, NH–Dorothy Mary Harpootlian, 76, died Saturday July 12, 2003 at her home in Orange. She was born in Roxbury, MA February 22, 1927, a daughter of the late Lucinda R. (Eastman) and Leon W. Woodbury. She was a graduate of Walpole, NH High School and was married on March 7, 1948 to, her husband of 55 years, Nathan H. Harpootlian. She made her home in Orange, NH for most of her life where she enjoyed gardening and flowers. She had been employed as a bookkeeper for Lakeside Oil Co. of Canaan, NH, Johmnson & Dix, and Shaker Valley Auto & Tire in Enfield, NH. Dorothy was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She had been an active volunteer at the Listen Center, the Canaan Senior Center and Meals on Wheels.

She was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Lyle Woodbury.

Survivors include her husband Nathan H. Harpootlian of Orange, NH; a son: Gregory W. Harpootlian of Canaan, NH; a sister: Margaret J. Collins of Keene, NH; 3 grandchildren: Wade Harpootlian of CA and Andrew & Ashley Slavin both of Bridgewater, MA; 1 niece; several nephews; and many dear friends.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon, NH on Wednesday evening from 7-9. A memorial service was held Thursday afternoon at 2 in the Canaan United Methodist Church with the Rev. Patricia Williams officiating. Burial in the Church Cemetery in Orange followed by a reception in the Canaan United Methodist Church hall.

The family requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in memory of Dorothy be made to: The Order of the Eastern Star, c/o Bertha Shepard, 528 South Rd, Canaan, NH 03741 or to: The Canaan United Methodist Church, PO Box 463, Canaan, NH 03741.

The Ricker Funeral Homes & Crematory of Lebanon, NH was in charge of arrangements.

Muriel E. Stewart

From the July 7, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle

Grafton, NH–Muriel Eileen “Gang” Stewart, 80, died Wednesday July 2, 2003 at her home in Grafton. She was born August 7, 1922, a daughter of the late Elsie (Wallace) and James Stewart in their home in Enfield, NH and graduated from Enfield High School. She was employed as a medical secretary at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover and also worked at information services at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon before her retirement after 40 years of service. She had also worked per diem at the Holiday Inn Express in Lebanon, NH.

She was predeceased by her parents and 3 brothers.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law: Priscilla & Bruce Baravalle of Grafton, NH; 2 grandsons and their wives: Todd & Karen Baravalle and Keith and Birdie Baravalle all of Grafton, NH; 3 sisters: Mary Munn of W. Lebanon, NH, Irene Davis and Elsie Belden both of Keene, NH; 1 brother; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home, 433 US Rte 4, in Enfield, NH, Sunday evening from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be conducted Monday July 7 at 1 pm in the funeral home with burial to follow in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Grafton, NH.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Stewart may be made to: The Canaan Police Benevolent Assoc., PO Box 38, Canaan, NH 03741.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Ricker Funeral Homes of Lebanon & Enfield, NH.

Raymond J. Kilton

From the July 7, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Raymond J. Kilton, 91, died Sunday June 29, 2003 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. He was born in Warner, NH May 15, 1912, a son of the late James & Inez (Robie) Kilton. An area resident for most of his life, he was married to Vivian (Kimton) in 1972. He had worked in the housekeeping dept. at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, NH prior to his retirement. He had also worked at the Baltic Mills in Enfield, NH.

Mr. Kilton was predeceased by a brother: Leo Kilton; and a sister: Mary Buzzell.

Survivors include his wife Vivian of Canaan, NH; a son: Roy Kilton of Canaan, NH; a daughter: Kathleen Veilleux of Las Vegas, NV; 2 brothers: Roger Kilton and Burns Kilton both of Canaan, NH; a sister: Marion Bocash of Enfield, NH; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private services will be conducted at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The American Heart Assoc., 200 Merrimack St., Ste 1, Manchester, NH 03101-2244 or to a charity of one’s choice.

The Ricker Funeral Homes of Lebanon & Enfield were in charge of arrangements.

Doris E. Buckman

From the June 23, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Doris Elizabeth Buckman, 80, died Thursday, June 19, 2003 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. She was born in Hanover, NH Jan. 4, 1923, a daughter of the late Bertha (Ranney) and Edwin Bacon. A lifelong resident of the Upper Valley, she had lived in Etna and attended Hanover schools. For many years she was employed by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Windsor, VT. Mrs. Buckman was a noted cake decorator and had provided specialty cakes for Chevy Chase and Charles Bronson. She was often called upon to create unique cake designs for special occasions including the dedication of the new wing at Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont. She enjoyed the company of her special pets, “Coco” her African grey parrot and “Suzie” her black poodle.

Doris was married to Everett Buckman, who died in 1995. She was also predeceased by her first husband, William Neily Sr. who died in 2002.

Survivors include: 4 children: William O. Neily Jr. of Springfield, MA and Canaan, NH, Stephen Neily of Lakeworth, FL, Gayle Cook of Franklin, NH and Patricia Downing of N. Augusta, SC; 2 sisters: Lena Hunt of Danbury, NH; and Maizie Russell of Gore, VA; 10 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 5 step-children: Robert, Jim, Janet, Susan & Debra and their families; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There were no calling hours. A memorial service will be held the morning of June 23 at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Canaan FAST Squad, Canaan, NH 03741.

