Fernand Jules Prevost

CONCORD, NH – Fernand J. Prevost, 83, died on December 9 at Concord Hospital. He was the beloved husband of 62 years of Myrna (Braley) Prevost. A towering figure in the education community, Ferd was a fierce advocate for mathematics education, a steadfast member of South Church, and an extraordinarily devoted husband and father.

Ferd was born February 17, 1936 in Dracut, Mass. He was raised in Hudson, NH by Frank and Eva Prevost, and graduated from Alvirne High School in 1953. He went on to Keene Teachers College, where, at the suggestion of some very astute high school teachers, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education. It was also where he met Myrna, and they quickly fell in love. Ferd ultimately decided to convert from Catholicism to Congregationalism so Myrna would marry him. They were married at Union Congregational Church in Hebron, NH in 1957.

Ferd began his teaching career at public schools in Troy and Hanover, NH. In 1963, he and Myrna moved to Concord, where he began a 30-year career as a mathematics education consultant with the State Department of Education. He worked extensively with school districts on curriculum development, and presented countless workshops for teachers with the goal of making mathematics classrooms vibrant and dynamic learning centers.

In addition to his state responsibilities, Ferd served as an adjunct professor at the University of New Hampshire and Boston University. He obtained a master’s in teaching and mathematics from the University of New Hampshire, and a doctorate in mathematics education from Boston University. He also co-authored a number of math textbooks for Silver Burdett, somehow finding time to write at night and on weekends.

From 1999 to 2007, Ferd co-directed the New Hampshire Impact Center, focused on professional development of middle school teachers, at Plymouth State University.

Ferd was a founding member of the New Hampshire Teachers of Mathematics (NHTM), and an active member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. In 1994, NHTM honored him with the creation of the Fernand J. Prevost Mathematics Teaching Award. In 2007, the Keene State College Alumni Association recognized Ferd at a ceremony in celebration of 50 years of dedication to mathematics education in New Hampshire. In 2013, he received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Keene State College.

Ferd joined South Church in 1964. Over the years he served in practically every aspect of church life, including serving as a deacon and church council president.

Despite his many accomplishments, Ferd remained humble throughout his life. He was a man of deep integrity and compassion. His love of family was profound. He loved a good laugh – no joke was too corny. He enjoyed stamp collecting, classical music, theater, reading, and bottomless cups of black coffee. His signature eggnog will be missed for many Christmases to come.

Ferd is survived by his wife Myrna; his children Kira Meeken and her husband David, Lisa Sandler and her husband Timothy, Richard Prevost and Darren Prevost; his grandchildren Aaron Meeken, Max Sandler, Tess Sandler, Sophia Prevost, Hannah Prevost and Alex Prevost, and his brother Frank Prevost. He was predeceased by his siblings Jasper, Conrad, Hector, and Ruth.

Visiting hours will be held in the Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., Concord on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. A celebration of Ferd’s life will be held at South Church, 27 Pleasant St., Concord on Monday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ferd’s name to South Church at https://www.southchurchconcord.org/make-a-donation