John K. Rathburn

JOHN K. RATHBURN, 74 of Middle Hancock Road, Peterborough died Thursday April 14, 2005 at the Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough following a long illness.

He was born July 17, 1930 in Fitzwilliam son of the late John E. and Doris (Shepardson) Rathburn.

He had attended schools in Fitzwilliam and Rindge, and had served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Following his military commitment he worked for the Bacon family at the Ark in Jaffrey Center. He had also worked for Parker Whitcomb in Troy.

Mr. Rathburn had retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he had worked as a Dam Tender first at the Corp’s Surry Flood Control Dam and since 1967 at the Edward McDowell Dam in Peterborough.

He was well known for his experience as a beekeeper and had owned many hives through out the Monadnock Region. He also hatched and raised various kinds of pheasants and turkeys, for him self as well as many area farmers.

His wife of 43 years Sylvia (Truelson) Rathburn died September 10, 2003.

He is survived by two sons Mark A. Rathburn of Deerfield, NH and Charles D. Rathburn of Edgewater, FL; a granddaughter; two sisters Eleanor Chicoine of Gardner, MA and Oloose Rathburn of West Brookfield, MA; two half brothers Detroit G. Hood and Walter D. Hood both of Rindge; several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours.

Private burial services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rescue Squad of the Peterborough Fire Department, Summer Street, Peterborough NH 03458.

The Cournoyer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 33 River Street, Jaffrey is assisting the family.