Donald H. Scott

Laconia------Donald H. Scott, 76, died at his residence, Friday, March 12, 2010. Don, as he was known to all, was born May 26, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Cleo “Charles” H. and Helen (Stachurski) Scott. The family moved to Dearborn, Michigan where Don was educated in the local school system. He went on to attend Henry Ford Community College, Michigan Technological University and the University of Minnesota, earning several degrees.

Don followed a varied career path serving as a research forester for the U.S. Forest Service, small loan manager for Beneficial Finance and production supervisor for Ford Motor Company. His final position was as the Belknap County Forester for the Cooperative Extension Service from which position he was forced into early retire due to medical concerns.

Don was very much the sportsman, hunting and fishing throughout the mid-West as well as in New England and Florida. In later years, fishing was the predominant sport.

Don was very active in town affairs in New Durham, N.H., serving as the town representative to the Governor Wentworth school Board for six years. He was chairman of the New Durham Bi-centennial committee, as well as secretary of the Planning Board, on the Board of Directors of the Youth Club and advisor to the Conservation Committee.

Following his retirement, Don became involved in genealogy and family history, tracing his own family back to the Revolutionary War. He also traced the French-Canadian side of his children back to the immigrant from France. In the process, he became involved with the American-Canadian Genealogy Society and subsequently served as the volunteer librarian, head of the research department, and, at one time, treasurer and on the Board of Directors.

Don is survived by his children: Kaitlin Bell and her husband, John, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Jonathan Scott of New Durham, N.H., Judith Pellowe and her husband, James Nash, of Alton, N.H. and Jeffrey Scott of Melbourne, Florida. He is also survived by his long time, loving companion, Nancy Drechsel, and her extended family, Karen Scott of Waialua, Hawaii, Mari Burnham and her husband, Howard, of Plymouth, N.H., Susan Seaverns of Bristol, N.H., Lisa Ryan and her husband, Rev. Jon Ryan, of Fishers, Indiana, Mrs. Darlene Toomey of Plymouth, N.H. and Matt Drechsel of Londonderry, N. H. There are a multitude of grandchildren, step grandchildren and honorary grandchildren. Don was proud to be called “Gramps” by all.

At his request, there are no calling hours and cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date at the discretion of the family.

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