GILFORD:
Richard E. "Dick" Waitt, 83, of 6 Cumberland Rd., Gilford, died early Monday morning, December 17, 2012, at the Laconia Rehab Center Genesis Elder Care, Laconia.
He was born September 19, 1929, in Melrose,MA, the son of the late Elmer and Florence (Pike) Waitt. He was a graduate of Concord Community College with an Associates Degree in Business and Accounting; University of NH with a Degree in Business, Marketing and Retailing; the Advertising Specialty Institute with a CAS Rating in Promotional Products and Hampshire College for an Update in Computers.
He was a longtime resident of Brattleboro,VT, before moving to Gilford in 1992.
While living in Brattleboro, he was the owner and president of the Casual House, a high quality womens fashion shop; Vermont Gift Center, which offered a full range of china, silver and crystal; principal owner of Datatronics Corporation and was a licensed realtor with R & W Realty Corp., which leased commercial real estate. He went on to be president of Mary Meyer Corporation of Townshend, VT, which manufactured and distributed plush toys over the world. Later, he was president of Faucher Paper Company in Hinsdale,VT, which oversaw all operations of paper production for the electrical wire industry.
When he moved to Gilford, he founded Corporate Images, which marketed and distributed promotional products in NH, VT and ME.
Dick was an active part of the community. While he was in Brattleboro, he served on the Vermont State Board of Health as a director and past chairman; Brattleboro Developement Credit Corp as vice president and director; Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce as past president; Brattleboro Board of Selctmen for 6 years, 4 as chairman; Brattleboro Planning Board; the Jaycees on local, state and national levels; Brattleboro Board of Civil Authority; United Way; Brattleboro Winter Carnival as past president; Brattleboro Kiwanis as past president; Vermont State Board of Recreation; Brattleboro Merchants Assoc. and Brattleboro Lodge #102 F&AM.
In Gilford, Dick was active with the Gilford Community Church, having served on the Finance Board as chairman, and Chairman of the Church Council; Gilford Rotary Club, past president and chaired several committees. He was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award, the highest honor that can be bestowed by Rotary International; Gilford Planning Board for 15 years; Lakes Region Planning Commission for 12 years, representing the Town of Gilford; Winnipesaukee Yacht Club; Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Assoc., especially loved sailing and supported the Youth Sailing School; Helping Hands Ministry and Board of Directors, which alots scholarship funding to students in Gilford High School; and was past president of Mineral Springs Condominium Assoc. for 4 years.
He was an avid hunter, enjoyed reading inspiring poetry and painted many seascapes.
Dick is survived by his wife, Doreen A. Waitt of Gilford; a daughter, Jane Waitt-Croteau and her husband Steve and their children, Alyssa and Brianna Croteau of Keene; three stepdaughters, Lisa M. Zotto and her husband Joe Wilusz of N. Hero, VT, Angela M. Zotto of Loudon and Toni M. Zotto-Choate of Claremont; a sister, Gail Ericson of Phoenix,AZ; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Waitt of Savannah,GA.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend memorial services on Saturday, December 29, 2012, at 1pm in the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford, with the Rev. Michael C. Graham, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Wixson Memorial Garden in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford, NH 03249, gilfordcommunitychurch.org, or to the Gilford Rotary Club, PO Box 7091, Gilford, NH 03247, clubrunner.ca.
The Dewhirst Funeral Home, 1061 Union Ave., Laconia, has been entrusted with the care of Mr. Waitt's services.
Please visit us at www.dewhirstfuneralhome.com, to send on-line condolences or for more information.