David L. Gamans

David Lloyd Gamans, of Bedford, passed away peacefully on October 3rd at the Epsom Healthcare Center, surrounded by his family. 

David, who affectionately referred to his moustache as a "cookie duster", was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, on February 24th, 1943. A quintessential Granite Stater, Dave grew up in Manchester's North end, spending summers on Lake Winnipesaukee and building a home in Bedford, where he raised five children and five golden retrievers, and served as a volunteer baseball and basketball coach. 

Dave, who loved birds, photography, and sports, was a loyal family man, devoted father, and generous friend. He raised two children of his own and then went on to share in raising three more children with his wife, Patty. Remembered as a mentor to many throughout his family and community, Dave's humorous anecdotes were legendary, and those who knew him benefitted from his judgement-free guidance and loving counsel. Everyone who knew Dave felt his big heart and giving nature.

For over thirty years, Dave worked in the family business, Ford Vending, with his father and brother. Bringing his work home with him, Dave derived tremendous joy from being the Halloween trick-or-treat destination house, giving out KING-SIZED candy bars. Dave loved his grandchildren to the fullest and ruthlessly passed on his love of sweets, serving them ice cream for dinner, and maintaining an endless supply of pennies for his Ford Vending gumball machine.

He is predeceased by his parents, Francis and Lloyd Gamans of Manchester, and his brother James Gamans of Bedford. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patricia Gamans, and his five children, Kristen Blevens (Mark) of Manchester, Erik Gamans (Marisa) of Claremont, California, David Hutchinson (Diana) of Hooksett, Jeremy Hutchinson (Bethany) of Portland, Maine, and Dawn-Marie Hutchinson (Gerard) of London, England, twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a legion of squirrels who will miss the decades long friendly rivalry. 

The family would like to thank the Epsom Healthcare Center and Bayada Hospice teams for their compassionate care during Dave's lengthy illness.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to Bedford Stevens-Buswell Post 54 for the Bedford Little League Riley field snack stand restoration project. Dave unabashedly loved youth sports and snacks. Please help us see that the Town of Bedford continues to share his love for both. https://gofund.me/5dcb5ffd

Calling hours will be held at Lambert's Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm Street, corner of North St, Manchester, NH on Friday, October 7^th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  Funeral services and burial in Pine Grove Cemetery will be private at the family’s convenience.

To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.