Sumner A. Dole III, 74

Sumner Alvord Dole III of Canterbury, passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer on Jan. 7, 2025, at the age of 74, surrounded by his family.

He leaves behind his wife of nearly 38 years, Kathy (Glines) Dole of Canterbury; his three daughters, Rebecca Yohe (Kevin) of Bow, Kathleen Bartholomew (David) of Benson, Vermont, and Molly Soucy (Michael) of Canterbury; along with his nine grandchildren, Elisabeth, Abigail, Frederick, Lucy, Heidi, Clyde, Hannah, Joseph and Callum. He also leaves behind his brothers, Robert Dole and Timothy Dole, and sister Lisbeth Mills (Scott), as well as numerous family and beloved friends.

Sumner was born Feb. 28, 1950, to Sumner and Rebecca (Henry) Dole Jr. and grew up in Pembroke. His family later moved to Brookhaven, New York, where he graduated from Bellport Senior High School in 1968. He earned his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, in 1972, and his master's of public administration from the University of New Hampshire in 1988.

His career began in 1973, with UNH Cooperative Extension serving nearly 30 years as a county extension forester until his retirement. He continued to be a certified tree farmer and maple producer, licensed forester, and developed conservation easements on his family’s land. Sumner was proud of his work with the NH Fire Tower Quest Program, the New England Maple Grading School and his role on the Gilford Kimball Castle Committee. He served on the Shaker Regional School Board for 12 years as a member and chair.

Sumner and Kathy married on Jan. 10, 1987, in Canterbury, where they spent the next nearly 38 years making a family and life for themselves. Sumner enjoyed telling stories to his children and grandchildren about their family history. He loved spending springs in his sap house making maple syrup, summers in Pemaquid, Maine, on “the loop” with his family, cookouts and kayaking at Forest Pond, taking road trips with his wife — especially their cross-country adventure, and walks in the woods. He was a devoted husband and father and the best grandpa to his grandkids, all of whom will miss him greatly.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Canterbury United Community Church in Canterbury, with a reception to follow at the Canterbury Woods Country Club. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sumner’s name to the NH 4-H Foundation or the NH Department of Fish and Game. 

For more information or to leave the family an online condolence, visit smartmemorialhome.com.