Stephen R. Colby

WEST STEWARTSTOWN – Stephen R. Colby, 80, of West Stewartstown, passed away early on Thursday, March 14, 2019, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy period of declining health. He was born in Unity, NH, on April 5, 1938, a son to the late Freeman H. and Ellen (Ramsay) Colby. He was raised on the Ramsay family farm in Lemington and was a graduate of Colebrook Academy in 1956. After high school, Steve attended meat-cutting school in Ohio, then returned to his home to work first at the Red & White grocery store and later for LaPerle’s IGA for a period of time. He continued to do private meat-cutting for local hunters, but his main career was as a welder and machinist, and he worked for 32 years at Tillotson Rubber Co. in Dixville, and later for another 10 years at the Beecher Falls Division of Ethan Allen. In his retirement, Steve was known by many for helping to deliver pizzas all over the area for First Run. Steve’s sense of community was important to him, and he served his country for 25 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, and he was also a 26-year member of the Colebrook Fire Department. He loved to be around people and his sense of humor was widely known. He had a distinctive and infectious laugh that everybody could recognize. He also was a talented singer, which not enough people knew. Many will remember being taunted by Steve as he drove by on Main Street with a smart remark coming from the P.A. system he had in his car. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Covell) Colby of West Stewartstown; two children, Shori McKinnon and husband “Buzz” of Beecher Falls, and Shawn Colby and fiancée Cheryl Eastland of Columbia; his sister, Elaine Russell and husband Ken of Whitefield; two grandchildren, Rebecca Thibeault and Katie May Colby; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by a brother, Freeman Colby, and a grandson, Christopher Thibeault. There are no public calling hours or services scheduled at this time. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date, of which notice will be given. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Steve may be made to the Two Rivers Ride for Cancer, c/o R. Mulliken, 53 Spring St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Stephen R. Colby

April 5, 1938 - March 14, 2019