John D. Riddle, III

John Dowling Riddle, III, 80, of Chester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at home on May 9th, with loved ones, in the house he cherished, surrounded by all his “stuff”. In true Riddle fashion, he did it his way, right to the very end. For 44 years, he was the beloved husband of Susan (Joyal) Riddle.

John, in childhood nicknamed Butch, was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on April 9, 1946, to the late John D. Riddle, II and Elizabeth (Gee) Riddle. He always held Kentucky close, no matter where he lived. John was very proud of his Commission as a Kentucky Colonel and every Derby Day, he stood and cried as they played “My Old Kentucky Home”. The Kentucky Derby on May 2nd was John’s last good day, shared with his family and his favorite bourbon.

In 1957, John and his family moved to Newmarket, Ontario, where John formed many friendships, ran track in high school, hunted on the Summerfeldt’s Farm, and eventually began his career working for Griffith Laboratories in Toronto. His sales career took him all over the US but he eventually settled in New Hampshire, where he met his wife Susan (Joyal) and took on the role of proud husband, father and eventually proud Papa.

John was always the first call for his children and grandchildren, whether they had a problem, a victory, or a question about almost anything. John had vast knowledge of almost any topic you could think of. He was a collector of many things, loving the thrill of the hunt, but really enjoying the art of negotiation, which he honed over a lifetime.

John started his own business in 1994, which he ran successfully with Susan until his death. One of his favorite past times was driving the backroads of NH in his antique cars.

John is survived by his wife, Susan; daughters Jennifer Morgan and Rebecca Robinson (Robert); and his grandchildren, Margaret McManus, Abigail Robinson, and Matthew Robinson.

ARRANGEMENTS – At John’s Request, there will be no calling hours or funeral. The family plans to toast him privately with his favorite bourbon, Maker’s Mark, on the summer solstice, one of John’s favorite days. The family requests that you remember John in a similar way, he’d love that. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Solinsky Center at Elliot Hosptial - Donate to Elliot Health System Donation Page; Or by mail: Mary & John Charitable Foundation – Solinsky Center, Bedford Commons 701 Riverway Place, Building 7, Bedford, NH 03110-9330. Arrangements in care of the Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester, NH. For Online Guestbook please visit www.LambertFuneralHome.com