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BORN
1947
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Kenneth Gilman Obituary
Born Feb. 3, 1947, to Charles and Marjorie (Bean) Gilman in Concord, grew up in Penacook, and graduated from Penacook High in 1965. He loved going to Bar Harbor as a child/teenager to visit relatives and got into mischief. He enlisted in the Navy as a Communications Yeomen, worked at Grand Union grocery and delivered milk and ice cream for Hoods and then Lago and Sons. He worked for Pitco Frialator as purchasing assistant and completed his working days at the Canterbury "dump" (aka transfer station). With help from Pitco he was able to finish his college degrees: Associate's in Business from NHTI and a Bachelor's from SNHU.
He raised three daughters and lived in Canterbury for over 40 years, and had multiple dogs and chickens. He was a person of few words, but very conscious of all the connections and relationships. His favorite times were running into old friends and acquaintances at the town dump or grocery store, family gatherings, playing golf, bowling Friday nights, bubbly water, and burgers on the grill. He will be missed by many for his witty jokes and willingness to do anything to help family, friends and animals. He taught us the value of being kind to those less fortunate, loving our family, and being helpful to those in need.
He leaves his three daughters, Becky Hawkins and her husband, Jim, Martha Gilman and Laura Gilman and her significant other, Brad Blair; three siblings, Anne DeMotta and her husband, Bill, Nancy Sciascia and Richard Gilman; two nieces and two nephews; and two grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, June 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wendell Butt Funeral Home, 42 Washington St., Penacook. Please bring a Ken-ism or memory to share and write down.
The funeral will be held Friday, July 1, at 11:30 a.m. at NH State Veteran's Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen. Please be early since the military is prompt and the service will only last 30 minutes. Refreshments will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send money or food donations to either the New Hampshire Food Bank, and/or the Concord SPCA, NH Food Bank or the Loudon Food Pantry. Thank you so much for knowing and loving our dad.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Gilman
David Caswell
June 24, 2025
I still think about Kenny and when we met. He had a VW Beatle and we would listen to music and sing along. I remember doing that to Don McLean´s hit, "Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie."
July 21, 2016
I knew your Dad from the Grand Union Days. He and I worked together on South St. and also worked on the inventory crew. I ran into him many times over the years and we always had a brief conversation about what we were up to at the time. I always liked Kenny. I was sorry to here about his passing. My condolences to your family.
Molly Atkins
July 7, 2016
Hi Rick,
My sympathies to you and your family.
Bill Clarke
July 7, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He had a great sense of humor and was always positive and strong when life battered at him. God Bless You Ken. Thank you for the lesson.
July 4, 2016
Anne, Nancy and all of the Gilman Family,
We were so sorry to learn of Ken"s passing.
Please be assured of our prayers for all of you.
Ollie and Vicki Northcott
Bob Scarponi
July 3, 2016
I was saddened to hear that Ken had passed away. He was always such a genuine person, with no airs, and such a fine man. My deepest condolences.
July 2, 2016
So sorry for your loss Anne & Nancy,
Judy MacEachran
Mary Jane Holmes Leathers
July 2, 2016
So sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. We grew up together.
HENRY MESSIER
July 1, 2016
Sorry for your loss.Ken had a unique way with people.He will be missed.
Henry&Pat Messier
Kevin Marshall
July 1, 2016
Condolences to the extended Gilman family from the Marshalls.
I had no idea Kenny was ill. The last time I saw him was a few years ago when he approached my dad and me to say hello. We were recently discussing years gone by and Kenny and the Gilmans were part of the discussion.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kelly Beaird
July 1, 2016
My heart aches for you and your family, Becky. You will be in my heart and my prayers.
Leanne MA
July 1, 2016
My deepest sympathy for the loss of an amazing man. I knew Ken a short while after starting work at the Payson Center. Seeing him and listening to his stories would always be the highlight of my day. The way he spoke about his family with such pride. I think I speak for everyone at NHOH when I say we will truly miss him in the office. Knowing Ken was an honor, I'm so sorry for your loss..
See ya next time, Ken.
Marty (Lambert) Speed
July 1, 2016
Condolences to the Gilman families. Our mothers were the greatest of friends. Kenny was a great guy and will be missed
Craig&Corinne Pullen
July 1, 2016
Ken was a wonderful neighbor for many years. We will miss seeing him walk Katie to the mailbox every day. We will miss his wit and humor. He was a sweet gentle man.
Nancy Robinson
June 30, 2016
My condolences go out to the Gilman family. Ken was a very funny and well liked man. I got to know both Ken and Rick while working at Pitco. Ken was always willing to do what ever he could for anyone. He will tryely be missed. R.I.P. Ken.
John Pratt
June 30, 2016
Becky, Martha and Laura - I so sorry for your loss. Your father was one of the nice guys with many friends. He will be missed bymany. He is in my prays.
David Dufield Jr
June 30, 2016
Only knew him for a short time, always nice and one of those people you always asked how they were doing, surely will be missed.
June 30, 2016
Ken was a great man and will be sorely missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP
Donna and Tee Currier
Jim and Donna Miller
June 30, 2016
We met Kenny 22 years ago, as part of a community cross-country ski group. He was always ready with a quip or a dry-Yankee-humor retort to any comment, and he genuinely enjoyed the group and the skiing. I'm proud of him completing his college degrees later in life--and I imagine he enjoyed the challenge. He'll be missed! The girls are in our prayers.
Anne & David Emerson
June 30, 2016
Our condolences to the Gilman family for your loss of a gentle and caring man. Thank you for the kind, informative obituary, especially for those of us who did not know him well.
Linda Conradi Oldach
June 30, 2016
I am very sorry to hear that a nice man and fellow 1965 PHS classmate is gone. I have fond memories.
Carol Rattee-Roy
June 30, 2016
Anne and family I am sorry for your loss. Many, many years ago I watched Laura for Ken when we also lived in Canterbury. Such a loving Dad and good man. Carol Rattee-Roy
Marj and Rich Ennis
June 30, 2016
To Becky, Martha and Laura - Marj and I were so sorry to hear about your dad. You girls were the light of his life. Ken was a good friend and will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.
Mike Holmes
June 30, 2016
Beckey, Martha, Laura, your Dad was a great guy, we were friends for years growing up in Penacook. I lived on Summer St. Your Dad lived on Spring St. As a result we grew to be good friends and partners in all kinds of mischief and mayhem. I know it is hard for you now but things will be better. Your Dad leaves a great legacy
, be proud.
Mike Holmes
Michael P Holmes
June 30, 2016
Rest in Peace my friend! Anne, Nancy, Richard, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Beth Holmes
Kennebunk, Maine
Laura Souther-O'Brien
June 30, 2016
Becky, Martha, and Laura, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. I know how much all of you will miss him. Ken was always such a nice, kind, caring person, Canterbury will miss him as well. You are all in my prayers
Rose Wilburn
June 30, 2016
Such a wonderful man, evident of the great daughters he raised. My prayers are with you.
Gloria Nelson
June 30, 2016
So sorry for you loss Anne. Thoughts and prayers. Gloria
Elaine Boucher
June 30, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Kenney's family. He was my neighbor growing up on High Street in Penacook.
June 30, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
The Weldon Hoyt Family
June 30, 2016
Anne, Nancy and Richard, and Kenny's children, you are in our thoughts.
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