Richard Paul Binette
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Laconia---Richard Paul Binette, 73, of Weirs Beach, passed in his home on Friday, September 5, 2008 surrounded by family and loved ones.

Richard, better known as Dick Binette, was born November 3, 1934 in Manchester, N.H. He was the son of Paul E. and Irene M. (Fradette) Binette. He called Laconia his home for 67 years.

Dick and Jo, his wife, owned and operated Handy Landing at Weirs Beach from 1976 until October 1998. Handy Landing was in the family for over 50 years.

Dick was a member of the American Water Ski Association and performed in the Cypress Gardens Ski Shows from 1953 to 1958. He received the Award of Distinction from the Water Ski Hall of Fame for being the first man to jump over 100 feet. Dick placed 2nd in the 1955 Water Ski Championship in Beirut, Lebanon.

Mr. Binette is survived by his wife, Jo Ann (Little) Binette; five daughters and sons-in-law, Cari & Jim Martin, Lisa & Thomas Cantin, Jacqueline & Sean Fountain, Patricia & Christopher Surrette and Kristin & Damien Brassel; six grandchildren, Conor, Gabrielle and Trent Fountain, Julia and Claudia Cantin and Thompson Surrette, his sister Arlene M. Buswell and her husband Cliff, his Uncles Frank and Bert Binette; four nephews and three nieces.

A calling hour will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 from 3:00-4:00pm at St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia. A Liturgy of the Word will follow at 4:00PM, also at St. Joseph Church. Friends are invited to share fond memories and stories honoring Dick’s life at a gathering afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Health & Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH, 03246.

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