John F. Fife Sr., 82

John Finley Fife Sr., 82, of Northfield, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Sept. 18, 2025, due to failing health.

John was born on Sept. 9, 1943, in Concord, the son of the late Leon R. Fife Sr., and Helen M. (née Finley) Fife. He was raised in Canterbury, with his three other siblings, Leon Jr., Helen and youngest brother George.

John eventually met the love of his life June (née Cross) and were married May of 1976. They settled down in Northfield, and made that their home.

Besides working the family farm in Canterbury, John worked in the lumber industry. He started with Concord Lumber in his early days and eventually worked for the Town of Canterbury for 32 years. He was also part of the voluntary Canterbury Fire Department as an EMT, and Canterbury Police Department, he also worked for Park Street cemetery and finally retired at Colby Lumber.

John was well known through the community with his love of horse pulling, ox pulling and of course in his younger days stock car racing at the Bryar Motorsports Park in Loudon.

If you ever needed a helping hand, you could find him in Canterbury at the farm riding his John Deere tractor or assisting a family member or friend.

He was a fun-loving man that was sharp-witted and would come up with a nickname for friends and family alike. (Scrooge, Lollipop, Porkchop, Sidewalk Kid, Kaka, Emmz, Festa, Cricket, Squirrel, etc.) He enjoyed watching old western movies, fishing, working on John Deere tractors, stopping by Tilton House of Pizza and spending time with family.

He is preceded by his parents, Leon R. Fife Sr., Helen M. (née Finley) Fife along with two brothers, Leon R. Fife Jr. and George P. Fife, and recently, son Kevin L.A. Fife. John is survived by his loving wife June of 49 years, and sister Helen M. Fife of Canterbury.

He is also survived by eight children, Donna M. Whiton (Thomas) of Hillsborough, Laurie A. Perkins partner Michael of Penacook, John F. Fife Jr. (Rose) of Salisbury, Lisa A. Fowler of Laconia, Melissa J. Weatherbee (Lee), Judy J. Smith (Allan) of Boscawen, William W. Fife (Heather) and H. Peter Fife (Whitney) of Franklin. He leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren as well numerous cousins.

A short service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Canterbury. Please join us for a gathering in remembrance of John's life at the Canterbury Parrish House after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Granite VNA and Hospice in John's name.