Bernard A. Straw

PITTSBURG – Bernard A. Straw, of Pittsburg, passed away peacefully at his home early Friday morning, Jan. 19, 2024, after a period of declining health, nine days shy of his 87th birthday, and with his grandson and caregiver Nathan Judd ('Big D') by his side.
He was born in Hereford, Que., on Jan. 28, 1937, the son of Merton "Vaughn" and Irene (Hann) Straw. He became a naturalized citizen in 1964. Bernard began working on the family farm at a young age, then as a wood-cutter with Gordon Marsh and Thomas Judd. He also worked for Claude Wheeler's Christmas tree plantation trimming trees. After his marriage to Marjorie Huggins, he went to work at the Beecher Falls Division of Ethan Allen, and gave more than 40 years of dedicated service. Bernard worked on the machine floor as a stock person, dove-tail operator, and for most of his time there as a molder operator. During his years of service to the company, he always set an example for others with his attendance, his accuracy and quality of his workmanship.
Bernard was a very dedicated family man. He was always there for anyone at any given time--if someone needed a helping hand or if anything was broken, he could fix it. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on his wood pile, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, bird watching, and walking. He loved going to Ted Owen's camp on Magalloway Road, and he would often be found camping at various campgrounds with family and friends.
Bernard often reminisced about the Saturday night dancing at Tall Timbers in his younger years, along with Marjorie, and they carried the love of music and dancing into their later years. He could be seen at the Northland and he followed DJ George Kenney whenever he played, even traveling to the Elks Lodge in Littleton.
He adored all his canine companions over the years. He also kept immaculately groomed lawns, trees, and helped his wife tend to her flower gardens at their home and at the homes of their children.
Bernard was a former member of the Pittsburg Fire Department and the Pittsburg Ridge Runners.
Bernard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marjorie Straw, and his three daughters: Jhody S. Judd, Judy (Jules) Rancourt, and Jackie (Reggie) Parker, all of Pittsburg; his grandchildren: Nathan Judd; Jeff Judd (Angela Ricker), Jenna (Tim) Gray, Katie Rancourt, Bryan Parker (Rhiannon Frizzell), and Sarah Parker (Aaron Blake); his great-grandchildren: Zachary and Liliana Judd, Cora and Olive Gray, Myla Sykes, Owen and Bennett Parker; his sister, Carlene (Robert) Prehemo, and brother-in-law Floyd Howe; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is pre-deceased by his parents Merton "Vaughn" Straw (1989) and Irene (Hann) Straw (2005); an infant sister, Rita May Straw (1942); a brother, Roland "Laverne" Straw (1990); and two sisters, Janice Judd (2020) and Barbara Howe (2020).
There are no public calling hours. A graveside interment service will be held later in the spring in the Pittsburg Hollow Cemetery, of which notice will be given.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Straw may be made to All Saints Church, in c/o Douglas Howe, P.O. Box 26, W. Stewartstown, NH 03597.
Condolences may be offered on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.