BELMONT ---- Maurice H. Simond, Jr., 97, son of Maurice H. Simond, Sr., and Minnie Z. Hopkins, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter, Maureen Zackowski, on Friday, March 14 2025.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. Family meant everything to him and he treasured every moment he spent with each of them.
Maurice was born October 30, 1927, in Franklin, NH and grew up in Sanbornton and Laconia. He was a direct descendant of the Hopkin family arriving on the Mayflower in 1620. He was a 1945 graduate of Laconia High School and entered the Army shortly after graduation during WWII. While headed to the Pacific he was diverted to Alaska where he served his country until the end of the war.
Upon returning from the war, he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Goodall Simond. They moved to Belmont in 1952 and resided there until his death. They enjoyed family trips, camping, traveling cross country several times, trips to Hawaii and Alaska, several vacation cruises and spending winters in Florida. During their summers they enjoyed peace and tranquility listening to nature and especially the call of the loons at their Lake Pemigewasset summer cottage in Meredith.
He worked for Scott & Williams in Laconia and Lakeport until 1969, Hitchners manufacturing for a short time, and then at Sanders Associate & Lockheed Corp, in manufacturing and aerospace as a manufacturing Engineer then was promoted to management until his retirement in 1989.
Maurice was active in his church and community. He volunteered in almost every capacity at the First United Methodist Church of Laconia/Gilford; including lay-reader, trustee, finance committee, Christian education and taught Sunday school at the teen level for 15 years. He was active promoting Camp Wanakee and served as treasurer there for several years.
He was a scout leader, supporting and guiding the boys as they worked through the ranks from cub scouts up and some even achieving their eagle scout merit in both Laconia and Belmont.
He was dedicated to local community and politics. Maurice served several terms on the school board during the growth of the schools and the merging of Canterbury and Belmont school districts. He served as treasurer of both the Town of Belmont and the Shaker Regional School District for many years and served several years as town moderator.
Education and helping students achieve their goals was a strong passion. Through Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation and his dedication, he was able to help many students achieve their goals. During the 22 years he was a board of trustee member, Maurice served terms as President and Vice President of the board.
Throughout his adult life, Maurice has been a devoted member of the IOOF Chocorua Lodge #51, climbing through all the chairs and serving as Noble Grand, Past Grand and District Deputy Grand Master. He was recently honored by Chocorua Lodge #51 and Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation for his hard work and dedication. He was recognized as being the oldest member of the lodge and was awarded the 75-year member jewel just this week.
Maurice is survived by his son; LeRoy Simond and his wife Kathleen of Goffstown, NH; his daughter Maureen Zackowski and her husband Christopher of Belmont, eight grandchildren; Lee II and Mykel Simond, Regina Hunt, Kathryn Byington, Joshua Brody and Brian, David and Steven Zackowski; fifteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of almost 75 years; his daughter, Donna Boyden; 3 sisters: Margaret Pettit, Dorothy Lusk and Gladys Hendry; and 2 brothers Roger and Donald Simond.
Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 5:00pm-7:00pm, in the Carriage House at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:00am, at the First United Methodist Church, 18 Wesley Way, Gilford, NH.
Burial will take place following the service at the Bayside Cemetery in Laconia, NH.
In lieu of flowers the family has established a scholarship through Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 7312, Gilford, NH 03249 in Maurice’s name.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral home and Cremation Services and 603 Cremations.com Laconia, NH is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view his online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.