Peter Meldrim Thomson

Orford, NH - Peter Meldrim Thomson, a dedicated public servant, family man, and passionate maple syrup producer, passed away on January 3, 2023, at the age of 81. Born on November 7, 1941, in Stonybrook, Long Island, New York, Peter moved to Orford, New Hampshire with his family in 1954 and graduated from Orford High School in 1959. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Education from Plymouth State College in 1963. Throughout his career, Peter dedicated himself to serving the people of New Hampshire. He began his public service as a teacher at Warren Village School in 1965. He later served as Chief of Staff to his father, Governor Meldrim Thomson, a role he held until 1978. He then was appointed by President Reagan and then by President Bush as the New Hampshire State Director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. In 1993, Peter was appointed by Governor Steve Merrill to the post of Director of the New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency, an office he would hold for many years, through multiple appointments by both Republican and Democrat governors. He retired from public life in 2015. Peter was also deeply involved in the Orford community, serving in various roles including the Orford Town Budget Committee. He also served as the Orford Town Moderator for 38 years until his retirement in 2016 from that position, making him one of the longest serving town moderators in state history. Peter was a member of the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association and the New Hampshire Brown Swiss Association. He was also a faithful attendee of Baker River Bible Church in Wentworth. In addition to his career in public service, Peter was also a passionate maple syrup farmer. He loved working in the sugar bush at his beautiful Mt. Cube Farm in Orford, boiling the sap in the sugar house and bottling the "amber gold" that resulted. Mt. Cube maple syrup was enjoyed by people all across the nation and the world, and some of his family's dearest memories include working with Peter in the sugar house, smelling the sweet aroma of the boiling sap, and savoring the taste of the hot maple syrup. Peter is survived by his three children, Bill Thomson of Miami, Florida; Moriah Gilbert of Louisville, Kentucky; and Simon Thomson of Merrimack, New Hampshire; as well as his former wife Glyneta Thomson, ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Peter is also survived by his five siblings, David Thomson, Thomas Thomson, Marion Spottswood, Janet Dorf and Robb Thomson. He will be missed by all who knew him. Throughout his life, Peter professed faith in Jesus Christ. In his passing, we take comfort in the words of Jesus: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." (John 11:25) A memorial service is being planned for the upcoming summer. Donations in Peter's honor can be made to one of his favorite organizations, the Future Farmers of America. To leave an online condolence visit www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com

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Published by Valley News on Jan. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Thomson

Sponsored by Mayhew Funeral Homes & Crematorium - Meredith.

8 Entries

Jeannie Bloom Drewes

July 22, 2024

I´ve known Peter since I was 13 years old. He was my father John Bloom´s friend unto my dad died. He became my friend for 50 years or more. I loved Peter and will remember him until I die. Jeannie Bloom Drewes.

Troy Costales

February 1, 2023

I joined the national highway safety family in 1997 and one of the first people that I met in those first impressionable years as a newcomer was Peter. He was such a wealth of information. His gift of sharing serious information in a humble and uplifting manner made me feel at ease. I know that my career was influenced by Peter. My wife and I had the chance to stay at Peter's house during a visit to New Hampshire. When we stopped by restaurants, shops, sugar houses, and just walking down the sidewalk it was like we were with a celebrity. Everyone knew Peter! As a fellow Believer our fellowship time was uplifting. I am indebted to him and feel so lucky to have called Peter a colleague, mentor, friend, and brother in Christ.

Gloria Bressette

January 11, 2023

condolences to the Thomson family. I have so many memories of campaigns, bringing constituents to the maple sugar weekend, and the barn breakfast and dinners in Concord. Many years of fun times. You were always giving us the keep it going until we win speech. The Angels be with you.

Neal Scott

January 10, 2023

Condolences to the Thomson family. Peter was a true professional dedicated to serving the people of NH. May all the wonderful memories of him from the past for all concerned be a source of healing and comfort to you now.

Betty Butts

January 9, 2023

I´m so heart broken to hear about Peters passing..I was hoping to be in NH this coming summer and visit him.
I cut Peters hair in Concord for many years until I retired in 2015 and loved the conversations we had. He always treated me to his wonderful maple syrup during the holidays. He was such a wonderful man.. God bless and keep him. Bless his family also whom I heard lots of story´s about.

Ken&Bev May

January 9, 2023

Heartfelt condolences to the Thomson family! May the Lord bless you all with comfort and peace during this difficult time. Love, Ken & Bev May

Don Anderson

January 9, 2023

To The Thomson Family: Working with Peter as a member of the NHTSA was a learning experience of compassion and empathy. As the Governor's point man on so many political issues, Peter was always available to answer Media questions and concerns .
Don Anderson
Union Leader (Retired)
Marco Island, Florida

Ken (P.B.) Brooks

January 6, 2023

What a wonderful man! I well remember how wonderfully he (as his folks before him) hosted the school trips in late winter when the sugar bush was in full swing and clouds of vapor billowing out of the arch and the school kids excited to be out of doors. Half the fun was the bumpy ride from Plymouth to Orford. I know: I drove the bus! Heartfelt condolences to Billy, Moriah, and Simon.

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