Herbert J. Champney

Herbert J. Champney, 84, a lifelong resident of Rindge, NH died suddenly from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident while traveling home from work on April 2, 2012. Herb was born on August 8, 1927 in Fitzwilliam, NH, son of the late Joseph M. and Mary (Meattey) Champney. A veteran of WWII, Herb served his country by entering the Army Air Corp. in 1945 having active duty in the last stages of the war as a motor-pool mechanic. Other public service included a 10 year tenure as a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Rindge, NH beginning in the mid l960’s. Herb started his 71-year working career at the Box Shop in Winchendon. His entrepreneur endeavors started when he and his brother-in-law Bob Lambert opened the East Rindge Garage. This service station was a franchised Harley Davidson and Vespa dealership that Herb opened while simultaneously working at Nichol and Stone Furniture in Gardner, MA during the late 1950’s and early l960’s. Herbert then established and managed Rindge Sand and Gravel Inc. from 1968-1978 while again concurrently working a second job at Stanley’s Garage in Gardner, MA. Herb was currently employed by Riverside Auto Recycling in Gardner, MA; a business he started with his son Joseph in 1979. Using his unique charm, humor, and sales experience, he and his son built the business to its current state. All seven of his grandsons inherited his robust work ethic working beside him on location. In his earlier years, Grampy” enjoyed playing the banjo, mandolin, fishing, and tinkering with mechanical treasures (or with what others would consider-JUNK). In recent years, he was an avid Boston Red Sox fan who could be found watching the game, Bonanza episodes, or western movies. In between tending to his beloved orchard, he spent countless hours caring for his grandchildren. His warm heart was endearing to animals, especially dogs. He found much delight in a lineage of Doberman Pinschers through the years. Herb is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Helen (Booth) Champney, his daughters Tanis and her husband Dwight Whitcomb of Rindge, NH, Colleen Cloutier of Rindge, NH, and son Joseph M. Champney II and his wife Brenda of Gardner, MA. Gramps leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, as well as an astonishing 3 great-great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his son-in-law Richard Cloutier, his grandson Neil R. Champney, and his great-granddaughter Kasie Cloutier.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in Hillside Cemetery in Rindge.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to American Legion Post #11 Transportation Fund, 20 Webster Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452.

Family and friends will honor and remember Herb’s life by gathering for calling hours at the Cournoyer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 33 River Street, (Route 202) in Jaffrey on Thursday April 12, 2012 from 6:00 until 7:00PM.

A Funeral Service will be conducted at 7:00PM on Thursday April 12, 2012 in the funeral home chapel by Rev. Wilfred H. Deschamps, Pastor of Saint Patrick Church in Jaffrey.