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Obituaries
Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks Exhibition At New Hampshire Antique Co-Op
Now on view through May 31, 2020
Congregational Church Stays Connected
During the suspension of in-person activities in light of the Covid-19 situation, the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC has a variety of ways for members and others to connect with church programs. This is especially important during April as Holy Week and Easter are on the horizon.
The most up-to-date information about church activities can be found on the church’s website (ccamherst.org) or by calling the church office at 673-3231. Sunday services are broadcast on FacebookLive and recorded for later on-line viewing. Services are followed by a Virtual Fellowship Hour. Links for these and other events can be found on the website.
The church’s Facebook page is another source of information, including updates and video messages from the pastors. Pastors Maureen Frescott and Kate Kennedy are available to provide pastoral care during this time, and the church welcomes community members to connect with this loving, serving, open and affirming community of faith.
Lorraine Alice Hamilton
AMHERST – Lorraine Alice Hamilton of Amherst, New Hampshire, Beach Haven, New Jersey and Rancho Mirage, California died June 14, 2020 from pancreatic cancer at her home in California. She was 73 years old and a participant in the trial of a new cancer drug at NYU Langone in New York City since April 2019. She hoped that results from the trial would improve care for other patients who develop this cancer. She was with her family when she died and was
Donald Richard Haaker
Donald Richard Haaker, 80, born June 2, 1940, son of Carl E Haaker and Jeanne LaRochelle Haaker of Fitchburg, MA, son, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA.
Don, as he was affectionately referred to by friends, and Dad or Grandpa by family, was a proud veteran, avid fisherman, former business owner, collector of “As Seen On TV” gadgets, and
Obituaries
Alex David Stone
AMHERST – Alex David Stone brought his light into the world on December 31, 1980. From the moment of his birth, he was a gift to everyone who knew him. His tremendous kindness and tender spirit were hallmarks of his personality. He believed strongly in being a fundamentally good human and caring for others, qualities he demonstrated in every aspect of his life. His patience, level-headedness and thoughtfulness shone through from the moment you met him.
Alex spent his early years in the woods of NH, which he and his younger siblings considered their playground. Those early years were spent riding bikes and playing in “forts” throughout the property. He always had a big imagination and curiosity about the world around him.
Despite his outwardly serious demeanor – his family often joked that he was born 65 years old – he enjoyed some troublemaking teenage years with his friends. Always managing to avoid getting caught or injured, he later told many stories of “near misses” from his adventures. He also took great pride in getting the attendance policy changed at Conant High School by outwitting the administration on a technicality in the student handbook. He graduated in the Class of 1999 among many friends. Because of his early and full facial hair by the age of 15, his friends nicknamed him “Abe,” “Ivan” and “the Russian.” He was proud of his beard and kept it until the end.
From his first job at the Monadnock Inn, where he worked in the kitchen, he demonstrated a strong and dedicated work ethic. Notoriously responsible, and always arriving early, he was an extremely reliable worker. Alex wisely chose to make his hobby of “tinkering” with computers into his career, successfully working in information technology for over 20 years. Most recently, he worked for the Amherst-Mont Vernon SAU39 School District as their Director of Technology, a job and community he cherished despite his short time there. The family would like to thank the school district for their incredible support in recent months.
Those who knew Alex well were regularly impressed with his incredibly sharp wit. He always had a smart response and often surprised people with his sarcastic remarks. But once he shared that side with you, and once you saw the special twinkle in his eye, you knew you were in with him. His sense of humor only increased through his years, often showcased at game nights with family and friends, but also present in the smaller moments of his daily life. For a strong and stocky person, he had a giggle that was contagious. His curiosity and sense of adventure stayed with him through adulthood. While he disliked flying, he was delighted by trains. In 2006, he went on a trip across Europe – from
France to Switzerland, Germany and Austria – all by rail. Rather than flying to the mid-west for a cousin’s wedding, he and his family took a train halfway across the country. There were railroad tracks by his home, and on several occasions, he jumped on the slow-moving industrial trains, just for the fun of it.
Alex was not an impulsive person, except when it came to cars. He once went in to have his snow tires changed and left with new cars for himself and Abbey. He enjoyed having a new “toy” every few years, and it became a running joke that “Alex got another new car.”
Always finding the fresh air healing, Alex enjoyed the great outdoors by hiking and going for walks in the woods.
He could also be engaged in conversations about science, technology, and the social commentary of Star Trek. He cared deeply about human rights, no matter what race, religion, sexuality or socio-economic status. In fact, you were often more likely to win his favor if you, like he, had to overcome some hardships in life. He never wished suffering on anyone, but understood and appreciated how resilience could shape the human spirit.
In 2014, Alex was diagnosed with stage four neuroendocrine tumors, a rare form of cancer. The family expresses their deepest gratitude to his care team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute who provided him with exceptional treatment. He lived with cancer for six years, which he filled with happy memories and adventures with his loved ones. He passed away on October 8, 2020.
Alex’s greatest joy was his family, and especially his wife of ten years, Abbey, and daughter, McKayla. They were his whole world and he loved them beyond measure. Their family enjoyed regular visits to the ocean in Maine and mountains of New Hampshire for family vacations. He is also survived and profoundly missed by his parents Mark Stone (and stepmother Karen) of Rowley, MA, and Diane Mazejka (and stepfather Steve) of Rindge, NH, his grandmother, Bertha Robichaud of Jaffrey, NH, and his two younger siblings, Zack Stone (and partner Leah Astore) of Jaffrey, NH, and Erin Ericson (and husband Ben) of Salem, NH. He leaves many other loving relatives and friends, far too many to name.
Memorial visiting hours were held on Friday, October 16 from 4-7pm at the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. The family had a private celebration of life on the following Saturday. In lieu of flowers, McKayla’s grandparents have set up a memorial fund for her to honor Alex’s memory. Donations can be made payable to Monica Lemaire and mailed to 141 Indian Village Road, Shapleigh, ME 04076. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com
Gary M. Gendron
MILFORD - Gary M. Gendron, formerly of Westford passed away unexpectedly at his Milford, NH residence. He was 54.
He was born in Lowell on May 8, 1966, a son of Paul Gendron of Westford and Lorraine · (Lacombe) Gendron of Westford who survive him.
Gary grew up in Westford and graduated from Westford Academy. He was a resident of Amherst, NH for 10 years prior to moving to Milford in 2010. Gary recently retired-from the US Postal Service fallowing 28 years of service.
Gary’s interests revolved around music. He was a drummer having played in several bands in the area. He had an extensive album collection and memorabilia. The only thing more important than music was family, especially’his son Grey currently a junior at Western New England University.
Gary was quick witted and had a dry sense of humor. He also was an animal lover. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Surviving Gary besides his parents and son Grey Gendron of Groton are his siblings and their spouses, Brian and Nancy Gendron, Paula and Michael Lacroix all of NC; his former wife , Michelle Gendron, and her partner Steven Rennie of Groton as well as several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and Friends were invited to celebrate Gary’s life at the Westford Healy Funeral Home, 57 North Main St. Westford, on Friday afternoon, October 30, 2020. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MSPCA-Angell, Attn: Donations 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130 or https://www.mspca.org For directions or condolences, please visit www.westfordhealy.com
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