Joseph Adam Lahut, 68

MOULTONBOROUGH — On May 5, 2016, the world said goodbye to a modest man and a brilliant engineer. Joseph Adam Lahut was born Oct. 31, 1947, to Adam Joseph Lahut and Genevieve Kolwalski of Troy, New York. Joe showed creativity and ingenuity early in life and pursued his interest in electrical engineering at Northeastern University. While there, he photographed his cousin's wedding, where he met, and later married, the love of his life, Mary Eileen Arthur. Their inspiring expression of true love was reflected in their unending romance, respect, care and commitment for one another.

Engineering was Joe's passion. His successful career in print imaging brought him throughout the United States and the world. He spent the last 20 years with Vutek in Meredith. His 46-plus-year career included numerous inventions and patents. Joe rarely spoke of any of his accomplishments. Instead, he found people to be the most important reflections of achievement and sought to make every person feel valued. To those he worked with and to those he loved, he always found time to listen and offer ideas free of judgment or criticism. As a mentor, he accepted and appreciated individuals' strengths. There were no limits to the time and energy he would invest in the people and things he cared about. Throughout his life, Joe sought to share his knowledge with others. He used physics to explain the world, empathy to understand people, and ardor to explain one to the other. He had a talent for being able to illuminate how anything worked; making the most complex ideas seem accessible to toddlers, children, teenagers and any adult. Joe's approach to life was knowing that every problem had multiple solutions. He was innovative, creative and logical. From print technology to woodworking to photography to farming and wine making; he applied his mind, fervor and focus.

The last two years of Joe's life had no shortage of challenges. Even through his difficult life with cancer, he created his own strategies for overcoming the unrelenting obstacles of his disease. He approached all of them with the same logic, fortitude, creativity and good temperament that he lived his life. He never complained and graciously thanked every person who helped him along the way.

Above all, Joe was an outstanding father and husband who meant the world to his family. In recent years he became a grandfather whose quick wit and humor elicited belly laughs from his adoring grandchildren. They will forever miss saying, "Let's ask Grandpa Joe" while seeking answers to life's puzzling questions. For them, his explanations offered the most thorough, fun and reliable answers.

Joe's family and friends will continue his legacy of inquisitiveness, respect, acceptance and appreciation for individuals, no matter their age or life circumstances. We will sorely miss his wit, laughter, logic, intelligence, creativity, tolerance, work ethic, compassion, ideals, conversation and company.

Survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary, and their children, Adam (Kristin) Lahut, Emily Lahut (Jeremiah Johnson), Sarah (Aaron) Jones and by his grandchildren Joseph, Kevin, and Lauren Lahut and Lucas and Corah Jones; his siblings and their families, Vevette Lahut, Tom ( Barbara) Lahut, Mark (Carol) Lahut, Jayme (Davin) Lahut, Peggy Lahut, Susan (William) Rooney. He is also leaving behind his farm family in upstate New York; as well as his EFI-Vutek work family and all the wonderful people he worked with throughout the years. The family would like to extend immense gratitude to the Central NH VNA-Hospice and Dr. Crosby for their compassion and support.

In lieu of flowers, find a young person and share your life's passion. Listen to their ideas and make them feel valued. Find their strengths and compliment their fortitude, innovation and intelligence.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday May 10, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Mayhew Funeral Home, 204 D.W. Highway Meredith, NH 03253

The Mayhew Funeral Homes and Meredith Bay Crematorium are assisting the family with arrangements. To view Joseph's online book of memories go to www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com.