Farmington, NH

Harry Goodwin Colbath

Died on December 4,2011 at his home from complications of COPD, surrounded by his family. He died peacefully. He was 91years of age.
Born in Farmington on January 19, 1920 to Lauren G. Colbath and Grace Gertrude Thurston. Harry attended the Farmington School system and Farmington High School. He was a Veteran of World War II and a U. S. Marine in the 5th division , 26 Marine Regiment. He participated in and fought in the Battle of Imo Jima Island and was injured in combat. After the war, he studied Poultry and Farm Husbandry and operated a poultry farm at his farm on Charles Street. Harry then was able to attend a Manufacturing Shoe/Textile School where he went on to be a shoe executive in shoe factories through-out N.H., Maine and Mass.
He was the former Head of Ten-County Farmers Association. A member of the N. H. Poultry Growers Association. A former member of New England Shoe/Foremen/Supt. Association.
He was a Past Commander of Legion Post 60, Past Commander of VFW Post 6806 and a life member of DAV Post. He was a past Chef de Gare of # 961 club of 40 et 8.
Harry worked for his son Bill at Colbath Equipment Rental for many years with his own style of dealing with people.
In his younger years he enjoyed take his sons and grandsons hunting. In his final years a ride with his sons or daughters became a living history lesson of the past.
Most important was he had a detailed memory which he never lost.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister Evelyn Lamontagne, wife Francis Hughes Colbath, brothers: Floyd, Robert and Jim, daughter in law Debra Colbath.
He is survived by sons, H. William Colbath and partner Pat Choba of Nokomis, Fl. George Colbath and partner Marlo Adams of Nottingham. Daughters: Sylvia and Al Glover of Farmington, Diane and John Gray of Union, and his daughter/caregiver Shirley Colbath of Farmington. He leaves many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend its thanks to VNA Hospice for the care they gave to Dad in his final days.

Calling hours are Wednesday from 6-8 pm at Peaslee Funeral Home, 24 Central Street, Farmington, NH. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow, with military honors, at John C. Shirley Memorial Cemetery in New Durham. If desired, memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Rochester District VNA/Hospice, 178 Farmington Road, Rochester, NH 03867. To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com