Henry W. Spaulding

Henry W. Spaulding, 92, of Manchester, NH, died peacefully on December 8, 2006, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Donald York of Bedford, NH.

Mr. Spaulding was born in Dublin, NH, on January 4, 1914, the son of Wallis and Florence (Knight) Spaulding.

He was a graduate of Peterborough High School and Cushing Academy, Class of 1933, where he was voted the "Ideal Cushing Boy". He also excelled in and captained many sports teams. In 1936, he graduated from Remington Rand Systems Methods School in Buffalo, NY.

Mr. Spaulding joined the United States Army in 1942 and after graduating from the Signal Corps Officer Candidate School, he served in World War II, Pacific Theater. He retired from the United States Army Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with 24 years of service.

Lt. Col. Spaulding graduated in 1943 from the United States Army Signal Corps Supply School, Avon, Kentucky, and the Army Exchange School, Graduate School, Princeton, NJ. Lt. Col. Spaulding also attended the Armed Forces Industrial College and three national security seminars in the 1960's. He graduated in 1962 from the United States Army Command and General Staff College, special orientation course, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and from the National War College, defense strategy seminar, Washington, D.C. in 1963. Lt. Col. Spaulding was a former commanding officer for the 309th Public Information, Det., USAR, and former public information officer for the New Hampshire Military District, USAR. Lt. Col. Spaulding was the former President of the New Hampshire Department Reserve Officers Association of the United States and former commanding officer, 1003 Examining and Induction Station, USAR.

In his civilian life, Mr. Spaulding was the former president of Indian Head Shoe Company, Manchester, NH.

Throughout Mr. Spaulding's life, he actively contributed to the community. He was former President of the Daniel Webster Council of the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver award for his distinguished service to youth. He served on the executive board of the Daniel Webster Council for many years and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Camp Carpenter. He was a trustee of the Manchester Boys and Girls Club, a former member of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and a life member of the Retired Officers Association of the United States. Mr. Spaulding held memberships in the Manchester Historical Society and the Currier Art Gallery.

Mr. Spaulding was a 32nd degree Mason, Bektash Shriner.

Mr. Spaulding was proud of his heritage and was a member of the Founders and Patriots of America and the Sons of the American Revolution. He enjoyed many years of golf and was a former member of both the Manchester Country Club and the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Mr. Spaulding's life was filled with deep love for his family. An avid reader, he could discuss just about any topic. His blend of philosophical wisdom and humor often inspired and clarified life for many. Mr. Spaulding had a love for nature and his native New Hampshire. He enjoyed gardening and working in his yard for many years.

Perhaps Mr. Spaulding's greatest source of pride came from his family. He was a devoted family man who was married to his beloved wife, Vi, for 46 years before her passing in 1989. He was also predeceased by a sister, Mildred McLaughlin, formerly of Peterborough, NH.

He is survived by his son, Bruce W. Spaulding and his wife, Dianne, of San Francisco and Bodega Bay, CA; his daughter, Gail S. York and her husband, Donald, of Bedford, NH; He also leaves seven grandchildren, Garth Spaulding and his wife, Christina, of Daly City, CA, Bree Wilber and her husband, Jonas, of Fresno, CA, Travis York and his wife, Danielle, of Manchester, Evan York and his wife Kelda of Manchester and South Boston, MA, Kyle York, Tyler York, and Dylan York of Bedford, NH; he was also very proud of his three great-grandchildren, Griffin Spaulding, Londen Wilber, and Madeleine York. Mr. Spaulding is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service in celebration of his life took place on Saturday December 16, 2006 in the funeral home chapel. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery, Manchester.

Memorial donations may be made to Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America, 571 Holt Avenue, Manchester, NH 03109 or to the American Heart Association, Two Wall Street, Manchester, NH 03101.