Kenneth R. St. Jacques

GILFORD – Kenneth R. St. Jacques of Gilford passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Laconia, N.H. in 1934 to parents Dorothy Jean (Bewley) St. Jacques and Ernest St. Jacques, Kenneth was predeceased by his older brother Ernest in 1989.
Following graduation from Laconia High School in 1953 Kenneth served his country during the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa as a radio specialist.
Upon his return, he married Carole (Howe) St. Jacques of Meredith and settled in Laconia. For over 10 years he worked with his family operating the Boulevard Drive-In, serving the areas finest fried seafood and homemade ice-cream. Kenneth sold the restaurant in the late 60’s and moved his family to Gilford where he began working at Aavid Engineering. Through hard work and good fortune Kenneth became partners with Phil Johnson, and shared ownership of the company. For almost 25 years Ken poured his heart and soul into the business, making Aavid one of the largest and finest manufacturing companies in the area. He shared the company’s success with his employees in many ways and created the very best of work environments.
In the mid 1980’s Ken retired from the business. He and Carole moved to Florida where he enjoyed playing golf and making new friends at Seven Springs in New Port Richey and Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto. After surviving heart surgery in the mid 90’s Ken and Carole moved back to the Lakes Region where he continued to golf, garden and make special memories with family and friends.
Ken truly loved life and was really one of the “good guys”. He was a kind and generous man and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Ken is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carole; his son Ernie St. Jacques and wife Amy and her children Ian and Alexa Somerville of Laconia; daughter Torrie Whitcher and husband Dennis of Gilford; and his dear granddaughter, Bristol Whitcher of Gilford.
A memorial celebration and calling hours will be held at The Belknap Mill in Laconia on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00pm. We invite all who had the honor of knowing Ken during his life to join his family and friends at this special occasion.
Ken loved watching his granddaughter Bristol and her teammates play on the Gilford Volleyball Team. In lieu of flowers our dearly beloved husband, father and friend would have appreciated donations made in his name to Friends of Gilford Volleyball, c/o Wilkinson-Beane Inc., P.O. Box 67, Laconia, NH, 03247-0067.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant St. Laconia, is in charge of the arrangements.