Laconia-----Donald "Don" Haven Flanders 82, lifelong resident, died on Thursday, September 28, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born August 28, 1935 in Laconia, New Hampshire son to the late Haven Earl and Lily M. (Paling) Flanders. He was a graduate of Laconia High School class of 1953 and a 1955 graduate of Bentley College, earning a degree in accounting.
Don took great pride in his many civic duties. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2000, an active member and past president of Laconia Rotary. He was very involved with LRGH Healthcare serving in the Finance, Investment, Audit Committee, was Chairman of the Lakes Region Hospital Board of Trustees as well as serving as a trustee. Don also served as a Trustee for the City of Laconia for trust funds from 2002 until his passing and a proud Mayor Pro-Tem and City Councilor of Laconia. He was also a member of National Conference of Insurance Legislators since 2003. Don was a past chairman of Holy Trinity Catholic School Board.
Don was also proud of his many insurance accomplishments, having been owner Byse Agency Inc. since 1976 and chairman of the board. He was a Board member of the National Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) from 1991 and a PIAPAC committee member since 1992, National Secretary- Assistant Treasurer from 1995-1996 and Agency Operations Advisory Council since 2016. Don was also involved in Professional Insurance Agents of New England having served as President from 1976 - 1977 and additionally PIA of NH director from 1992 until his passing and president from 1999-2000. Don was also a member of the NH reinsurance facility board from 1982 and the member of NH auto Assigned risk plan board both from 1982 until his passing.
Aside from his many civic duties he also found time to enjoy hunting, fishing and golf. Don obtained his pilot's license and operated small engine planes for 10 years starting in the early 80’s. He also spent the past 30 wonderful years vacationing with his family in Aruba. He was also an active member of St. Joseph Church. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lorraine (Perreault) Flanders of Laconia; two sons, Steven D. Flanders and his wife, Darlene of Laconia and Jeffrey H. Flanders of Concord; two grandchildren, Steven M. Flanders of Nashua and Jonathan L. Flanders of Inglewood, CA; a brother, Earl M. Flanders of Plymouth. He is predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Loraine A. (Hardy) Flanders in 1982.
There are no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 10:00am at Saint Andre Bessette Parish - St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia, NH.
Burial will be private in the family lot at Union Cemetery, Laconia.
For those who wish, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic School 50 Church Street, Laconia, NH 03246 or a charity of one's choice.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.