Page 20 - FEB2024

Page 20 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM February 2024 Community
OBITUARY
Joseph Scott MacKinnon
LACONIA – Joseph S. MacKinnon, known affec- tionately to friends and fam- ily as Scott, of Laconia, NH, formerly of Braintree, MA, passed away unexpectedly, on January 5, 2024, at the age of 54, in New Hampshire, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication. Born in Bos- ton, he was the cherished son of Joseph A. and Alyce MacK- innon of Marshfield, a beloved community member, and a pil- lar of strength to all who knew him.
Scott’s early life in Braintree was marked by his natural lead- ership, culminating in his role as Class President at Blue Hills Regional Technical School, from which he graduated in 1987. Soon after, his deep sense of patriotism led him to enlist in the United States Army.
His illustrious military ca- reer spanned 23 years of Active Duty, Reserves, and the Massa- chusetts National Guard. As a member of the U.S. Army’s elite Special Forces, Scott be- came a respected Green Beret completing numerous special- ized schools and training to include; U.S. Army Airborne School, Advanced Interna- tional Morse Code, Special Forces Qualification Course, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat, Military Freef- all Course, and the Static-Line Jumpmaster Course. After September 11th, 2001, Scott answered the Nation’s call by deploying in support of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) to Afghanistan in 2002-2003, and then again in 2007-2008. Scott has numerous awards and commendations for his bravery and service to his country, to include; Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Army Achieve- ment Medal (4th award), GWOT Expeditionary Medal, Military Freefall Parachutist badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Uzbekistan Parachutist
Badge and the Canadian Para- chutist Badge.
After his honorable military service, Scott transitioned to civilian life, applying his lead- ership skills as a manager in the construction trades. His work ethic and dedication were ev- ident to colleagues and clients alike, as he approached every project with the same commit- ment and excellence that he had shown in uniform.
Scott was the beloved hus- band of Billie (Moore) MacK- innon, who together shared a bond that was both tender and unbreakable. He was a devoted brother to Adrian MacKinnon and Andrea Doyle of Marsh- field, Michelle O’Connor and her late husband Thomas of Marshfield, and Mark MacK- innon and his wife Emilie of Plymouth. His role as an uncle to Alyssa O’Connor, Camron O’Connor, Olivia MacKinnon and Brooke MacKinnon was one filled with joy, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Scott’s commitment to family was shown in continually con- necting with his cousins from Cape Breton, NS to Tennessee, as well as, his military family.
His love for family was par- alleled only by his commitment to service. Scott was active with Veterans Count of NH and Make A Wish Foundation in New Hampshire, organizations that allowed him to continue touching lives with his generos- ity and kindness. He carried the same spirit of giving into every
aspect of his life, always ready to lend a hand or offer support. Scott had a passion for the open road, often found riding his Harley Davidson motor- cycle, a pastime that brought him immense joy and a sense of freedom. The wind on his face and the hum of the engine were a reflection of his love for
life and his constant pursuit of adventure.
Those who knew Scott would describe him as loving, kind, and generous. His pres- ence was a source of comfort and his actions a demonstration of his deep care for others. He was a man who lived his values and made the world a better place for having been in it.
As we mourn the loss of Scott, we also celebrate the remarkable life he led. His leg- acy will continue to inspire us to live with purpose, to cherish our loved ones, and to serve our communities with the same selflessness that he embodied. Scott’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of his fam- ily, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him.
In his passing, Scott leaves behind a community richer for his contributions and a family fortified by his love. While he will be deeply missed, the pro- found impact of his life will continue to resonate for gener- ations to come.
A Funeral Mass was cele- brated on Friday, January 19th, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Braintree. Burial with Military Honors followed in the Mas- sachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. In lieu of flowers, me- morial contributions may be made in his fundraiser (Rafting for Wishes, Make a Wish Foun- dation NH, 814 Elm St #300, Manchester, NH 03101 or Vet- erans Count, Lakes Regions (veteranscount.org).
OBITUARY
Peter Brown, 94
Peter Brown, of Alexandria, passed away, peacefully on Jan- uary 15th 2024.
He was born in Portland Maine on Thanksgiving day, the 28th of November 1929.
He was the son of Louis and Irene Brown.
Peter went in the Army in 1951 and was stationed in Ger- many for 2 years. After com- pleting his service he came home to finish college at Plymouth Teachers College. There he met Madelyn Pike and they married in 1954. They moved to Pat- ten road in Alexandria in 1955 where they raised three children; Jane, Lucy and Peter Jr. He re- sided there for the rest of his life.
Peter was a Rinehart writing teacher and traveled the state teaching. He taught 6th grade in Meredith and then became the Music’ for Newfound Dis- trict. His love of music, which started in his teens, took him in many directions, including many different types of band groups and performances, including musicals and acappella. He was quite the Performer!
In the early 1960’s Peter and his wife, Madelyn started a small Sailboat and canoe/row- boat rental business on New- found Lake. Their business grew quickly and they expanded to motor boats and quite a fleet of sailboats, many wooden that they rescued and restored. People
from all over the world came to sail and race on Newfound Lake at the Alexandria Boat Shop. If you learned to Sail on Newfound it was most likely Peter Brown that taught you!
Peter and his wife started a Christmas tree farm on their property and for years people came from all over to “cut their own tree” for the holiday. People also came from afar to visit the “Haunted House “on Halloween which was an annual event.
His love for the forest, trees and wood, led him to build a sawmill in his spare time. He also had a boat and furniture re- pair business for decades, work- ing with his Son and Grandson as well as many others over the years. He also restored old cars and trucks.
Peter was very involved in the Newfound Lake association for many years and was the first Executive Director for the associ- ation. He was involved for years in the weekly monitoring of the lake with other local members.
Peter was predeceased by his wife Madelyn Brown who died on Februray 23rd 1992. He is survived by his daughters; Jane Brown Sparks of Bristol, Lucy Brown Ford and husband Dennis of Alexandria, son Peter Brown Jr. of Plymouth, Grandchil- dren; Stanley Corneau, Douglas Sparks, Jareth Ryan and Great Grandchildren; Madison and Ethan Corneau.
Peter had many friends near and far of whom he was an In- spiration and mentor in many ways, he will be dearly missed.
There will be a Celebration of life in the spring. The fam- ily kindly requests donations in memory of Peter be made to Newfound Lake Association or The Mayhew program.
JASON MURRAY JR. MASTER ELECTRICIAN
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