Howard N. Keach Jr.

BETHLEHEM - Howard N. Keach Jr., 81, died peacefully on Thursday morning, Nov. 7, 2013, at the Lafayette Healthcare Center in Franconia, after a long period of failing health.

He was born in Colebrook, on Feb. 7, 1932, a son to the late Howard and Susie (Oakes) Keach, Sr. He attended Colebrook schools and was a 1950 graduate of Colebrook Academy. After high school, Howard served honorably in the U.S. Army where his duties took him to Africa.

After his military service, Howard returned to the North Country and worked for more than 30 years for N.E. Telephone. Community service and participation were important to him, and he served for 17 years as a selectman for the town of Bethlehem, and was also a member of the Bethlehem Fire Dept. In his younger days, he also helped as a part-time police officer in Bethlehem. Howard always participated in the town minstrel shows, and he established the Bethlehem Cable Co., bringing cable TV to residents of Bethlehem in the late 1980s. Howard was an avid fisherman, and he enjoyed taking his boat out on Lake Champlain in Vermont. He was a member of the Maplewood Chapter of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Bethlehem Heritage Society, and the American Legion, Post 200.

Howard is survived by a son, Howard "Chris" Keach III, of Massachusetts; his two sisters, Olive Hicks and Jean Haynes, both of Colebrook; and a grandson.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Pauline (Pollard) Keach in 2002, and his faithful canine companion, Mikey.

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services: There are no public calling hours. A graveside service and interment with military honors will be on Friday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. The Rev. Richard Davenport will officiate.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Keach may be made to one's choice of the Two Rivers Ride for Cancer, c/o Rosemary Mulliken at the 1st Colebrook Bank, 132 Main St., Colebrook, 03576; or to the Second Chance Animal Rescue, 1517 Meadow St., Littleton, 03561.

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.