Rance Elliot Goyette

Rance Elliot Goyette, 63, of Windham, N.H., died October 1 at Massachusetts General Hospital of complications resulting from a fall on the ice last February. Born in Malden, Mr. Goyette grew up in Melrose, where he was active in the Boys Scouts of America and other youth groups. A member of the Class of 1962 at Melrose High School, he was on the track team, rifle team & participated in school dramas, performing the tricky, sword-dancing role of Harry Beaton in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Brigadoon. He worked summers at the Hyannisport Golf Club, where for two years he caddied for Senator John F. Kennedy & his family. During the 1960 presidential campaign, Newsweek magazine quoted the 16-year-old Goyette as saying, “The senator is always talking politics, even in the middle of his backswing.” On Valentine’s Day 1965, he married Georgia Ellen Gray of Melrose, with whom he eventually shared three children. Although physically disabled throughout much of his life, he maintained a positive and adventurous spirit and managed to pursue a wide range of interests, including antique dealing and appraising, extensive travel, love of the outdoors, fishing, boating on Lake Winnisquam, classical music, and a weekly poker game that spanned several decades. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox & Patriots & his grandchildren's sports. Always willing to try new things, he even took a turn at acting, appearing in a workshop production of The Crucible with the Melrose Community Players. He was at various times a member of the Melrose Fish and Game Club; president of the Melrose Youth Hockey Association; Cub Master at Lincoln School; board member of the Father's Club at St. John’s Preparatory School; & for over 20 years a member of Melrose Elks. In addition to his wife, Mr. Goyette is survived by his three children, Colin Elliot Goyette of Hudson, N.H., Jennifer Anne Mosher of Bennington, N.H., and Timothy Rance Goyette of Milford, N.H.; and five grandchildren & three step grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Dorothy (Crowe) Goyette of Seattle, Washington; his father, Edward Goyette, predeceased him. A memorial service will take place Sunday, October 14, at 12:00 noon at the Phaneuf Funeral Home, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, N.H. Visiting hour at 11:00 AM