Murray Smith, a fixture patroller at Mount Sunapee, age 76 died Sunday, September 3, 2017, at the VA Hospital in White River Junction, VT. He patrolled for over 45 years. He will be missed by his fellow patrollers, although to remember him, the ski resort named the trail “Stovepipe” in his honor. Stove[pipe was his longtime nickname. WMUR’s New Hampshire Chronicle featured story on Patroller Murry Smith. Click the link to view his story. His obituary is printed below. . .
Murry Smith, aka “Stovepipe.” Click to watch the WMUR NH Chronicle TV show.
Murray Frederick Smith, 76, of Route 114, died Sunday, September 3, 2017, at the VA Hospital in White River Junction, VT. He was born on August 28, 1941, to parents Dorothea Ida Phelps and Murray Ellsworth Smith. Murray graduated from Andover High School and attended Plymouth State College. Murray often called “Smitty”, “Can”, or “Stovepipe”, was a long time resident of North Sutton. In the summer, Murray worked as a carpenter/roofer, and in the winter months, Murray worked as a ski patroller for over 40 years. The trail, Stovepipe, at Mt Sunapee was named as a tribute to him.
Murray’s passion was hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Andover Fish and Game Club in Andover and a Lifetime Member of the Grange. He was comfortable and happy when he was surrounded by nature. Planting and reaping the harvest was enjoyable, yearly rituals. Golfing and skiing were leisure time sports for Murray. Murray was content to watch baseball, football, and golf; he was always willing to share his perspective on the games or the team’s standings.
Murray proudly served in the United States Army for two years. Always a patriotic citizen, he routinely flew the U.S flag by the front door of his house.
Murray is survived by his brother, Stephen Smith and his significant other, Donna French; his daughters, Jennifer King and Kelly Sanborn; his grandchildren, Alyssa Ringuette, Justin Ringuette, Jessica Sanborn, and Melanie Sanborn; his niece, Rae-Lynn Burt; his nephew, Nicolas Smith; an uncle, Vic Phelps; stepchildren, David Burger and Leslie Ringuette; his significant other, Janet Kuhlmeyer; and cousins.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 8, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. in North Sutton Cemetery with Mr. Fred Davis, officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the US Army.
Donations in memory of Murray may be made to the Andover Fish and Game, PO Box 253, Andover, NH 03216 or to the Sutton Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 179, North Sutton, NH 03260.
