David Stephen Weeks

David Stephen Weeks

David Stephen Weeks was born on April 22, 1930, in Laconia, and died in his 85th year on January 8th at his home in Saint Helena, California, surrounded by loved ones. His was a life well lived; full with work, family, friends, philanthropy and adventures.

He was preceded in death by his son D. Randall Weeks of Denver, Colo., parents Esther and John Weeks and brother Robert Weeks, of Gilford. Also departed before him were cherished aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as his beloved grandmother Winnifred Smith, who hid extra eggnog for him in the back of the icebox to have after his morning chores on the farm.

David began his work life at the age of 7 when he was taught to milk his grandfather's cows. It wasn't long before he was not only milking cows, but also had a following of barn cats that loved his generosity. Animals remained close to his heart throughout his life, and he leaves behind Simon, his vociferously devoted Papillion companion.

Prior to Simon, David's dog was a Labrador Retriever named Hannah, with whom he traveled all 49 continental states. David's knowledge of the most scenic routes to explore was well known, and he was keen on the history of each place he saw. While he was fortunate to travel abroad, it was the land of his own country that he loved best to see, and it was his curiosity of "what was over the next rise" that was in part what kept him looking.

David also enjoyed the view of the states from above, and was founding member of the Lakes Region Flying Club and the treasurer of the Strafford Flying Club. Besides taking to the skies, David's adventures were also on the sea. He moored a sailboat named Serenity at Pepperell Cove in Maine for many years.

After graduating from Laconia High School, David attended Cornell University before returning home to work in his family's dairy business. He eventually started his own company, Weeks Restaurant Corporation, and in addition to twelve others, he owned and operated Weeks Family Restaurant in Dover, NH for thirty-three years. The community he created amongst his employees will long be remembered as marriages and life long friendships were forged there.

The line to the dining rooms were especially long on the weekends, and because it was recognized as a meeting place, presidential candidates often chose to stop in for a Weeksie Burger during an election year. One of his favorites was Elizabeth Dole, who enjoyed a frappe he made for her himself. President George H.W. Bush was another favorite who visited. Although the restaurant closed in 1995, the land where it stood is now called Weeks Crossing.

David was an active supporter of his community and surrounding ones, and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 1994 in Dover, as well as Restaurateur of the Year for the state of New Hampshire in 1995. He was a Mason for over fifty years. He gave not only from his pocketbook, but also from his heart. A "friend of Bill's", he shared his story and mentored many.

He leaves behind three remaining children, Pamela Weeks of Durham, Joel Weeks and husband Jim Hutchison of Marina del Rey, Calif. and Stephanie Gamble and husband Jim of St. Helena, Calif. His four grandchildren loved him dearly: Ben Worthen and wife Jessica of Los Angeles, Calif. and Sarah, David and Jonathan Gamble of Saint Helena. He taught them all to play cribbage, and was always ready for a game.

Surely he is playing now with those who left before him.

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