Gordon H. Smyth, Sr. “Smittie”, 84, a long time resident of Keene died on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. He passed peacefully after a period of declining health with his family at his side.
Gordon, the son of Ethel (Ballou) and Harold Smyth was born on March 2, 1931 in Millville, MA. He attended high school at Dean Academy in Franklin, MA and graduated in the class of 1949. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard and later attended Northeastern University where he received a degree in engineering.
On January 17, 1953 Gordon married his wife of sixty two years, Barbara M. Blair of Northbridge, MA.
Employed at Troy Mills for over forty years Gordon worked as an Industrial Engineer.
Gordon spent his life enjoying his love of the outdoors: boating, sailing, skiing, golfing and camping. He loved watching his children and grandchildren share in these activities.
He was a boy scout leader, a little league baseball coach and a men’s softball coach. At the age of 70 he became a ski instructor at Mt Sunapee. He was also a member of the Keene Elks Club.
Mr. Smyth is survived by his wife Barbara M. Smyth of Keene, his four 
children and their spouses: Gordon H. Smyth Jr. of Swanzey, Kim Watterson and her husband Brian of Belmont, Cynthia S. Symonds and her husband Steve of Keene and Katherine R. Tommila and her husband Cory of Swanzey, nine grandchildren; Jennifer Talmadge, Kristy Symonds, Janelle Smyth, Stephen Symonds Jr., Lucas Smyth, Ingrid Watterson Malcolm, Samantha Watterson, Zachary Tommila and Matthew Tommila and six great grandchildren; Jaydah, Emily, Avajean, Lucy, Mackenzie and Lincoln. He leaves his brother Douglas Smyth of Winchester and his sister Susie Rinaldo and her husband Vince of New Jersey. Gordon is predeceased by his siblings: Marion Ryan, Muriel Kessler, Harold Smyth Jr., Roy Smyth, Harrison Smyth and Donald Smyth who all passed earlier.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene, NH. 03431. The service will end with military honors. Flowers will gladly be accepted. Burial will take place at a later date. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave, Keene, NH 03431.
