LACONIA – Harry E. Gove Jr., 80, of 23 Fair Street, died Friday, October 25, 2013 at Lakes Region General Hospital.
Harry was born in Laconia, the son of Harry E. Sr. and Hazel (Brow) Gove. He was a lifelong resident of Laconia and graduated from Laconia High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After the war, he attended Plymouth State College.
Harry worked for several years as an Assistant Plant Manager for Carpenter & Paterson Inc. and was a foreman at Lemay’s Recon Center. He also worked as realtor/manager at Reed Elwell Realty and the Byse Agency in Laconia.
Harry was very influential in Laconia politics throughout the mid 1960’s and 70’s holding positions of City Councilman of Ward 4 for five years, interim City Manager, Selectman and GOP Chairman in Ward 4 and a member of the Board of Assessors and City Zoning Boards. Harry was also an active member of the Laconia Lodge of Elks #876, American Legion Wlkins Smith Post No. 1 and VFW Post #1670 where he served as their accountant/bookkeeper. He served as a scout leader for the Laconia Boy Scouts Troop #143.
Harry’s greatest passion was working with kids as manager of Laconia Babe Ruth baseball teams which he did successfully for 25 years. Past players will not only remember him for his outstanding and sometime animated coaching style on the diamond, but as a friend and mentor pushing them to be the best they could be both on and off the baseball field. Former managers, players and friends will always remember the “GUV” as one of the best.
Harry was an avid golfer right up to his final days and never lost that “come out of your shoes” swing. He was a longtime member at Laconia Country Club and in his later years a regular at Pheasant Ridge Country Club.
He is survived by his two sons; Richard Calvin of Windham and Kim Yoo Shin of Laconia, one sister, Virginia Greene of Helmet, CA. and the entire Calvin family of Laconia. He was predeceased by his parents.
There will be no calling hours.
A graveside service will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at the family lot in Union Cemetery, Academy Street, Laconia.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to New Hampshire Humane Society, PO BOX 572, Laconia, NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.