John H. Burroughs, 77, a life-long resident of Alstead died on Thursday, August 4, 2016. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home with family near.
John was born the son of the late Mary (Chase) and Walter R. Burroughs just after the big hurricane on September 26, 1938 in Keene. He was educated locally and graduated from Vilas High School, Class of 1957.
On November 17, 1961 he exchanged vows with Elaine Theriault. They were married in a simple service in Alstead. The Burroughs have been married for fifty-four years.
He joined the U.S. Army as a reservist during the Vietnam War. He served his time of enlistment and was honorably discharged on June 21, 1963 at the rank of PVT E-2.
He was a hard worker and provider for his family. He was the owner and operator of John H. Burroughs Trucking, Inc. His portable gravel crushing business provided product for various projects. He enjoyed traveling to different job sites and working with the variety of people. He missed working with the small contractors and municipalities when he retired in 2014.
He enjoyed camping with his family and friends for over fifty years. Earlier in his life he was a member of the Pieces of Eight Square Dance Club in Walpole. John was a Fire Commissioner with the Alstead Volunteer Fire Department. He volunteered at the Cheshire County YMCA for twenty years. He gave freely of his time and would shut his business down to participate in the American Heritage Tours, doing as many as three tours a year. He would also donate his time and different pieces of heavy equipment to assist with improving the grounds at Camp Takoda in Richmond. He received the Dickinson Award for Volunteerism for his efforts. John also enjoyed going on cruises to Bermuda, sailing from Boston or New York. John did not fly! He said he could swim a little, but he could not fly a bit
Mr. Burroughs is survived by his wife, Elaine Burroughs of Alstead. His children; Linda L. Williamson of Carmel, NY, Scott J. Emerson of Hillsborough, Morgan Burroughs of Swanzey, and Jody A. Bates and her husband Chris of Alstead. A daughter-in-law, Melissa Gutierrez Burroughs of Bradenton, FL. Seven grandchildren; Leigh Straub, Kyle and Sara Williamson, Jonathan and Rebecca Bates, Dominic Burroughs Gutierrez, and Skye Burroughs. John is predeceased by his son Dennis L. Burroughs who passed on January 18, 2016 and granddaughter Jessica N. Bates in 2000.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2016 from 5 to 7pm in the funeral chapel. A celebration of life service will occur on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 10am at the Second Congregational Church, North Road, East Alstead, NH 03602. Burial will follow in the family lot at the West Cemetery, East Alstead. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Avenue, Keene, NH 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com.
