LACONIA ---- Russell Glynn Boutwell, Jr., fondly known as “Mickey” to his family, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
He was born on August 5, 1943, in Concord, NH, the eldest of seven children born to Russell Boutwell, Sr. and Ruby (Hilliard) Boutwell.
Russell’s formative years were spent in Contoocook, NH, where he cherished time at his grandparent’s Tyler Farm along the Blackwater River. He raised chickens, delivered eggs, and developed a knack for working on cars. Russell graduated from Simonds Free High School in Warner, NH, in 1961, actively participating in the Future Farmers of America.
He served his country honorably in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1966. Stationed at Travis Air Force Base (California), Blythe Air Force Base (Arkansas), and Misawa Air Base (Japan), he received the Good Conduct Medal and Longevity Service Award for his dedicated work as a Fire Protection Specialist.
Upon returning home, Russell settled in Meredith, NH, and embarked on a successful career as an automotive technician at Meredith Motors. He then transitioned to diesel technician roles at Robertson’s Bus Company, Greater Laconia Transit Agency, and First Student. Even in retirement, he continued to contribute part-time to SAU 30.
In October 1969, Russell met his soulmate, June Allen. They were married in a double wedding ceremony with June’s twin sister and husband just nine months later. Over their 54 years of marriage, they raised two daughters and were blessed with four beloved grandchildren.
A man of simple pleasures, Russell enjoyed reading mysteries and westerns, consuming endless cups of coffee, tinkering with his model trains, collecting guns, and cheering on the Celtics. He loved beating June at Yahtzee and was Johnny Cash’s number one fan. He also cherished ocean trips and nostalgic drives through Contoocook and Hopkinton, NH.
Devoted and unassuming, Russell leaves behind his loving wife, June, of 54 years; daughters, Karen Boutwell (wife Kelli) and Erica Boynton (husband Troy); adored grandchildren, Courtney, Grady, Kinley, and Addison; and siblings, Janet Shaw, Judith Horne, and Audrey Calley, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, and siblings Katherine Winters, Kenneth Boutwell, and Joyce Cronin.
A ceremony honoring Russell’s life, with full military honors, will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 10:00 am at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.
A luncheon reception will follow from 12:30-3:30 pm at the Conference Center at Blueberry Lane, 35 Blueberry Lane, Laconia, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Russell can be sent to the NH Coalition to End Homelessness, 66 Hanover Street #200, Manchester, NH 03101.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to wilkinsonbeane.com.