Theodore "Ted" Natti

PEMBROKE - Theodore "Ted" Natti, 95, of Pembroke, NH, passed away on March 28, 2018 at home with his family by his side.

The son of Finnish immigrants Erkki and Matilda (Sironen) Natti, Ted was born in Gloucester, MA on August 22, 1922. Ted was the last surviving sibling of 12. Ted enlisted in the US Naval Air Corps in 1942, received his Naval Aviator Wings and serviced with the Atlantic Fleet as a torpedo/dive-bomber pilot. He graduated from the University of NH with a BS in Forestry and went on to Yale University to earn a Master's degree in Forestry.

In 1950, Ted started work with the US Forest Service as a research assistant located in the White Mountain area. He started a career with the NH State Forestry Dept. as Chief of Forest Management, responsible for managing 150,000 acres of state-owned lands. He was appointed Director of the Forests and Lands (NH State Forester) in 1967 and served in that capacity until his retirement. He was a member of the National Association of State Foresters serving as president in 1969. He was active in state, regional and national forestry organizations including the Society of American Foresters, chairman of New England Section of SAF in 1969 and founding member of the Granite State Chapter. He also was a licensed Land Surveyor. Ted practiced what he preached being a Certified Tree Farmer, his lands being certified in 1962.

Ted's family includes his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Carlson), to whom he was married for 66 years and three children - Wayne, Lisa (Rick Carrick) and Jon. He was beloved "Bumpa" to five grandboys - Sam (Nicole), Ed, Ben, Ted and Clint. Ted and Betty also recently welcomed great-grandchildren Ava and Mikko Natti. The family cat, Kippi, was his loyal friend.

Ted loved his family and his home including the backyard sauna. He enjoyed working at his woodpile and in the garden. His family has fond memories of his nisu baking, homemade pickles, excellent potato crop and his harmonica playing. Ted was a good athlete and enjoyed competition. He played hockey for UNH and was an accomplished golfer, winning 2 club championships and competing with the NH State Seniors. A strong work ethic, compassion for others and his unwavering integrity set a daily example for everyone he knew. Ted truly personified all the outstanding attributes of the "Greatest Generation." His memory will live on through the love of his family.

SERVICES: Graveside services will be held in June at Seaside Cemetery in Gloucester (Lanesville), MA followed by a gathering of family and friends. Contributions in his memory can be made to UNH Forestry - Scholarship program: UNH Forestry Scholarship, 15 Strafford Ave., Durham, NH 03824 or online at unh.edu/giving. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Petit-Roan Funeral Home in Pembroke. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.petitroan.com.