Harold George Wyatt Send a condolence note

Meredith----Harold George Wyatt, 94, of 24 Birch Hill Road, passed away peacefully at Lakes Region Hospital, Laconia on Thursday, March 27, 2008.

Harold was born December 7, 1913 in Lisbon, the son of George H. and Edna (Rollins) Wyatt.

Harold was a resident of Meredith since 1931, prior to that moving around NH as his father’s work demanded. Through the years he held a number of jobs, including hauling wood by ox team from Meredith to Franklin, and delivering grain and oil by truck all over New England. He spent 25 years with the Meredith Public Works Department, the last 5 as Superintendent, retiring Jan. 1, 1976. He served as selectman for 5 years, and was instrumental in crafting the growth guidelines for the town that are still in use today. He served on the Planning Board and Conservation Commission as well as being a former member of the New Hampshire-Belknap County Genealogy Society. A long-time, active member of the Meredith Historical Society, he served in any capacity he could.  In 1981 he was honored for his service to Meredith by the naming of the Harold G. Wyatt Conference Room, presently in the Meredith Community Center.  Harold’s interest in the roads of Meredith did not stop when he retired. He spent many years researching them at the Belknap County Registry of Deeds, and on foot. He compiled the sum of that research into a book, “Road History of Meredith” published in 1981, the updated version of which is used by the town to this day as the definitive authority on the roads.

In addition to his studies of the roads, he spent many hours at the Registry researching area deeds, which he enjoyed tremendously.

Never one to sit still, Harold wrote 2 more books, “Some Meredith History” and “Way Out There” a history of the Chemung section of Meredith, which he co-authored with his wife, Esther. He taught himself to use the computer at age 80 and wrote a column for the Meredith News, “Time Was”, for 12 years. In 2000, he and Esther were named Town Historians.

Always quick with a smile, handshake and a joke, Harold could be found at the local coffee shops through the years as part of the morning crowd, the last several with the close friends he made of the employees and patrons at “Sunshine and Pa’s” on Main Street. He was also known as a man that would speak directly and succinctly to the heart of any issue, and had the rare ability to be both blunt and diplomatic at the same time. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all that he shared time with.       

He was predeceased by a brother, Roger H. Wyatt, who died in action in the Pacific in 1945.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Esther (Carleton) Wyatt, of Meredith, three daughters, Linda W. Lowery of Atlanta, GA, Dawn W. Dever and Rita A. Polhemus of Meredith, his sons-in-law, John W. Dever Jr. and Rev. Philip M. Polhemus, a brother, Robert E. Wyatt, of Florida and nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was Grampa Quit-it to 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the Meredith Community Center.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Meredith Historical Society, PO Box 920, Meredith 03253.

Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is in charge of the arrangements.