Franklin L. Burnham

Franklin Lewis Burnham, 94, of Fitzwilliam, died Thursday morning, July 5, 2018, in the comfort of his home, with his family at his side, after a period of declining health.

He was born on September 12, 1923 in Andover, VT, the son of Lewis Holmes and Hazel Mae (Pinney) Burnham. His father was a logger and the family moved around often, so Franklin attended many regional schools before finally leaving school after eighth grade to assist his father in the woods.

He enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 serving 2 years overseas in England and Germany during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Private, in 1945.

A very skilled handyman, Franklin was able to build and fix many things, leading to a career in construction and finish carpentry.

He married Deborah Drogue in a ceremony in Hamden, CT, on February 5, 1972.
Franklin was a resident of Jaffrey for about 6 years before moving to Fitzwilliam, where he lived the last 18 years.

He is survived by his wife, of 46 years, Deborah D. Burnham, of Fitzwilliam; his children: Cary Burnham and his wife Emily of Charlestown, Ryan Burnham of Fitzwilliam and Wendy Parker and her husband Christopher of Dublin; his siblings: Donald Burnham of Clinton, ME, Kenneth Burnham of Spanish Fork, UT, Grace Picard of Spindale, NC, Margaret Low of Phoenix, AZ and Dorothy Mollett of Georgetown, ID; seven grandchildren: Todd Burnham of Portland, Me., Joshua Burnham of Laconia, Marshall and Caleb Cloutier with whom he had a special relationship, of Dublin, Jacob and Mason Burnham of Charlestown, and Lilly Deane Parker of Dublin; many great grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his special friends, Mary and Don Lawler of Sharon. He was predeceased by his son: Bruce Burnham, a Grandson: Chris Burnham, two brothers: Lawrence Burnham and Paul Burnham as well as sisters: Barbara Herland and Betty Gagnon.

If Franklin had a bucket list he would have crossed everything off! He went deep sea fishing, camping, water skiing, lived out West, in Idaho and Colorado and owned horses. He especially enjoyed hunting with his nephew Mike Picard in Colorado, and he enjoyed many a motorcycle ride with his son Cary, his great nephew Spencer Gagnon, his nephew Curtis Burnham, and with Owen Cloutier.

In keeping with Franklins wishes, there will be no public calling hours or services. Burial will take place privately, at a later date.