Norman Letourneau

Norman “Nonny” Letourneau, a well-known local photographer, passed away at Cheshire Medical Center on Friday, March 9, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 30, 1931, in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, second son of Leo and Ila (Kauppinen) Letourneau. While at Conant High School, he was an athlete and musician who played jazz trumpet in his cousin Willie Letourneau’s Orchestra. After graduation in 1949, Nonny began working at W.W. Cross Company and continued playing trumpet. He enlisted in the NH National Guard 39th Army Band in 1951. Two years later he was activated to the Fort Dix, NJ Army Band and later transferred to the Fort Devens, MA Army Band. In 1955 Nonny returned to the NH National Guard 39th Army Band, lived in Jaffrey, worked at W.W. Cross, and played in local bands including the D’s. On March 10, 1951, Nonny married Mary Lou Henry. After his active duty they hired cousin Willie to build a house in Jaffrey. In 1958, Nonny, with no masonry knowledge or experience, built two stonewalls nearly 100 feet long. His artistic walls stand today in front of 46 Pine Crest Road. In 1969 Nonny and Mary Lou sold the house and moved to Keene, NH where they attended Keene State College while continuing to raise their five children. Nonny earned a degree in music and accepted a management position at W.W. Cross after graduating from KSC in 1973. He continued in management until his retirement in 1989. After retirement, Nonny rediscovered photography, his childhood hobby. In the 1990s, digital photos became an avocation for him. Assisted by his wife, his photos are currently displayed and sold through local art associations, craft fairs and at his home. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, his grown children, Jill and Wade Diehl of Rhode Island, Brian and Kelley Letourneau of Keene, NH, Joel and Kim Letourneau of Surry, NH, and Kenneth and Taake Letourneau of Okinawa, Japan; thirteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter; his brother and sister-in-law, Lt. Col USAF-ret. Vernon Letourneau and Margaret of Chelmsford MA. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his oldest son, Glenn Letourneau of Brattleboro, VT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Conant High School Music Program, 3 Conant Way, Jaffrey, NH 03452 would be appreciated. There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, 89 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 13, 2012. Rev. Wilfred Deschamps will be the officiant. http://thetributecenter.com/tributeplayer/default.aspx?webcasteventid=1177#/webcast