Roland E. Thompson

LITTLETON  Roland E. Thompson, 75, of Littleton, died peacefully February 28, 2010 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center with his loving family at his side following several years of declining health. The strength and courage he displayed during this time was a testament to his incredible will to live and to his immense love of life and family.
He was born in Littleton April 2, 1934 to Roland E. and Anga (Pilbro) Thompson. He attended school in Littleton and was a lifelong resident. In September 1953, he married his beloved wife, Joan, and they made their home in the family homestead on Union Street until moving into their new home in 1972 on Badger Street (now known as Kelley Lane).
He enlisted with the Army National Guard in 1950 and obtained the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in 1994. He was extremely proud of his service to state and country. He was also a lifetime member of the Littleton Elks Lodge #1831.
He was a familiar face to many having worked for several local businesses during his career. In high school, he drove taxi for Ralph Harris and Bob Harris of Harris Taxi. He then went on to work as a mechanic for Herb Beaton as well as Brooks Garage. He then worked for many years at Hugh J. Gallen, Inc., first as a mechanic then as service manager then parts manager. The dealership was sold and became known as Thompson Chevrolet where he continued as the parts manager until the closure of the dealership. He then worked several years for Roland Jesseman in the parts department at Jessemans in Lisbon before returning to Littleton in June 1996 to work in the parts department at Littleton Chevrolet until his retirement in April 2006.
He enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and loved spending time in the woods either by himself or with a friend. He loved gardening and will be fondly remembered by family, friends and neighbors for sharing the bounty from his large and beautiful vegetable gardens. He had a great love for animals and could often be seen over the years riding around town with his beloved dogs, Fritz, Tory and most recently, Heidi.
He will be remembered by those he touched as a proud man with a deep affection for family and close friends, someone with a quick wit and a joke to tell.
Roland is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joan Thompson of Littleton; his son, David Thompson of Littleton; his daughter, Shari and her husband Thomas Fenoff of Littleton; step-grandson, Steven Fenoff and his wife Matina and step-great-grandson, Aiden of Littleton and step-grandson Timothy Fenoff of Gilman as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda, in September, 1970; sister, Emily Blaney and brothers, Robert Thompson and Donald Thompson.
A memorial service will be held May 15, 2010 at 10 am at Keller and Pillsbury Funeral Home with committal and military honors to follow at Glenwood Cemetery with Rev. Lyn. Winter officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rolands memory may be made to Fresenius Medical Care of Lancaster, Dialysis Services, 173 Middle Street, Lancaster, NH 03584 or to Resident Account, Lafayette Center, 93 Main Street, Franconia, NH 03580, attn: Chrystal Locke.
Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Keller & Pillsbury Funeral Homes. To view an online memorial or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.kellerandpillsburyfh.com.