Alistair Durnell MacBain

ALISTAIR DURNELL MACBAIN

BETHLEHEM, NH – Alistair Durnell MacBain, 71, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013, with his son, Jeremy at his side.

Born on August 16, 1941 in Claremont, NH to Frances Rawstron MacBain and James MacBain, Al graduated from Stevens High School in the class of 1959 and he was proud to be a member of the oldest high school alumni in the U.S. From 1959 through 1963, he served as a member of the U.S. Air Force being stationed primarily at Westover Air Force Base and Colorado Springs. In 1964 he moved to Vienna, VA and worked in Washington, DC until moving to Bethlehem in 1967.

Al worked at first as a photographer for The Littleton Courier and then at The Littleton Stamp & Coin Company before joining the NH National Guard full time and retiring as a Supply Sergeant. He was a dedicated soldier even in retirement helping with the JROTC program at White Mountains Regional High School.

Upon moving to Bethlehem, Al joined the Bethlehem Fire Department as a firefighter and has served as a captain for the last 10 years. As well as being a member of the fire department, Al served in an elected office in Bethlehem in one capacity or another for all 46 years. He acted as the chairperson of the Bicentennial Committee in 1974, served several terms as a selectman, moderated more than a few heated town meetings over 28 years, was the moderator for Profile High School and served on the Profile School Board as well. Currently Al served on the Bethlehem Library Board of Trustees. He has been affiliated for many years with the State of New Hampshire VFW and has been a Forest Fire Warden for most of his years in Bethlehem. Many of his summer evenings were spent coaching little league baseball and in more recent years, he imparted his love for history to students as a volunteer and substitute teacher at the Bethlehem Elementary School.

As was his father, Al was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He joined Maplewood Lodge #100 over 45 years ago and served as Grand Master and all other positions over the years.

Whether elected to a position, or volunteering his time, it was a given that Al would put his entire attention to the task. He was an asset to the community and served it faithfully for 46 years.

He is survived by his former wife of 35 years, Yvette Ome of Grants Pass, OR, sons Jamie of Washington, DC, Jeremy of Franconia, daughter Danielle (Jason Gerard), granddaughter Neve Gerard, grandson Axel Gerard, all of Bend, OR, sister Sandra Charbono of Enfield, NH, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

SERVICES – Services will be held on Thursday, March 21st at the First United Methodist Church in Littleton, where Al has been a member for 35 years. There will be a gathering at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall with memorial and committal service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Bob Schneider officiating. Following the service everyone is invited to meet at the Bethlehem Town Building for a celebration of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bethlehem Emergency Services, P. O. Box 424, Bethlehem, NH 03574.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to the Pillsbury Phaneuf Funeral Home and Crematorium. For more information, please visit our website at www.pillsburyphaneuf.com.