Edward Lary

Canaan - Edward Lary, 86, passed away April 3, 2014, at his home in Canaan, surrounded by his family.The home is next door to the home in which he was born on Aug. 28, 1927. He was the youngest child of Asa C. and Annie (Sanborn) Lary.He attended Canaan schools and then completed one year of college in Lancaster, Mass., before returning to Canaan, where he began a long career in logging. His father operated a sawmill where he worked for several years with his brothers, Sid and Rip (Gordon). He logged with horses for many years with Charlie Neily.He married Jackie Collins in 1947 and later served in the U.S. Army in Korea. After his service, he returned to Canaan and resumed logging.In the late 1950s, he and Jackie moved to Plymouth, and he attended Plymouth Teachers College, graduating with a B.A. in business administration in 1962. While in Plymouth, he worked part time at the original Waterville Valley ski area. A lifelong skier, it was here he introduced his sons to the sport he dearly loved. He continued to ski for most of his life, and he and Jackie were members of the National Ski Patrol for many years.After his father's death in 1962, he took over ownership and management of A.C. Lary Lumber Co., which he operated until 1971. He worked briefly at Mascoma Savings Bank as an appraiser, but he "couldn't get the sawdust out of his hair" and returned to the woods. He operated a successful logging and firewood business for several years with his son Kevin. He was very inventive and built his own firewood processor. He also spent time as a truck driver, hauling oil for the former Johnson and Dix Oil Company.After retirement, he and his wife, Jackie, pursued many interests, including collecting antique postcards, traveling and watching sporting events, concerts and other activities of their grandchildren.He was involved in his community, serving as a Canaan selectman and budget committee member and was a member of the Canaan Historical Society. He was a member of the American Legion and a 32nd-degree Mason, past commander of Weld-Webster Post No. 55 and past master of Social-Summit Lodge No. 50 F&AM. He was also active in the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, serving as district deputy grand master and district deputy grand lecturer.He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Jackie; his parents; and brothers Sidney, Gerald and Gordon (Rip); and sister Nellie. He is survived by two sons, Kevin, his wife, Sheryl, and their children, Sara Guaraldi (Phill) and Nate Purinton (Sheila), and Kenny and his wife, Eileen, and their daughters, Kati Lary Jopek (Leif) and Ally. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Virginia Doherty; several nieces and nephews; and a close circle of very dear, lifelong friends.Many thanks to Hospice and VNA of Vermont/New Hampshire for their kindness and very special thanks to Joan McGovern and her wonderful dog, Maya, for their care and friendship.

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services: Family and friends are invited to memorial calling hours at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Wednesday, April 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. A Masonic service will be conducted at 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 10, at 11 a.m. at Canaan United Methodist Church.Memorial donations can be made to Social Summit Lodge No. 50, F & A.M., P.O. Box 496, Canaan 03741 or Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of Vt. & N.H., P.O. Box 976, White River Junction, VT 05001-0976.A message of condolence can be shared with the family through an online guest book by visiting. www.rickerfuneralhome.com.