Daniel L. Breckenridge

Daniel L. Breckenridge, 70, resident of Rindge, NH, died of a sudden heart attack at his home on Thursday, November 19, 2015.

He was born on February 7, 1945, in Rushville, Indiana, and was the oldest of four sons of the late Alfred and Flavella (McDaniel) Breckenridge.

With a Midwestern birthplace and college degree from Hanover College in southern Indiana, he knew he would never he an official “native” of New Hampshire, but Rindge was the place he loved the most and often said he had just been born in the wrong place. He and his three sons, Rob, Nate and Evan frequently frightened the big mouth bass in the Monadnock area and took numerous pictures to prove who was the champion angler.

He also loved history and the daunting task of updating a l790‘s house was an ongoing challenge for the past thirty years, but the unique quirkiness and the feel of the lives and laughter of at long loved house felt good. As a dad and husband he continually filled the house with more family memories and celebrations. He especially treasured his riding tractor and the joy of being outside in his yard; he appreciated the kinship with his antique but beloved Speedex lawn tractor and chuckled when a man driving by the house wanted to buy and restore it.. No sale. Both tractor and man were doing what they ought to be doing, the way they were supposed, to be doing it..

As a professional, he taught eighth grade science for almost thirty years, both at Boynton Middle School in New Ipswich and South Meadow in Peterborough. His projects reflected the man who loved nature and could appreciate the challenge of working with thirteen year olds. His classes built and launched hot air balloons, made their own mozzarella and worked in the school’s green house. He was a proud member and founder of the DIRT DOGS, a name chosen and displayed on t-shirts for his dedicated greenhouse students.

After retirement, he loved taking the two labs on “Wingman” expeditions in his favorite vehicle, an aging Honda Element perfect for dogs, canoes, and gardening equipment. He was an avid reader, and the Peterborough Toadstool used book area was a special treasure trove. In addition, he enjoyed traveling to exciting places like Paris. Australia. New Zealand, and the Midwest to visit family. His favorite part of the journey was the welcome home dance of joy when the labs knew their people were home again. Retirement also allowed him time to give hack to the community, and he volunteered to drive for the Red Cross and Monadnock at Home. He had also served as a deacon and trustee for First Church in Jaffrey.

His lived a rich full life and he will missed by Marcia, his wife of 47 years, his three sons, Robert Breckenridge of Keene, Nathan Breckenridge of Peterborough and Evan Breckenridge of Las Vegas. In addition he has two surviving brothers, George Breckenridge of Indianapolis and Charlie Breckenridge of Naples, Florida.

SERVICES: Memorial visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 27, 2015 from 5:00 PM 7:00 PM in the Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 33 River Street, Jaffrey, NH. A celebration of life and fellowship time will take place on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at the First Church of Jaffrey at 3:00 PM.