Ralph W. Brewster

1922 - 2016

Ralph W. Brewster, 93, passed away on the evening of Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at Exeter Hospital peacefully of natural causes. Ralph Brewster was born in Pittsfield on Aug. 23 1922, the fourth son of Ralph and Ruthena Winifred (Cass) Brewster. Ralph attended local schools and during his senior year of high school was voted "Best Looking," "Most Flirtatious," and "Neatest."

Ralph graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1940. Previously November 1949 he enlisted in the New Hampshire National Guard, becoming a member of the 197th Coast Artillery, the first and oldest anti-air craft unit in the United States Army. When the 197th  was called into Federal Service on Sept. 16, 1940 he and his two brothers, Carroll and Paul were sent to Camp Hulen in Palacio, Texas for training. His specialty was a radar operator. He later qualified as a 2nd class gunner.

While in route to the Philippine Islands his ship, the Anthony Sawgraves, was torpedoed and he and all aboard were forced to swim 500 yards before being rescued by a British Freighter. Ralph was later discharged holding the rank of sergeant at Fort Devens, Mass. on July 29, 1945. During his term he was awarded the Good Conduct Metal, the American Defense Service Metal and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon.

After leaving the Service he attended and graduated from the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Finance in Manchester. He was elected treasurer of his class in the fall of 1945. Subsequently he had a number of occupations involving real estate, sales and tax accounting and retail furniture sales.

On June 25, 1952, he married Joyce Herndon of Barnstead. The couple had five children, John D., Michael A., Carol A., Clinton D. and Christine M.

Ralph had been very interested in politics throughout his life. He was the town clerk 1948-51 and served as a member of the town budget committee during 1957-59. In 1961 he was a representative to the General Court and while there authored a bill related to eminent domain. That year he was elected to the Pittsfield School Board and served as its chairperson in 1962.

Ralph took up health studies and spent the later years working with the political community to shape health studies and services, consistently working to educate the general public on health matters and even corresponded with the political community, including presidents all the way from JFK to the GW Bush era.

Ralph is survived by his children (listed above) and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Please join us Tuesday, July 12, at 10 a.m. at the Pittsfield Congregational Church.

Graveside services for family and friends will follow at the Floral Park Cemetery in Pittsfield.

The Waters Funeral Home, David Pollard, Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.