Walter L. Sanborn

Walter was born in Chichester on April 8, 1920, and, except for a period during World War II, was a life-long resident of the town, which he loved and to which he was deeply committed. He was involved in numerous town boards and committees, including serving several terms as a Selectman. He was a 75-year member of the Chichester Fire Department and Rescue Squad. He served as Fire Chief for 15 years. He also served as a NH Forest Fire Warden for forty years.

He was widely known for his knowledge about and his extensive collection of antique automobiles and fire apparatus, which he continued to acquire up to the time of his death. His passion for these resulted in his membership in numerous organizations. He was also interested in historical preservation, land conservation and agriculture, expressed in part by his long membership in the Chichester Grange.

Walter was a life-long member and former trustee of the Chichester United Methodist Church. His faith was an essential and daily part of his life. He was a regular participant in men’s prayer breakfast groups. He was also a member of Corinthian Masonic Lodge No. 82.

He was a charter member of the Chichester Historical Society and an amateur town historian. He researched and wrote nearly 200 articles of local historical interest, many of which were published in The Suncook Valley Sun. He was working on additional topics at the time of his death. He also authored a history of the Chichester Volunteer Fire Department, published in 2008.

Survivors include his daughter Nancy Boyd and husband Jack, son Paul and wife Kim, of Chichester; and son Peter and partner Greg Jackson, of Boston. He is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his “son” Elson Bercasio of the Philippines, who he adopted via Children’s International.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chichester Historical Society, the Chichester United Methodist Church, the Chichester Firefighters Association, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Calling hours will be held from 5 – 8 PM, Friday, June 15, at the Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 16, at the Chichester United Methodist Church. A firefighters procession to the church from the Chichester Fire and Rescue facility will occur at 10:30 AM. Internment of his ashes will follow at the Leavitt Cemetery.

The Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of the arrangements.