GILFORD-----Gordon Palmer Denley, a longtime resident of Gilford, NH, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019, doing, as he would say, “the best he could with what he had left” at the age of 96. His children and the wonderful staff of St. Andre’s Health Care in Biddeford, Maine were lovingly by his side.
Gordon was born on June 3, 1922, in Brockton, Massachusetts, the son of the late Warren C. and Helen L. (Palmer) Denley.
Gordon was a graduate of Tufts University class of 1945 where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. He was a life long member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co for 39 years, initially as a claim’s adjuster in Lynn, Mass and later in personal sales in Andover, Mass where he was most always a member of the Top Liberty Leaders Salesman’s Club across the country.
During WWII Gordon served as a 1st lieutenant with the US Marine Corps in the Pacific. He was a member of the William Sutton Lodge AF & AM in Saugus, Mass. Gordon was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Shrine International where he was president of the Shrine Mini Patrol. He also was a member of the Gilford Community Church and the Winnipesaukee Yacht club.
Gordon was stationed in California where he met his wife, Helen. The couple resided in Beverly, Mass where they raised their three children. Gordon actively supported the Boy Scouts of America where he proudly encouraged many young scouts on to get their Eagle Scout award. He served on the finance committee of the Second Congregational Church in Beverly and spent his spare time on Welch Island, Lake Winnipesaukee building his family camp.
Gordon and Helen relocated to Gilford, NH to be closer to their camp and enjoy retirement. Together, they drove across the country at least 6 times as well as participated in many European hiking trips with the Appalachian Mountain Club. Every winter they would pack up their car, hitch up a boat and drive to Florida for 3 months of fun in the sun.
Gordon’s greatest love was for his family, friends and his country. Gordon is survived by his sons, Dr. John Denley, D.M.D (ret) and his wife, Susan of Readsboro, VT, and Attorney William Denley and his wife, Susan of Sanbornville, NH; a daughter, Diane Hebold and her husband, Walter of Casco, Maine; his eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, CMD Eric Denley, USCG (ret) and his wife, Amy with their children, Eliza, Molly and Isaac; Jarrett Denley and his wife, Kristi with their children, Alex and Nicholas; Brian Denley; Geoffrey Denley and his wife, Malori; Andrew Denley and his partner, Avani Gilbert with her son, Rio; and LT W. Bradford Denley, USMC; Joseph Trafton and his partner, Kaia Kallweit; Emilee Conrad and her husband, Greg with baby on the way; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gordon was predeceased by his loving wife of 72 years, Helen Gestring Denley.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the Raymond C. Wixson Memorial Garden, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH.
For those who wish, the family suggests donations may be made in Gordon’s name to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114 or to the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH 03249.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.