Kenneth Bridgewater

Kenneth Bridgewater passed away peacefully with family at his side 30th September 2025, in Merrimack, NH, at the Community Hospice House.

Ken was a lover of life, a steadfast husband of 58 years to June Bridgewater, and a devoted and supportive father to Colin, Stephen, and Katherine. His compassion extended far beyond his family to the community he and June shared with friends, organizations, and coworkers.

Ken was born to Edith Rouzel and Benjamin Bridgewater in Shipston-on-Stour, England on 1st December 1939.

Ken was a student of mathematics and business, taking an undergraduate in mathematics from The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications at the University of Aston, Birmingham, and an MBA from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. In 1965, Ken met his beloved wife June in Belfast, N. Ireland while working on a British Petroleum project for General Electric Co.

Ken was a forerunner in computer programming for General Electric’s 600 series Dartmouth Time-Sharing System, writing code for both commercial and scientific/time sharing research markets. During a work trip to Los Angeles County, Ken met his future business partners and went on to co-found Computer Software Systems (CSS).

After the IPO of CSS, Ken received an MBA at the Wharton School of Business, and upon graduation, took a job with Xerox, Rochester NY, where he applied his degree in their finance department in 1972.

Ken’s business acumen spanned a wide variety of opportunities. He founded Westminster Gallery, on Newbury Street, in Boston, importing textiles, art, pottery and hand-blown glass from prominent English artisans. Ken and June became the US distributer of Rowan Yarns under the name of Westminster Fibers from where they would both retire in 2009.

Ken’s personal life was as vibrant as his professional career. His sons, Colin, Stephen, and his daughter Katherine, remember Ken for his unfading support and desire to provide a life of opportunity. They spent countless hours travelling, visiting family in England and N. Ireland, taking skiing vacations, and trips; and each of them have continued in the pursuit of lives filled with a passion bestowed upon them by their father.

Ken and June enjoyed their retirement travelling to the corners of the world with their friends and family. Ken was a purveyor of fine foods, wine, culture, and was an avid golfer. Their travels took them to the cradles of culture in Turkey, India, Japan, New Zealand, and many more. Ken was a devoted student of life, constantly learning with an intellect and zeal for new experience, culture, and opportunity; he was never afraid to take risks, which often yielded new opportunities.

Ken’s servant heart led him to sit on the Board of Trustees of Home Health and Hospice Care for 12 years, 2 of those as Chair. His time there taught him the value of hospice care and its benefit to those in their care and their families. Ken was a steward of the community he lived in, volunteering with CASA, serving as treasurer of the Business Golf League of Amherst, and as the first president of The Fells Association Board.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, June Bridgewater; his two sons, Colin Bridgewater, and Stephen Bridgewater; his daughter Katherine Challis; and son-in-law, Luke Challis.

He was preceded in rest by his mother and father, Edith and Benjamin Bridgewater, and his brother and sister-in-law, David and Hilda Bridgewater.

Ken’s mark will forever be seen through his family, business leadership, volunteering, and travels during his time here with us. Ken’s compassion, zeal, and humility will continue to stand as a pilar to his community; a life well-lived.

Ken noted that his life was enduringly guided by his mother Edith whose hard work, dedication, and love provided the groundwork and opportunity to become such a guiding light for his family and community.

“Our imagination so magnifies time by continual reflection on the brevity of life, that we make eternity of nothing, and nothing of eternity.” -Blaise Pascal

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 17 at 1:00pm at Phaneuf Funeral Home at 243 Hanover Street in Manchester, followed by a gathering to celebrate Ken’s life from 4:00-6:00pm at the The Fells Clubhouse in Amherst.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to Home Health & Hospice in Merrimack, NH, or mailed to:

Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester. To view Ken's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.