John M. Batchelder Jr.

John Batchelder Obituary

LACONIA – John M. Batchelder Jr., 63, died unexpectedly at this home Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017. He was born on Nov. 29, 1953, in Bangor, Maine. Duffy was the son of John M. Batchelder and Dorothy Rose (Maynard) Batchelder of Northwood.

Duffy is survived by his wife of 30 years, Riva Jenkins Batchelder. Two daughters, Emily Rose Batchelder, of Ethel, La. and Meagan Robidoux and partner, Corbin Erwin of Montgomery, Vt. Duffy leaves all too soon his five grandchildren, Taryne Tynes and Soraya Stamboulieh of Ethel, La. and Keaton, Archer and Atticus Erwin of Montgomery, Vt. One nephew of Florida, one niece of New Hampshire and two brothers, Howard Batchelder and Doug Friend of Florida, and a sister, Diane Friend of Northwood.

Duffy left us all too soon. Not only a hole in the hearts of his family, but, also of the Indian Motorcycle community. He was a n incredibly talented man and was known for his craft and fabrication nation wide, which, can still be found in museums today. His knowledge of vintage cycles, and what he created, was unsurpassed! The vintage world of cycles has been left with a vast vacuum of knowledge that is lost. He dedicated his life to resurrecting rusted basket cases into a work of art, a masterpiece! Saying, "As far as I'm concerned with these things, there's life after death." And, when things didn't always go as planned, "if you can't do something right, do it tastefully applied." Love you Dad Always on our minds, Forever in our hearts.

Celebration of Duffy's life will be Saturday, Nov. 25, at 12 noon at the Crazy Gringo, Weirs Beach.

A memorial ride in Duffy's honor to be announce for the summer of 2018. To receive updates on the ride please email, [email protected], to be added to mailing list.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Concord Monitor on Nov. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Batchelder

13 Entries

Soraya stamboulieh

July 7, 2025

I only got to have a grandfather for a little bit but he was a great man that had a good heart. I miss him and remember him. And my mother or his daughter Emily is getting back on bikes more and enjoying the past memories. Thank you duffy.-soraya stamboulieh

November 26, 2017

Kinda knew Duffy in Rumford elementary school in Concord. He was a year ahead of me. Quite intimidating he was. Then met up again in Canterbury in the 90's. Amazed at how talented he really was when Was great to reunite and hopefully I can connect again on the highways of heaven. Rubber side down my friend.

Sharon B. Andrews

November 23, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss.
Rest easy John.

Cyndie Roy

November 23, 2017

I knew Duffy back in 1979-80. Loved riding on his Green Indian Scout! He was a good man. I'm sure he will be missed by many. RIP John

ila Rivet (Tilton)

November 22, 2017

Riva, I'm so sorry to hear abut Duffy. My condolences go out to you and your family. I new Duffy from our younger days and had the pleasure to meet up with him again a few years ago. It was nice catching up and talking about motorcycles . He was a very caring person. I will miss not being able to see him again.

Cameron and Dinah Ford/Delaney

November 21, 2017

Duffy an artist to the nth degree. And he didnt keep the craft to himself. I spent many hours working on the smallest part of an Indian with him to make sure it was right. And it was only right when he said it was. An amazing talent, gone to soon. Rest In Peace Duffy. Prayers for Riva and family

Bob & Cal Di Nitto

November 21, 2017

Dear Reev and Family - so very sorry to hear that Duffy has passed away. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers, our sincere condolences.

Carol Ann (Wilder) Bradley

November 21, 2017

Duffy, Your were a very unique individual and superb craftsmen. Thank you for touching our lives. Ride high with the best.

Jim lafond

November 20, 2017

Sorry to hear of duffy's passing I grew up and went thru school with him .use to cross paths with him at vintage events and the hill climbs.Very talented man. Let me know of the ride

Randy & Cindy Anderson

November 19, 2017

We will miss our good friend and neighbor. It was our pleasure to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

God Bless

Janyce Doe

November 19, 2017

Rest in Peace Duffy..Although we never met- I have always felt that I knew you through your beautiful family. Your eyes should be shining down from heaven and feeling proud of what they have become as you were a part of that.

Jim and Dawn Seidell

November 19, 2017

I've had the honor of working on some of the most impressive historical Indian motorcycle thanks to Duffy. His knowledge and skills of the Indian motorcycle will be a huge loss for the motorcycle community that can not be replaced. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and may you rest in peace.

November 18, 2017

There will be no replaceing this man. He learned from the Legends of Indian motorcycles, first hand.Our sympathy goes out to you, Riva,Em and Megan (Nelson)
Peter and Susan Harris

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results