Hugh Thomas Underhill

Hugh Thomas Underhill passed away on August 12th at the home he shared with his wife, Patricia 'Pat' (Reardon) Underhill. He was 80.

Hugh was born in May of 1945 in Woodsville, NH, to Stephen and Helen (Manchester) Underhill. He graduated from Bradford Academy. He attended Wooster College, then Cornell University, receiving his degree in Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire. Hugh served in the Peace Corps in Pakistan and later served in the Marine Corps as a Captain, building helicopter landing pads in the jungle during the Vietnam War.

Hugh and Pat married in April of 1978, after meeting at a cattle auction a year earlier, and established Dream & Do Farm in Piermont. Over the course of 25 years, they had visitors from 5 continents and 78 countries. Dream & Do cattle or embryos were sold to buyers in 14 countries. They enjoyed visiting Holstein breeders in Canada and had a chance to visit farms in Ireland and Mexico. Next, they joined the Becket Family Services team (Pike School) in Pike. helping teenage boys find their way via farming, while developing a herd of Miniature Herefords for the school. Hugh loved to share stories, knowledge, and history with those around him, so his work at the school suited him well.

Throughout his life, Hugh was always naturally curious and keenly interested in agriculture, forestry, and education. He enjoyed working with his hands, with trees, trails, and large animals. He was a man of quiet devotion, happily serving as a mentor and role model. He liked to fix things and kept the barns in good order. He took pride in how much he could get done each day. Always an avid reader, Hugh joined the Haverhill Library Trustees and contributed to their causes and campus.

He was a member of the New Hampshire Holstein Club, New England States Holstein Association, Holstein USA, the American Hereford Association, the Haverhill Congregational Church, and the Haverhill Library Association. He worked with both dairy and beef 4-H members for many years, although he was not an official leader.

He was predeceased by his parents and by brothers John, Ernest 'Bud', and Lawrence. He is survived by his wife Pat, his sister Miriam Norton (Richard) of Cadiz, KY, his nephews, nieces, cousins, and his beloved canine companion Archie.

Memorial donations can be sent to the Haverhill Library Association, 67 Court St., Haverhill, NH 03765

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