Donald Whitehead

Donald Edward Whitehead, 84, formerly of Concord, VT, passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at Country Village Center in Lancaster, NH with his family at his side.

Donald was one of 11 children born to Fred and Lila (Nichols) Whitehead on June 28, 1933 in Concord, Vt. He attended local schools graduating from Lancaster High School, Class of 1951.  He served in the Army Airborne division during the Korean Era as a paratrooper..  Donald worked as a Logger and in the local mills.

Donald loved the outdoors and shared that love with his children and grandchildren whom he taught to hunt, fish, camp, where to find the best berries and how to make maple syrup with metal spouts, mason jars and a wash tub.  He occasionally wrote fantastical stories and was a bit of a poet. He wrote the following:

“I sat by a rushing mountain stream the 22nd of May

When an apparition appeared that seemed to say,

“I arrived from heaven this very day

for to you Mountain Man, I have something to say

I made the springs that made the brook

I made the trout for bait and hook

I made the sound to nurse the soul

of the Mountain Man now growing old

Whom I long ago made whole”.

Donald is survived by his son: Donald F. Whitehead of East Concord, Vt; 3 daughters: Deborah Emerson of Littleton, NH, Brenda Stewart of Lancaster, NH, and Barbara Robinson of Landaff, NH ; 1 brother  Alan Whitehead; 3 sisters: Minnie White, Betty Turgeon , Hazel Wood; 8 grandchildren: Jesse, Tristan, Sarah, Benjamin, Alison, Katey, Daniel, and Thomas; and six great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his loving family and caregivers for 20 years at Loch Lomond, in North Concord,VT.

He was predeceased by 3 sisters: Helen Willson, Joyce McMann and Sarah Cox. One brother George Whitehead, 2 siblings who died in infancy and his beloved beagle Big Foot.

At Donald’s request there will be no services.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Riverside Animal Rescue, 236 Riverside Ave,  Lunenburg, VT  05906  or a charity of one’s choice

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family online at www.saylesfh.com.