Anthony Joseph Jackman

1955 - 2017

RINDGE -- Anthony Joseph Jackman, 61, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on Saturday, January 28, 2017 in Wayland, Massachusetts after a courageous battle with cancer. Jackman, a resident of Rindge, since 1997, fought hard for five months and never lost any of his light or sense of humor.

Born July 10, 1955 in Newfoundland, Canada he moved to the United States in 1965 and spent three years in sunny California surfing, riding his bike, playing with his siblings and listening to The Beach Boys. He moved with his family to Boston in 1968 and attended Dorchester High School during a period of upheaval and civil unrest.

Going into business for himself at a young age, Jackman never had a boss and built up a furniture business with his five brothers called Woodpecker Furniture. He spent years working in the auto industry, construction, the medical field and made the weekly trek to the car auction in Concord, Massachusetts with his friend and business partner, Bryan.

A gifted builder, carpenter, salesman, draftsman, mechanic, artist and cook, he excelled at any job and never committed to anything half-heartedly. He was a straight-shooting modern day frontiersman who failed or succeeded on his own terms and gumption. A lifelong lover of music, he enjoyed attending concerts and holding impromptu guitar and keyboard sessions in his kitchen with fellow musicians.

Anthony, (also known as Tony or T) loved to skate, ski, play hockey, read books on various topics, go on epic road trips with his family and enjoyed hosting his kids and their friends at his Payson Hill estate. Tony was like a surrogate father to many of his children's friends and always made sure any guest in his house had a hot meal, a warm bed and a cold drink! Anyone who knew Tony probably has a unique memory of conversing with him around the island in the kitchen.

A beloved father, husband, brother, son and friend to many he is survived by his wife Carol, three children Eric, Mike and Laura, his mother Terry Jackman (Culleton) and seven siblings: Brian, Cathy, John, Chris, Adrian, Annie and Paul. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and close friends. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, February 18, 1 p.m to 5 p.m. at Hidden Hills Banquet Hall Marble Room, 18 Lisa Dr, Rindge, NH 03461.