Dr. L. Forbes Getchell

NEWMARKET — Dr. L (eonard) Forbes Getchell passed away on May 16, 2012.

Forbes was born in New Bedford, Mass., on 11 August 1919, a son of the late Prof. Edward Leonard Getchell and Alice Atsatt (Forbes) Getchell. He grew up in Durham, N.H., attending grade school there and high school in Dover. He received a B.S. in Bacteriology U.N.H. 1947: N.Y.U. College of Dentistry 1951. He enjoyed practicing general dentistry in Newmarket, NH for 33 years, retiring in 1984.

After retirement, he spent time as a clinical instructor at the School of Dental Hygiene in Concord and was a member of the NH Board of Dental Examiners, as well as the Northeast Regional Board.

Dr. Getchell served in World War II as a T4 Army Sgt. in the 94th QM Railhead Co. He landed in Casablanca, crossed the Atlas Mountains with the 94th, thence to Italy, later landing in Marseilles, continuing through France north into Germany.

In 1948, Forbes married his best friend, Sylvia Fitts, also from Durham. Following dental school in N.H., the couple moved to Newmarket, making a home there together while building a dental practice and a happy life. They raised four children. The family spent many happy hours together at a rustic camp on Great Bay or in the mountains of NH or Maine. "Getch" and his family sailed on Great Bay in a cat boat that he built and named the SAFEW (a combination of the first initials of his family).

As a young man he was active in the Boy Scouts and was also a Sea Scout Skipper. Forbes was a Troop Leader and an Explorer Post Advisor during his adult years. He enjoyed the canoe adventures, the winter camping, and the mountain climbing and hiking. He climbed all of NH's 4,000-footers, some on his own, others with scouts and many with his wife and two sons.

"Getch" was interested in history and played an important role in the Newmarket Historical Society as a past president and charter member. He and his wife, Sylvia Fitts Getchell, were involved with the Newmarket Colonial Militia for many years. They traveled together with their friends in the Militia to events held up and down the east coast and in Paris as well. Later, "Getch" and Sylvia continued to take part in the reenactments and presentations in area schools. "Doc" took the part of an 18th century physician demonstrating medical techniques and tools. In 1975, Forbes marched in the Capt. Goodrich Co. dressed in the garb of his ancestor Nehemiah Getchell, who was one of the original scouts on Arnold's March to Quebec in 1775.

Forbes was P.M. of Rising Star Lodge F. and A.M., and member of many other Masonic bodies.

"Doc" made good use of his skillful hands outside the dental office. He made a good deal of pine furniture for his family, including beds and bedside tables, built-in shelving and closets, and a lovely pegged trestle table for the dining room. Forbes had a creative mind and figured out ways to solve little household problems by constructing something to eliminate whatever difficulty presented itself. "Getch" was well known for the miniature birds that he carved and painted, selling them at local craft fairs and donating many to the Newmarket Community Church's Christmas Fair.

Forbes and Sylvia traveled across the US, Canada, and Europe in their retirement years. One excursion included a trip to New Zealand. Their travels were meaningful adventures enhancing their understanding of history, their own heritage, and the natural world.

"Doc" was certainly known for his jaunty walk. He walked to and from his office four times a day. After retirement, he would be seen striding to a Library Board meeting, whistling along the way. He was also a marvelous skater and dancer. His involvement with the community started the week that he and Syl moved in. From serving for 9 years on the School Board, to being an active member, deacon, trustee, and member of the choir of his church, to Chair of the 250th Celebration, to picking up trash on his daily walks, "Doc" did his best to participate in the town that he made his home.

He is survived by his wife Sylvia Fitts Getchell, daughter Ann Marden Gray and her husband Lindsay, daughter Faith Perley Getchell and her husband Glenn Jenks, and sons Edward Fitts Getchell and William Forbes Getchell, grandchildren Sarah Gray Page, Seth P. Gray, Marilyn Gray, and Melanie Gray, and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 26th at 10 a.m. at the Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home, 77 Exeter Street, Newmarket. Private burial will take place in the Durham Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate what you would like to either the Newmarket Community Church or the Newmarket Historical Society. Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign an online guest book.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.