Edward C. McKeage

COLEBROOK, NH—Mr. Edward C. McKeage, 76, of Colebrook, passed away at his home on Friday morning, Sept. 20, 2013, after a year-long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 10, 1937, in Colebrook, a son to the late Willard R. and Josephine (Ellingwood) McKeage. Eddie was a woodsman for his entire adult life, working first with Reuben Washburn and later for the WeLog, Inc. company. He began by helping to build stables and later worked at logging camps until he was old enough to operate heavy equipment, which he did for the remainder of his life. Eddie enjoyed camping and going to auto races, as well as watching NASCAR on television. He had a passion for gardening, and he loved to go fishing. He leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Judith “Judy” (Dexter) McKeage of Colebrook; two sons, Robin McKeage and wife Ginger of Groveton, NH, and Steve Bunnell of Bloomfield, Vt.; three daughters, Kelly McReel and fiancée Forrest Locke of Conway, NH, Dianne Vermette and husband Michael of E. Waterboro, Me., and Susan Poulin and husband Ken of Northfield, NH; three sisters, Gloria Danello and husband, Tommy of Bellingham, Mass., Loretta Adams of Colebrook, and Juanita Close of Bellingham, Mass.; 19 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Maureen Ingerson of Lancaster, NH, Jeannette Smith and husband Alan of Bel Air, Maryland; brother-in-law David Dexter and wife Janet of Coventry, Conn.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind dear friends and neighbors, Roland & Patty Hart, Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Smith, and Mr. & Mrs. Richard “Thumper” Webster; and very special friends, Greg & Donna Stone and their daughters, Megan and Delanie of Colebrook; as well as special friend, Ginny Bellacqua of Columbia. Eddie is predeceased by siblings Brendan and Randall McKeage; a close friend and long-time colleague, Earl “Skip” Kenney; and a very special friend who he considered as close as an adopted brother, Robert “Rocky” Bellacqua. At his specific request, there are no public calling hours. A private service will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. McKeage may be made to one’s choice of Northwoods Home Health & Hospice, 120 Main St., Suite 5, Colebrook, NH 03576; the Week’s Medical Center Oncology Dept., 173 Middle St., Lancaster, NH 03584; or the Two Rivers Ride for Cancer, c/o Rosemary Mulliken at the First Colebrook Bank, 132 Main St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Edward C. McKeage

March 10, 1937 - September 20, 2013