Fernand E. 'Fern' Cotnoir, 66

NORTHFIELD — Fernand “Fern” E. Cotnoir, 66, of Northfield NH, died peacefully on March 30th, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a long battle with cancer.

He was born in Coaticook Canada on October 2, 1945 the son of the late Henri and Jeanne (Arel) Cotnoir. He moved to the United States as a child with the family in 1956. He was a longtime resident of Manchester. He lived in Pembroke for several years before moving to Northfield eight years ago.

Mr. Cotnoir provided lovingly for his family as a successful self employed businessman in general home construction, and specialized in energy efficient replacement windows. He owned Knowles Pond Builders. Fern was a member of the Franklin Lodge of Elks, BPOE #1280 in Franklin.

He passionately enjoyed all outdoor activities especially driving his motor home, camping, hunting and fishing. His other pastime was the complete restoration of a 1968 Corvette to showroom condition.

He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. Fern was known for is generosity and was always willing to help anyone in need!

Survivors include his beloved wife of eight years, Christine “Chrissie” (Dowst) Cotnoir, two sons, Daniel Cotnoir and his wife Nicole of Epsom, David Cotnoir and his wife Kristen of Bedford, two daughters Diane (Cotnoir) Demingway and her husband Dennis of Deerfield, and Debra (Cotnoir) Kovisars of Londonderry, stepsons, Michael Biron of Chichester and Joel Biron of Laconia.

Eleven cherished grandchildren.

Five brothers, Roland and his wife Lorraine Cotnoir of Colebrook, Gilles and his wife Roberta Cotnoir of Franklin, Denis and his wife Rachel Cotnoir of Salisbury, Michael and his wife Martha Cotnoir of Belmont, Raymond and his wife Kathy Cotnoir of Bow, two sisters, Madeleine (Cotnoir) Minard and her husband Jim of Salisbury, Lucille (Cotnoir) Gage and her husband William of Dunbarton, plus many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home, Franklin-Tilton Road, Tilton, NH. An Elk service will be held at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Parish in Belmont, NH. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who helped manage Fern’s care.

Memorial donations in memory of Fern, may be made to the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association at 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH 03301.

For more information go to www.smartfuneralhome.com.