LEBANON, NH — Richard Clifton Courtemanche 94, native of Lebanon, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, November 2.
Richard was born April 6, 1926 to Clifton Courtemanche and Loudivine (Godin) Courtemanche. He graduated from Lebanon High School class of 1944. While in high school, Richard delivered news papers and worked in a local machine shop. In 1945 he was drafted into the army and served in the European Theater under General George Patten. After his discharge, he used the GI Bill to persue a career in barbering.
Richard worked for several years for his father and Uncle Pat Courtemanche and eventually bought out their shares of the business. In December of 1963 he moved his shop into the former Ashey Shoe Store after purchasing the building. On June 19, 1964 when a fire devastated downtown Lebanon, which included his barber shop, it took him only four days to be back to work setting up shop on Court Street. He eventually ended up in the Commerce Building on the Mall. While working 5 days a week cutting hair he also cut hair on his days off in the local nursing homes and homes of customers who couldn’t get to his shop.
Richard semi retired and cut hair in his home until January 16th of this year, before finally putting his clippers down. People would often see him walking around the Heater Road at 5am before he would open up his shop to start his normal day of cutting hair.
Richard took an active interest in the Soldier’s Memorial Building and took part in the Historical Society’s history of Lebanon. He enjoyed identifying old pictures of people and places from Lebanon’s past. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church and rarely ever missed a Sunday Mass.
Richard enjoyed camping, square dancing, drive-in movies and his camp on Crystal Lake.
Richard was predeceased by his wife Katherine of 72 years who passed Aug.9, 2020. He is survived by his sons David (Sarah) Courtemanche, Mark (Cristen) Courtemanche both of Lebanon, a grandaughter Crystal Courtemanche and grandson Davey Jr. both of Lebanon. Two great grandsons Kobe and Bodie Benoit of Lebanon. One brother Gordon Courtemanche of Rochester, NH, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family will be forever grateful to the caregivers that took such good and loving care of Richard and also thank you to the VNH nurses and the VA.
A private service is planned for his family.
Donations may be made to a charity of your choosing.
An online guest book is available by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com