Dana C. Whiston, 83

LACONIA — Dana Cary Whiston, 83, of Laconia, passed away on Aug. 28, 2026, at Concord Hospital-Laconia.

Dana was born on Sept. 18, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of the late Donald and Mae Elizabeth “Bettie” (Christie) Whiston.

Dana was in Cub Scouts. A member of the Boy Scouts of Kingston, he earned the “Star Scout Award” and rose to Eagle Scout. During school, he ran cross-country, 1/2-mile, 1/4-mile and relays in track, and was in the Junior Red Cross, Debate Club, Chess Club, and Drama Club, performing in many plays. Dana made the National Honor Society at SLRHS and won the award for top math student. He graduated from Silver Lake Regional High School in 1960. He went to Northeastern to study engineering and was accepted to West Point in New York, in 1961.

In 1962, Dana began an architecture program at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and served in the Army Reserve concurrently, performing logistical work among other jobs. Dana received two bachelor's degrees at RISD: one in architecture in 1969, and one in city planning in 1970. Dana worked as an architect and as a Realtor in the early 1980s. He also enjoyed working as a waiter throughout his life.

Dana attended multiple churches with his family as a youth and was a devoted churchgoer throughout his life. When unable to attend church, he was a member of a local Bible study group. He enjoyed playing tennis, cribbage and illustration. Dana performed in local theater, sang in choir, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He collected banana labels, had a penguin collection, and enjoyed castles. One of his proud possessions was a drawing of an elaborate castle of his own creation.

Dana had a passion for helping others in the community. He provided rides to those in need for medical appointments, picking up medications and groceries, visiting relatives, and going to work. He was always known for keeping a full and organized calendar to make sure he was able to help as many people as possible. He received numerous awards for his volunteerism and was recognized by the Laconia Housing Authority.

When Dana started to become ill, he remained in Laconia. This is where his friends, neighbors, caregivers, and members of the community provided assistance and companionship. Dana’s family would like to express appreciation toward the staff of Concord Hospital in Laconia, various New Hampshire rehabilitation centers, and Dana’s visiting friends who were always helpful and caring.

Dana is survived by his brother Norris Whiston of Nova Scotia, Canada, and Norris’ ex-wife and friend Janice Murrant; sister Martha Haskell of South Portland, Maine; niece Lillian “Lilly” Haskell-Murray of Biddeford, Maine; and nephews Matthew Whiston of Halifax, Canada, and Jeremy Whiston of Portland, Oregon. His beloved cat, Nellie, now lives with a trusted friend. He is predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law Theodore “Ted” Haskell.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at The Tavern on 7 Church St.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Lindenwood Cemetery in Stoneham, Massachusetts.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.