CHARLESTOWN -- Cecil E. Fisk, 97, of Elm Street died Jan. 13, 2011, at Springfield Hospital, after a brief illness.

He was born March 3, 1913, to Sabin Ernest and Ethel Maude (Perry) Fisk.

He was a lifetime resident of Charlestown.

He married Leona E. Lundin May 24, 194, in Mankato, Minn., and moved into the Elm Street homestead where they lived together for more than 69 years.

He was a 1931 graduate of Charlestown High School and attended University of Vermont. He worked in sales for Joy Manufacturing Company for a short time, which is how he met his wife.

He then worked as a machinist at Jones and Lamson Machine Tool Company in Springfield, Vt., for 39 years before retiring in 1978.

He was an accomplished athlete. He played basketball and won the New Hampshire state tennis titles for both singles and doubles in tennis. He passed that athletic ability and strong work ethic on to his children, who have in turn passed it on to their children.

He attended hundreds of games to watch his children and grandchildren participate in various athletic events at all levels over the years. He continued to be an avid sports fan. In his later years, if there was a tennis match, a Red Sox, Patriots or Celtics game on television, it was likely that he would be watching.

He was a gentleman farmer with a green thumb who loved to see things grow. He maintained a prolific garden with all kinds of flowers, vegetables, berries and fruits, raised dairy and beef cattle, chickens and pigs which provided most of what was needed to feed the family while they were growing up. He was very interested in the weather and it was a favorite topic of conversation. He enjoyed music and loved to dance.

He was a humble man of his word, a man of strong principles with an uncompromising value system of right and wrong, believing there was no substitute for common sense and a practical approach to life. He had big strong hands and believed in the power of a firm handshake.

He has been active in Charlestown community over the years; serving as town and school moderator. He was a member of the Grange and an active member of the Charlestown Historical Society.

IN HIS LIFE: He was predeceased by his only sibling, Beulah Chase in 2001 and an infant daughter in 1943. Family members include his wife, Leona; children, Calvin S. and Elsa Fisk of Indianapolis, Ind., Carlton E. and Linda Fisk of Bradenton, Fla.; Cedric C. Fisk of Charlestown; Conrad A. and Linda Fisk of Keene; June F. and Bob Stacey of Hartland, Vt.; and Janet Fisk-Miller of Keene; 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, nephews, and cousins.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Charlestown Memorial Chapel, 34 Main Street, Charlestown.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Episcopal Church. A reception will follow.

Memorial donations may be made to Charlestown Historical Society, P.O. Box 159, Charlestown, 03603 or St. Luke Episcopal Church, Charlestown, 03603.

For more information visit www.stringerfh.com.