Norma A. Stewart

From the June 23, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Norma Adele Stewart, 78, died June 19, 2003 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. She was born in Canaan, NH on June 2, 1925, a daughter of the late Clifton & Doris (Columbia) Davis. She grew up in Canaan, and was in the Class of 1944. She was married to Rankin A. Stewart on May 10, 1933 in Keene, NH. She and her husband worked on the Stewart Farm for many years. She enjoyed wildlife, reading, embroidery and collecting cow memorabilia. She had a great love for children.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1933; her parents; and 2 brothers: Gene C. Davis and Richard H. Davis.

Survivors include a son: David A. Stewart of Enfield, NH; 4 daughters: Nancy Hall of Enfield, Linda Downing of S. Royalton, VT, Carol Seamans of Enfield, NH and Barbara Gowing of Bethel, VT; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 24 at 1:00 pm in the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon with burial to follow in the Wells Cemetery in Canaan.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Stewart may be made to: American Heart Assoc., 20 Merrimack St., Ste 1, Manchester, NH 03101 or to: American Diabetes Assoc., PO Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720

Rudy C. Farmer

From the June 16, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle

Fortunes Rocks, ME–Rudy C. Farmer, 68, of Orford, and Fortunes Rocks, died Tuesday at his home in Fortunes Rocks.

Born in North Plainfield, NJ, he played football in high school and college, where he was a star of Syracuse’s 1957 Cotton Bowl team. He was known as a prankster and a coach of Pop Warner teams. While in New Jersey, he worked for Foley Machinery in Piscataway and was a deacon at Watchung Avenue Presbyterian Church.

In 1979, he moved with his family to New Hampshire to open New England Equipment Co. in White River Jct. He later moved to Maine to work at Southworth-Milton Inc. He was a member of the Board of Associated General Contractors and had many friends in the heavy equipment industry.

Survivors include his wife, Isabelle; three children, Rudy, Christy and Dawn; a sister, Joyce; and his mother, Edith.

A memorial service will be held Sunday at 3 pm at Saint Philips by the Sea in Fortunes Rocks.

Mr. Farmer was an animal lover, especially devoted to his late rescue dog, Charmin. Memorial donations may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748.

Elizabeth M. Wilson

From the June 16, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Elizabeth M. Wilson, 71, died Thursday, June 5, 2003 at her home in Canaan, NH.

She was born Oct. 20, 1931 in Enfield, NH a daughter of Albert F. and Gladys (Whittier) Wilson. She graduated from High School in Enfield in 1950 and married Lee G. Wilson Jan. 19. 1952 in Enfield. She cared for foster children and pre-adoptive children for many years.

Mrs. Wilson loved her animals and enjoyed her flower garden. She was predeceased by her husband July 18, 1982 as well as a sister, Louise Adams, and two brothers, Cameron and Clifford Wilson.

She is survived by three daughters: Barbara Bushor of Canaan, NH, Debra Wilson of Dumont, NJ, and Marianne Wilson of Lebanon, NH; three sons: Allen Wilson of Grantham, NH, Gary Wilson of St. Mary’s, PA, and Randall Wilson of LaFayette, NY; seven grandchildren, a great-grandson, a sister, Cynthia Hall of Canaan, NH and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Monday, June 19 at 11 am at the United Mehodist Church in Lebanon. Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT assisted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1 Medical Dr., Lebanon, NH 03756 or the American Heart Assoc.-NH chapter, 20 Merrimack St., Manchester, NH 03101-2244.

Perley E. Smith, Jr.

From the May 26, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle

Bradford, VT–Perley E. “Bill” Smith, Jr., 71, of Bradford, died Monday, May 19, 2003 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in White River Junction.

He was born in Enfield on July 26, 1931, a son of Perley E. Sr. and Iva A. (Royce) Smith.

During WWII he served in the 82nd Airborne, 103rd Division of the Army. After his discharge, he worked as a truck and taxi driver. He lived in Union Village and drove a truck for Mower’s New’s Service before moving to Bradford, where he worked at Bradford Veneer and Benjamin’s Garage. He also worked with scrap metal recycling until a stroke forced his retirement.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carol; a brother, Malcom; and a sister, Madeline Kilton. Survivors include three children: Helen Laplaca of Lebanon, NH, Mary Cheney of Hill, NH, and Perley E. III of West Topsham, VT; two adopted children: Curtis Smith of Hartland and Stephanie Smith of Newbury, VT; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Wendall, and a sister, Shirley Oldenburg, both of Daytona Beach, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside funeral services will be held May 31, 2003 at 10 am at West Farms Cemetery in West Canaan. Memorial donations made be made to the Diabetes Assoc., VT Affiliate, 77 Hegeman Ave., Colchester, VT 05446.

Arrangements were made by Hale Funeral Homes in Bradford and Thetford.