George H. LARAMIE

George H. Laramie, 87, of Concord, died Monday, Oct. 24, 2005, at a hospital in Lawrence, Mass., after a long illness. Mr. Laramie was born in Enfield, the son of Henry A. Laramie and Mamie (Jones) Laramie. He had been a resident of Concord since 1946. A graduate of Enfield schools and the University of New Hampshire, Mr. Laramie majored in agriculture and forestry. After graduating college in 1940, he entered the U.S. military, where he was awarded many decorations, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and the European Ribbon Badge with Four Battle Stars during World War II. He rose to the rank of colonel in 1971, after 24 years of service. He served in active duty with the 88th Infantry Division in Oklahoma, Texas, Africa and Italy, then later in the National Guard in Concord. During this time, he was also employed as division director with the state of New Hampshire, Bureau of Markets and Standards-Weights and Measures with the Department of Agriculture, from which he retired after 35 years of service. Mr. Laramie enjoyed active memberships with numerous affiliations. He was president of the National Guard in 1967, member of the Concord Kiwanis Club from 1948 to 2004, president in 1967 and general chairman of the Kiwanis Trade Fair for several years. He also held positions as secretary and chairman of the Association of the American Feed and Fertilizer Control Officials and was twice president of the Northeast Association of Market Officials and Seed Control Officials. He held Masonic affiliations as 32nd Degree Mason-Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Valley of Nashua from 1955 to 2004. He was a member of the Bektash Temple Shrine and Drum Corps and a member of the Blue Lodge Mount Cardigan in Canaan and the Blue Lodge-Eureka in Concord. He was a member of South Congregational Church in Concord. In his leisure time, he enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and bowling, and particularly being a loving and wonderful husband and father. He was an avid and wonderful gardener. Mr. Laramie is survived by his loving son, Richard L. Laramie of Wakefield, Mass.; his loving daughter, Joan Laramie Patton of North Andover, Mass.; a sister, Jane Unger of Concord; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Arlene Laramie of Concord; and a brother, Henry A. Laramie of Pembroke. Calling hours will be held tomorrow from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., Concord. A Masonic service will be held during calling hours at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Blossom Hill Cemetery.