Lane, Richard (no photo)

SWANZEY, N.H. — Richard L. Lane, Sr. of Swanzey, died Monday morning, November 1st, 2010 following a period of declining health.

He was born in Keene, NH the son of Earl N. and Lilly (Lofgren) Lane. He grew up in the Keene area and went to Keene High School. Mr. Lane was a member of the first KHS Ski Team and also a member of the KHS Band. He graduated early so he could join the US Army Air Corp. During World War II, he flew P-40’s, P-47’s and his favorite plane, the P-51’s. After the war, he continued to fly as a Bush Pilot in the Phillipines. In 1944, he married Miriam Petersheim in McAllen, TX. After returning to the Keene area, Mr. Lane worked for several area businesses including Allen Furniture in Sales, Durby’s Furniture of Peterborough also in Sales and then for Plotkins Furniture as manager. After retirement, he also taught a Keene State College course on Business and Advertising.

Mr. Lane was also involved local government for 35 years having served on the Swanzey Board of Selectman, the Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Airport Advisory Board. In 2006, The Swanzey Town Report was dedicated to Mr. Lane.

Both Mr. & Mrs. Lane enjoyed activities in the outdoors. In addition to fishing, camping, sailing and golfing, they were also avid skiers and members of the Gopher Ski Patrol out of Brattleboro, VT. Their love of outdoor activities has been passed down to their children and grandchildren.

Mr. Lane was also a Past President of the Keene Rotary Club.

Mr. Lane is survived by his three sons Richard, and wife Kate, Lane, Jr., of Enfield, NH, Andrew, and wife Diane, Lane of Meredith, NH, and Lesley, and wife Pamela, Lane of Litchfield, NH; two daughters Lilly Kim, and husband Greg, Curry of Swanzey and Kathryn Lane Browne of Stevens Point, WI; brother John, and wife Jean, Lane of Northwood Narrows, NH; 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Lane’s wife, Miriam P. Lane, passed away on October 23, 2010 and his son-in-law Bryant Browne passed away in 2008.

Services for Mr. Lane will be private. Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro St., Keene, NH is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Mr. Lane’s name to the Monadnock Regional High School Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble Fund, 580 Old Homestead Highway, Swanzey, NH 03446-2301.