Raymond F Phelps

He was the son of Ella (Barrett) Phelps and Donald A. Phelps, of Marlborough, NH. He was born in Hinsdale, NH on June 18, 1939 and grew up in Marlborough, NH attending Marlborough schools. He lived in Keene all of his adult life.

When in high school he worked at Robinson’s Dairy Farm in Marlborough. After his marriage to Lois (Keating) Phelps on January 16, 1960, he worked at Robertson Motors on Eagle Court in Keene before beginning a career as a tractor trailer driver. He drove for Holbrook Grocery, later to become Wettereau Foods and SuperValu, for 36 accident-free years, retiring in 2002. Since his retirement, he worked part-time driving trucks and farm equipment for Windyhurst Dairy Farm in Westmoreland, NH.

In the late 1960s through the 1970s he belonged to the Cheshire County Snowmobile Club. He was a 30 year member of the Loyal Order of Moose, and a very active 20 year member of the Cast and Brass Antique Machinery Club. He loved participating in various tractor pulls at the Cheshire Fair and other events around New England. He was also a member of the Granite State Gas and Steam Engine Association. His love for John Deere tractors included restoration, preservation, displaying at various shows, and participating in parades.

He was actively involved with his family; participating in his children’s 4-H activities, snowmobile trail riding, restoring antique tractors, giving hayrides and bucket rides, and hosting cordwood-cutting weekends. He was always willing to help his family and friends with any problem, putting aside whatever he was doing at that moment. He loved gardening, spending time in the woods, taking care of his home, and adding to his antique machinery collection.

In addition to his wife of 52 years, survivors include his daughters Lisa (Phelps) Marcou and her husband Richard Marcou of Swanzey, Karen (Phelps) LaPointe and her husband Michael LaPointe of Marlborough, and his son Bruce Phelps of Keene. He has eight grandchildren, Jessica Miller and Nicole Miller of Las Vegas, Nevada, Angela Miller of Swanzey, Chelsey LaPointe and Cameron LaPointe of Marlborough, Caitlin Phelps of Winchendon, MA, Owen Marcou and Emma Marcou of Swanzey, in addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends. He is predeceased by his parents and a brother, Donald Phelps of Vermont.

A celebration of his life will be held Monday, March 19, 2012 from 6 – 8pm at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene. Family and friends are welcome. Private interment will be held for immediate family members at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Cast and Brass Antique Machinery Club in care of Brian Doerpholz, 79 Pierce Road, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447; or to the American Heart Association Northeast Affiliate, Two Wall Street, Manchester, NH 03101.