Kenneth "Ken" Blanchard Parsons, born Nov. 21, 1932, in New Rochelle, New York, and resident of Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, passed away on Nov. 10, 2021, at the age of 88.

The son of the late Guy C. Parsons and Ardice Blanchard Parsons, he was married to his high school sweetheart, Beverly Fuller Parsons, for 65 years. A graduate of White Plains High School, Ken went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from Syracuse University and his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut. He served in the U.S. Navy and in the Navy Reserve before he and Bev settled in Vernon to raise their three daughters. A dedicated provider and entrepreneur, Ken owned and operated two Howard Johnson restaurants in Connecticut. Summers were spent at the family's cottage at Osseo on Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Ken and Bev enjoyed the area so much that they retired to Wolfeboro in 1996. Ken was known for sharing entertaining stories on the front porch of the cottage. He performed in a number of amateur productions – usually as the comedic relief. Especially memorable, he volunteered at a Hawaiian luau to learn the hula! His wonderful sense of humor was present even during his final hours as he joked with family and hospital staff. Ken was a self-taught expert in electricity, carpentry, plumbing, woodworking, and computers. He used his expertise to design and orchestrate the building of the Tuftonboro home, where he most recently lived, with his daughter Kathie and her husband. Always interested in the latest technology, Ken developed and implemented the audio-visual streaming service for the First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro that aired on Wolfeboro Community TV. He also was the treasurer at Wolfeboro Commons and active in the Osseo association. Ken was always happy to share his wisdom and expertise with all. Ken's interests left his loved ones and friends with countless memories and family traditions. He enjoyed traveling around the country in his RV with family. Always ready to captain the boat, he was proud to have taught many to water-ski and tube on the lake, even in the rain. Ken also officiated the marriage of his oldest granddaughter. His and his family's journey have been preserved for future generations because of his love for photography.

Ken was predeceased by Bev and by his youngest daughter, Cynthia Dandurand. He leaves behind two daughters and their husbands, Lynne and Prakash Mallya of Sierra Madre, California, and Kathie and John Reddick of Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire; as well as six granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson.

Ken's family is grateful for those who provided him with support, love, laughter, and friendship over the years, including his close friend Dorothy Maxwell of Cornish, Maine. Kenneth, aka "Peepa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, lived life to the fullest with courage, dedication, generosity, and love. He will always be in our hearts and the legacies he left will be cherished forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The Baker-Gagne Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wolfeboro is assisting the family with the arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolences or for more information go to

www.baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kenneth's name to either of the following or to the charity of your choice, Caregivers of Southern Carroll County and Vicinity, Inc., P.O. Box 801, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 (by check only, made out to "Caregivers"); NH Food Bank at

https://nhfoodbank.org/donation-hub/

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

Published by Journal Inquirer from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20, 2021.