David W. Kemmis

David W. Kemmis, 76, of Jaffrey, NH passed away suddenly on September 30, 2023.

He was born on May 10, 1947, in Fairview, Montana, son of the late Orra and Lilly Kemmis. He loved living on the plains in Eastern Montana and really treasured his family’s Western heritage. After some time in college, David enlisted with the United States Army. He served our country in Korea during the Vietnam War, and always remained proud of his nation. David later married Nancy Greene, and they raised their family of four children in New Hampshire. David worked in sales for High Standard, Inc. in Jaffrey until his retirement.

He was a lector and active member at St. Patrick’s Catholic parish and was a model of simple faith to many. He was a leader in Alcoholics Anonymous in the Monadnock region for many years, sponsoring numerous men, and speaking at meetings. He was involved in Kairos prison ministry and traveled to Bosnia several times to help rebuild after the war. David was a devoted and tender dad and grandpa who loved telling stories of his youth in Montana and reading books aloud and teaching science to his grandchildren. He was an avid gardener, offering visitors a “tour” of the carefully tended growing things that taught him so much about life. He was a true gentleman, and many found a fatherly and deeply understanding heart in him that will be missed.

David is predeceased by his parents, Orra and Lilly Kemmis, and his sister, Mary Lou Richie.

He is survived by his four children; Katherine and Mel McLoughlin of Peterborough, NH, Gabriel Kemmis of Rindge, NH, Matthew Kemmis of Gladstone, OR, and Nicholas Kemmis of Jaffrey, NH, his grandchildren Samuel and Ben Kemmis, and Daniel, Tessa, and Clare McLoughlin, his siblings; Ernie Kemmis, Sharon Lininger, and Daniel Kemmis, and many very beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Calling hours will be held on October 11, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home, 33 River Street Jaffrey, NH 03452. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on October 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Parish, 87 Main Street Jaffrey NH 03452. Burial will take place following Mass at St. Patrick Cemetery Hillcrest Road Jaffrey, NH 03452.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations in David’s name to Kairos Prison Ministry.