Garry Robert Parkhurst

COLUMBIA – Garry Robert Parkhurst, 62, of Columbia, passed away on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook, surrounded by his family after a hard-fought, courageous battle with cancer. Garry was born on Jan. 26, 1956, in West Stewartstown to Kenneth and Isabelle (Riendeau) Parkhurst. He attended Our Lady of Grace Academy and was a 1974 graduate of Colebrook Academy. For 31 years Garry was an employee of Daniel Hebert Inc. in Colebrook as a licensed plumber and electrician in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Most recently he was employed as plant manager at the Coos County Nursing Hospital. For 25 years he served as tax collector for the town of Columbia and was a member of the New Hampshire Tax Collectors’ Association. For many years, Garry taught the plumbing and gas license update seminars for tradesmen in the northern part of the state. Garry was an active member of the local community. In his younger years he enjoyed bowling as a member of the Colebrook Men’s Bowling League, snowmobiling, motorcycling, and racing. Garry would say his greatest achievement in life was his children and he loved the time he spent cheering on the sidelines of sports games, attending concerts, and as the Cub Master of Pack 220. Garry, along with his children, often worked side jobs on the weekends where he built many lasting friendships with his neighbors. In 1990 Garry married Marcia (Wright) Parkhurst, the love of his life and his soulmate. In 1991 they built their house in Bungy with the help of family and friends, and it was his favorite place to be. As was his wish, Garry spent most of his final days at home surrounded by family and with frequent visits from close friends. Garry will be remembered most for his love of family, strong work ethic, sense of integrity, and quick-witted comebacks. He leaves behind his loving wife of 28 years, Marcia Parkhurst of Columbia, NH; his parents, Kenneth and Isabelle Parkhurst of Columbia; his children, Christopher Parkhurst of Fayetteville NC, Phillip and wife Jennifer (Reardon) Parkhurst of Fayetteville NC, Jeffrey and wife Katrina (Moreau) Parkhurst of Meriden CT, and Ashlynn (Parkhurst) and husband Seth Fogg of Concord NH; and five grandchildren, Luke, Victoria, Nicole, Alexia, and Tristan. Calling hours will be on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place the next morning, Saturday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m. at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Colebrook with The Rev. Craig Cheney as celebrant. Burial will be private in the spring at St. Brendan’s Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Garry’s name to the Two Rivers Ride for Cancer, c/o Rosemary Mulliken, 53 Spring St., Colebrook NH, 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Garry Robert Parkhurst

January 26, 1956 - December 21, 2018