Walter F. Covell Sr.

August 19, 1930 - March 12, 2015

COLEBROOK – Mr. Walter F. Covell, Sr. 84, of Colebrook, passed away at hishome on Thursday morning, March 12, 2015, surrounded by loved ones and caretakers, and after a long period of declining health. He was born in Colebrook on Aug. 19, 1930, a son of the late Melvin and Pearl (Hazard) Covell. He attended the local schools and served with honor in the U.S. Army, from 1954-60, retiring at the rank of Sergeant First Class. His duty station included Holland, where he met and married his wife, and later in Germany as part of the post-World War II occupation force. After returning to Colebrook, Walt worked for a period of time as a mechanic and truck driver for several local garages, and he later established his own business, Walt’s Truck Repair, which he successfully operated for more than 30 years. Walt was one of the area’s first snowmobile enthusiasts and helped to cut several of the region’s original trails. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post 47, in Canaan, Vt. Walt leaves behind his son, Walter Covell and wife Joanne of Whitefield, NH; his youngest daughter, Audie Porter and husband Mark of Colebrook; two brothers, Melvin Covell and wife Naomi of Bloomfield, Vt., and Joseph Covell and wife Ruth of Milford, NH; a sister, Laura Bouthillier of Connecticut; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Gerritje ‘Gerry’ (van Dijk) Covell on Jan. 23, 2015, a daughter, Lois Hughes, in 2007; and a brother, Christopher Price. There are no public calling hours. A graveside service with military honors, for both Walter and Gerry, will be held at the Colebrook Village Cemetery at a later date in the spring, of which notice will be given. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Covell may be made to one’s choice of the Kiwanis Club of Colebrook, P.O. Box 241, Colebrook, NH 03576; or to the Northwoods Home Health & Hospice, 120 Main St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements in NH are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.