BELMONT ---- Kenneth Allyn Knowlton, died Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at DHMC a week before his 75th birthday, hand-in-hand with Barbara at his side where in another world he will await her to join him.
“Captain K's” ship has sailed to a place where the seas are always calm and there are no storms. Kenneth Knowlton, fondly known as "Captain K" by his friends on the Save Our Gale School committee, was born in Laconia, attended local schools, and graduated from Laconia High School after which he obtained a degree in Forestry from UNH. He worked for 13 years on the survey crew for NH DOT followed by serving as Inspector for Junkyard and Outdoor Advertising Controls. He was diplomatic whenever he could be but was respectfully known as "The Junkyard Dog" when he had to be firm. He did much to beautify NH's roadsides. In 2008, Ken retired after 35 years of service to the state of NH, formed his own company, and continued consulting for many towns and cities across the state. He was a lifetime member of the Laconia Lodge of Elks.
His service went so much further than that. Well known for his robust community spirit and generous volunteerism, Ken Knowlton willingly contributed to several village projects giving freely of his time, talent, labor, money, and emotion to many boards, committees, organizations, and causes in his town of Belmont. He served on the Belmont Taxpayers' Association, CIP Committee, Master Plan Committee, Town Hall, Highway Garage, Police Station Study Committees, Budget Committee and was the long-serving Chair of the Conservation Committee for 19 years. As such, he was instrumental in identifying, negotiating for, and purchasing many of Belmont's prime conservation lands along with acquiring land easements. He was also Director of the Belmont Historical Society and Co-Chair of the Save Our Gale School Committee.
With donations and help from many volunteers, Ken diligently worked to establish and create our beautiful Town Forest with its hiking trails, small bridges spanning streams, and a resting bench overlooking a small pond.
As member of the Belmont Revitalization Committee, he agreed that a great first step to generate support for much more comprehensive improvements would be to build a park on Main Street near the old penstock, using volunteer labor and donations to show what could be done without spending much money. He did not just direct the work; he labored mightily with a few other dedicated citizens to create a beautiful entrance to downtown. THIS WAS KEN!! He did not just "talk the talk," he "walked the walk." Along his way, he was chosen as a one-time Grand Marshal of Belmont’s Old Home Day Parade. He did the same when volunteers undertook getting the Tioga Pavilion built and then constructing new abutments. He moved and installed the covered bridges and developed the village Spur Rail Trail along the old rail bed that he helped to convince owners to donate to the Conservation Commission. On the banks of the Tioga River sits a concrete bench placed by the second covered bridge with his name dedicated in his honor.
In 2015, Ken received the Community Service Award from the Lakes' Region Planning Commission.
Ken worked hard on all projects, but his real crowning achievement was the saving of the 1894 Gale School and one of a very few who persevered for well over 30 years to finally get the historic local landmark moved to a new site, placed on a new foundation, beautifully restored, and now dedicated to continuing for the public benefit. A portion of his ashes will rest in the Time Capsule for Gale School.
It serves as a testament to the commitment, dedication, leadership, and pure persistence that this good man exercised in everything he did to serve his town and state. His friends, co-workers, fellow volunteers, and even "the naysayers" will miss him greatly. He truly left his mark on our world, and it is a better place for his many contributions.
Ken leaves behind his beloved soulmate, Barbara, and forever life partner of 55 exciting years, living life to the fullest, traveling, and enjoying interesting, exotic adventures together.
There will be no services or calling hours as Ken wished to leave with as little fanfare as when he arrived. He would rather be remembered by those walking on the Rail Trail, enjoying the Town Forest, or just watching the Tioga River flow by.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.