Roger A. Letendre

Born in Suncook on March 30, 1922, he was the son of Arthur and Antoinette (Boulay) Letendre.

During World War II he served in the US Coast Guard and crossed the Atlantic 17 times on troop transports. He graduated from Central High School and from New England School of Design in Boston. He then worked at Priscilla Gowns of Boston.

In 1961 he opened the retail and manufacturing business, Calico House Inc., in Hooksett. In 1986, while still operating Calico House, he built the mobile home park Meadowsett Village Inc. in Hooksett.

He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Stella (Zela) Letendre in 2006.

The family includes four children, Sandra J. Marion of Candia and Deborah Liebel, Rodger B. Letendre and Pamela Thornton all of Hooksett; 12 grandchildren and two great grandsons; cousins nieces and nephews.

IN HIS LIFE: Our dad was an athlete, an artist, a shrewd and successful businessman, but most of all a devoted and loving, husband and father. He did everything with a great sense of pride and craftsmanship. He built a cottage at Lake Winnepesaukee with very nearly his own two hands, a few simple tools and the love of his life, Stella beside him every step of the way.

Roger and Stella worked hard together, played hard together and celebrated every aspect of life together. It was the greatest tragedy in his world when she was taken from him by Alzheimer's disease years before her death.

Roger had the most wonderful sense of humor and the ability to laugh at himself and his own crazy quirks. He loved to tell jokes, eat lots of good food and lots of junk food too. He was a man with a firm sense of self esteem and the appropriate arrogance of an artist coupled with a healthy respect for all things human and common and, therefore wonderful. For many years he volunteered as a gymnastics instructor at the YMCA and was an avid fisherman and gardener. He spent many hours fishing from his dock on the lake or out on his boat with Bruce.

He took great pride in the flowers and vegetables he grew. Even in these last few years, when Parkinson's disease robbed him of the ability to do the things he loved, he never complained or failed to see the bright side of life. His caring and loving companion, Lorraine Hartshorn was a great comfort to him during his struggle with illness.

He has left us with beautiful works of art that he created that we can see, touch and hold and beyond that, a richness of personal memories, family history and traditions that will warm us forever. He was our hero and the wind beneath our wings.

A celebration of his life was held Wednesday October 10, 2007 at Unitarian Universalist Church, 669 Union St., Manchester. The Rev. Mary Wellemeyer officiated.

Donations may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association, 33 So. Commercial St., Manchester 03101 or to a charity of ones choice.