Willis Cook Fogg

His parents, Newell R. and Annie E. (Nylund) Fogg welcomed their son into the world on April 5, 1938, in Gardner, MA. Willis attended public schools in Ashburnham and Fitchburg, MA.

In the late 1950’s, Willis’ father moved the family gas station from Fitchburg, MA to the intersections of Routes 202 and 119 in Rindge, where Willis began working with his father.

On March 12, 1957, Willis enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the USS Vermilion and onboard the USS Grampus submarine. He was honorably discharged from active duty on January 13, 1961, at the rank of Ensign, transferring to the naval reserves.

Following his military service, Willis returned to working at the family service station and heating oil business, N.R. Fogg & Son, driving tank trucks and delivering heating oil to homes in Rindge. He also drove semi-tractor trailer trucks across the United States.

Willis was proud of his role in the installation of the 500,000-gallon above ground fuel oil tank located on the business’ property. He fondly referred to this tank as his "Pee Can".

After his father’s death in 1970, Willis and his then wife Evelyn continued the family business. Later his company, Fogg Energy, expanded their offerings to include a propane tank exchange offering where he would refurbish and fill small propane tanks. Later, the building that housed the business was moved across the street and up the hill to what is now known as Pizza Haven.

Skilled with his hands, he built Adirondack chairs and raised planter boxes. He enjoyed driving and motorcycle riding. He also enjoyed working as a tour bus driver until his retirement.

He was raised a Master Mason on May 14, 1980, with the Charity Lodge #18 of Jaffrey, NH; a member of the Wor. Master Charity Lodge #18; a perpetual member of the William Pitt Tavern Lodge; a member of the Charity-Altemont Lodge #18; a member of the Trinity Chapter #2 York Rite in Concord, NH; a member of the Valley of Keene Scottish Rite; a member of the Altemont Lodge No. 26 of the Free and Accepted Masons in Peterborough, NH, and a member of the Bektash Shriners.

He will be greatly missed by many in his community. Survivors include his longtime partner Grace Fernald of Rindge NH, his son Rei Fogg of Jaffrey, NH; grandchildren Tanisha, Mariah, Sebastian, Elijah; seven great-grandchildren; Grace’s sons Michael Fernald of Alameda CA, and Richard Fernald of Jaffrey NH, Grace’s Grandchildren Corey Fernald of Genoa City WI and Anna Fernald of Burlington VT; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Willis is predeceased by his parents Newell R. and Annie E Fogg, his sisters and brother, Winifred Marion Fogg Proudfoot, Helen Grace Fogg, Elizabeth Fogg Sterling, and Robert Newell Fogg.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Monday July 27th, at 11:00am at the Free and Accepted Masons Lodge, 8 Windy Row, Peterborough, NH. A graveside service with Navy honors will be held on Tuesday, July 28th at 11:00am in the New Cemetery, Old Nims Road, Ashburnham, MA.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Fogg’s memory to the Shriners Children’s Hospital (http://donate.shrinerschildrens.org).