LACONIA - Brian E. Phelps, 72, of Meredith Center Road, died Sunday, May 20, 2018 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon after a long illness.
He was born on September 7, 1945 in Laconia, the son of the late Wesley and Arlene (Doran) Phelps. Brian served in the US Navy during the Vietnam conflict. He held an Associate's Degree in forestry and also a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Brian worked for many years as a surveyor. He also worked as a farmer and most recently as a landscaper. Brian was heavily involved in Boy Scouts, serving as Scout Master for twenty five years and proudly guided fifteen Scouts to the rank of Eagle through Troop 143. He was a founding member of the Winnipesaukee Singles Group, a member of the Wicwas Lake Grange #292 and enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Winnipesaukee Squares. During the 1980's, Brian raised his kids as a single father, an achievement he was very proud of. He enjoyed camping and the outdoors, sailing and watching the tall ships. Brian enjoyed animals and trips to the ocean, especially to York Beach and the Nubble Lighthouse.
He is survived by his wife of fifteen years, Linda (Brown) Phelps of Laconia, one son; Daniel B. Phelps and his wife Leigh-Anne of Northfield, one daughter, Katherine L. Savage and her husband David of Jefferson, two step-sons; John R. Kercheval II and his wife Annie of Laconia and Jeremy R. Kercheval and his wife Kristen of Laconia, one brother, David Phelps and his wife Rhonda of Hudson, six grandchildren; Aiden, Collin, John III, Nicoleis, Ainsley and Kayleigh and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
Calling hours will be held from 4PM to 7PM on Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, using the Carriage House entrance.
A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Congregational Church of Laconia, 69 Pleasant Street, Laconia.
Burial will follow in the family lot at Pine Grove Cemetery in Gilford.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1235 South Clark Street, Suite 910, Arlington, VA 22202.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.