LEBANON, NH — How do you say goodbye to a giant? To someone who was bigger in life, at 94, than at any other time in his life?

Dad was born on March 27, 1926 and passed away in his apartment at Rogers House on June 12, 2020.

He was a WWII veteran who considered being in the Navy a job. Something he was supposed to do. He did what his country asked of him. He never understood the “hype” of being a veteran. Dad spent his entire service career on the USS Windsor, APA-55, an Attack Personnel Transport vessel. He started talking about his war experiences only a few years ago.

He had a strong work ethic and a sense of right and wrong and he passed that on to his children. Dad worked 2, sometimes 3 jobs at a time as a body shop technician and foreman. After he got home from work, if there was a softball or football game going on in Drakes field, he never even went inside. He joined the neighborhood kids until suppertime. One of his biggest accomplishments was hiding behind a tree, or bush, or in the bulkhead to scare any kid who happened to be walking by. We can hear him laughing even today.

Surrounded by his family, on June 20th, 2010, Dad was honored with a diploma from the West Lebanon High School. Having left high school to go to war, he never got to graduate. An original WLHS diploma was presented to him on Father’s Day by the Superintendant of Schools at the time, Michael Harris. A very proud moment indeed.

Dad has finally joined the love of his life, Beverly. They were a love story and often were seen walking downtown West Leb. holding hands. Their time together was filled with family and friends. Playing guitar and singing with the Trumans or playing Aggravation with Rene and Dode, or the Hatches. Visiting with the Foleys. It was a neighborhood filled with laughter and friendship.

Dad loved singing with anybody that could carry a tune. He always enjoyed harmonizing to any song. His children learned all the old songs and were eager to sing with him.

One of our parents’ favorite pastimes was having water fights. Growing up, it was the outside hose. Whoever was in charge of the hose was in charge of the fight. This also became a time of joy for us kids. Greg, from Oregon, would call ahead, knowing he was coming for a visit, and arrange a water fight to happen once he got here.

Greg passed away a couple of years ago. He always said, “When I come home, I know I may never see Dad again.” It was so difficult saying goodbye. Greg, you are now with Mom and Dad and you never have to say goodbye again.

When you are a giant in the eyes of everyone who knows you, there are no words.

Dad is survived by his children, Debi Place, Greg’s wife Betsy Place, Jayne Place-Rutledge (Dan), Robin Place, Maureen Place-Paige (Ed), Todd Place (Nancy), and Jason Place (Chris). Also, his grandchildren, Kirstie, Justin, Graham, Jake, Mahlcolm, Megan, Melissa, Kayleigh, Emily, and Dylan. His 9 great-grandchildren loved him dearly. He is pre-deceased by Beverly, Greg, and a whole herd of closely loved relatives.

A special thank you to Home Based Primary Care, at the VA, for his very special care. Also, to Dad’s friends at Rogers House. Dad enjoyed spending time with all of them.

Please pay it forward by being kind and standing up for those that need support.

Because of COVID-19, the family will make arrangements at a later date. Ricker Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements