Barry L. Clow, 77

LAS VEGAS — Barry Lane Clow, 77, crossed over after a long, courageous battle.

A long time resident of both New Hampshire and Las Vegas, Barry succumbed on Jan. 5, 2018, at Desert Springs Hospital, due to medical complications stemming from being a paralyzed veteran who served in Vietnam.

Barry was born on July 7, 1940, in Laconia, New Hampshire, to Marjorie Clow (Clifford) and Phil Clow.

He graduated from Canton High School in Massachusetts in 1958. Barry went on to study electrical engineering at Northeastern University. He made the decision to leave school in 1959 in order to defend his country during the Vietnam War. He went on to serve for more than nine years, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. His area of focus was the Rescue Recovery Squad. He served two tours in Vietnam, and was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. His career came to an unfortunate end on Jan. 6, 1969, after being shot during the Vietnam War.

Having formidable resilience, Barry adapted to life’s changes and purchased a car specially equipped with hand controls. He would independently drive this vehicle across the United States, splitting his time between his properties in Gilmanton, New Hampshire; Belmont, New Hampshire; North Las Vegas; and Yuma, Arizona. He was an active member of the American Legion, and served as the Adjutant for Post 58, Belmont, New Hampshire. He was a life member of the VFW Post in Franklin, New Hampshire. He was also a life member of the DAV, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America. He was also a member of the Gilmanton Historical Society.

Having a natural aptitude for numbers, Barry was a card shark. He was a savvy gambler, playing small, modest amounts, and always won more than he lost. An avid photographer, he studied with Loran Percy of Gilmanton. He was a firm believer that everyone should have the opportunity to be a homeowner, and helped many friends and family to realize their dream of home ownership.

Barry was predeceased by his brothers, Phil “Danny” Clow and Wayne E Clow.

He is survived by his sisters, Helena Bess Clow Davis of Franklin, New Hampshire, and April Clow of Baldwinville, Massachusetts; his longtime and loyal caregivers, Gino Maldonado and Marguerite Holmes of North Las Vegas; brother Kevin Hall, his sister-in-law Catherine Clow of Randolph, Massachusetts; many nieces and nephews, including Jane Cote and her husband Adam; great-niece, Leah Cote of Franklin, New Hampshire; and great-nephews, Justin Clow of Nevada, Tyler Clow of Westminster, Massachusetts, and Blake Gelina of Baldwinville, Massachusetts. Barry also had many beloved friends in the community, that he truly considered family.

A service honoring this man, who served as an inspiration to so many, will be held Friday, April 6, at 11 a.m., at the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire. There will be an ice cream social at Thompson Hall of Franklin immediately after, as he loved strawberry ice cream.

Those who wish to make a memorial contribution may send it to: American Legion Post 58, P.O. Box 376, Belmont, NH 03220.