Cecil Chester Gowing
Canaan, N.H. — Cecil Chester Gowing, 89, died on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at his home in Canaan.
He was born June 14, 1923 in Essex, Vt. One of 13 children born to the late Oscar W. and Wanda M. (Dawson) Gowing. He grew up working and living on several dairy farms in the Essex and Jericho, Vt. area, until entering the Army during World War II. He was stationed mainly in the Philippines during his service. It was while on leave from the Army that he came to Canaan with a friend and was introduced to his friend’s sister Ellen Cross whom he married on July 15, 1946. After his discharge from the Army he lived briefly in Connecticut before moving to Canaan where his has lived ever since. Upon moving to Canaan Cecil worked for area saw mills, walking or snow shoeing back and forth from work for just 36 dollars a week. He later worked at the Baltic Woolen Mill in Enfield for a number of years before taking a job at Dartmouth College, retiring after 18 years.
In his spare time Cecil enjoyed hunting, fishing, music, camping and gardening, but his greatest joy came in spending time with his family.
Cecil was predeceased by his wife Ellen and 10 siblings.
He is survived by six children and their spouse’s; Robin and Lori Gowing of Canaan; Chester Gowing of Grafton, N.H.; Gordon and Deborah Gowing of Wentworth, N.H.; Jane Brooks of Florida; Jennifer and Joseph Ting of Florida and Judy and Armand Archibald of Enfield, N.H.; a brother Donald Gowing; a sister Charlotte Thede of Orwell, Vt., and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon, N.H. on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 1 p.m.. Burial will be in the Canaan St. Cemetery in the spring. Messages of sympathy can be left at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Lung Association in New Hampshire, 1800 Elm Street, Unit D Manchester, N.H. 03104.
