Eugene C. Winchester

1929 - 2024

Eugene C. Winchester, 94 of West Chesterfield, NH died peacefully on March 30, 2024 at the Thompson House in Brattleboro, VT following a period of declining health.

He was born on a small family farm in Barnet, VT on August 26, 1929 to Eugene and Mattie (Emery) Winchester.

Early on, his tinkering with all manner of things earned him the affectionate nickname of "Tinker" or, "Tink" for short.

He spent much of his growing years in Wells River, VT, raised by his mother and stepfather Charles Wilson. He graduated from Wells River High School in 1948, enlisting in the Marine Corps that same year. He attended Vermont School of Agriculture (later VTC), before serving in the Marines until 1952. He was in a machine gun platoon during his enlistment.

In June of 1954, he married Mildred Thornton of Woodsville, NH, eventually settling in West Chesterfield, NH in 1967. They raised two children there and enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage, creating a loving and comfortable home, enjoyed by many.

Eugene started his long truck driving career as a teenager delivering milk. Later he delivered oil for W.E. Jock, Co., of Wells River. He worked as an over the road driver for Ames Trucking and Quinn Freight lines and then drove many years for Boise Cascade (FiberMark) until his partial retirement. He then drove part time for Penske Leasing before retiring permanently at age 78.

He was a proud member of the American Legion, Chesterfield Post #86, serving as that Post's Sergeant at Arms.

Tink was an avid hunter, fisherman and nature lover, with a vast knowledge of firearms. He loved to share his knowledge of guns and the outdoors with generations of friends and family.

He enjoyed restoring and repairing rifles and shotguns and liked to travel. He was also well read, mostly history and outdoor topics. He was a talented woodcarver. In his later years, he found pleasure in hiking the woods near his home with his constant companion, his dog Deacon. Tink referred to himself as a "Jack of some trades, and master of none". But in fact, he was very clever and could build or fix just about anything quite skillfully.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Millie Winchester, his daughter Heather Winchester Hurd (Kris Keith) of Gilsum, NH, his son Eric Winchester (Carmen) of Brattleboro, VT, his sister Margaret (Wilson) Hatch of Lebanon, NH, his two granddaughters, Emily (Lemnah) Kosowicz (Ryan) of Pembroke, NH and Natalie Winchester of Franklin, NH,

his grandson Zachary Adams of Gilsum, NH and his great-granddaughter Kinsley Kosowicz of Pembroke, NH

He was predeceased by his sister, Ida (Wilson) Robinson.

As per Tink's wishes, there will be no calling hours. He will be laid to rest in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Woodsville, NH at a later date. Tink's family asks that if his friends should care to make a donation in his memory they do so to a charity of their choosing.

Tink's family would also like to extend their deep appreciation to the staff at the Thompson House for their compassion and care for him over the last few months. We also wish to thank all Tink's friends and neighbors for their immense help, support and true friendship.