Donald H. Placey

STEWARTSTOWN, NH – Mr. Donald Herbert Placey, 77, died at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital early Thursday morning, October 8, 2009, with his family by his side. Donald was born July 13, 1932, in Stewartstown, the eighth child of Guy V. Placey, Sr. and Evelyn (Towle) Placey. Growing up on the farm, he attended “Bear Rock University.” Donald left the family farm to begin his truck driving career for Reuben Washburn. Over the years, he established a reputation for his truck driving skills, working on construction and hauling pulp and logs. Donald worked each spring for many years helping rebuild the Mount Washington Auto Road. He owned and operated school buses for the Town of Stewartstown for over twenty years. Donald served as East Side Road Agent for the Town of Stewartstown for fifteen years. He had a great love of the outdoors, and hunted and fished until deteriorating health prevented it. Donald took great pleasure in his land and instilled a love for it in his children and grandchildren. In 1968, he married Lynne Owen and together they built a new home in Stewartstown where they lived happily for the next forty-one years. In late years he was delighted to welcome his four grandchildren into his home for regular visits. This last weekend his eyes lit up with delight as he watched grandson, Ransom, play his guitar. He was a frequent visitor to Howard’s Restaurant and the Colebrook House of Pizza where he thoroughly enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends and telling tales. He was well known for his gift of gab and will be missed by many. Donald is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Lynne Owen Placey of Stewartstown, NH; three daughters, Darleen Placey and husband Mike Knight, and their son Ransom of Colebrook, Heather Pollard Leighton and husband, Lucas, and son Owen, stepson, Mason and stepdaughter Molly of Stewartstown, and Dawn Pettit and husband, Jeffrey, daughter Adelle, son Drew, and stepdaughter Kaylin, of Stewartstown; a sister, Arlene Riendeau of Stewartstown; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, six brothers, Willard, Shirley, Burleigh, Guy Jr., Reginald, and William Placey; a sister, Pauline McAllaster; and a son-in-law, Irving Pollard. Calling hours will be on Sunday, October 11, 2009, from 3 – 6 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook, NH. A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 12, at 1:00 p.m. at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. The service will be co-officiated by Donald’s brother-in-law, Pastor Jeffrey Owen, and Pastor Matt Coons. Pallbearers will be Bob Shaw, Paul McKinnon, Keith Jackson, Doody Gadwah, Scott Tessier and Bill Stephens. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Placey may be made to the Upper Connecticut Valley Home Health Services, c/o Steve Brooks, 181 Corliss Lane, Colebrook, NH 03576.

Donald H. Placey

July 13, 1932 - October 8, 2009