Vernon H. Hamlin

Vernon H. Hamlin, 86, of Nashua, husband of the late Colleen C. Hamlin, died peacefully Saturday evening, November 12, 2011 at the Fairview Nursing in Lowell, MA.after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Vern was born on May 27, 1925 in Gorham, NH. He was the youngest of three sons to Homer and Olive Hamlin. Vern graduated from Gorham High School in 1943. Shortly after his graduation, he joined the Navy and served for two years, part of this was at Dartmouth College where he was training to become a pilot. After World War II ended,Vern attended the University of New Hampshire where he earned a degree in business.He married his childhood sweetheart, Colleen Curley of Gorham on October 9, 1949.They had three children and shared 62 years of marriage. After moving to Nashua in the early 1950s, Vern was an insurance salesman for many years before opening his own insurance business in Nashua in the 1960s. His wonderful sense of humor and active mind served him well in this role. Vern always had a joke or funny story to share and especially enjoyed pulling practical jokes. Mr. Hamlin was an active member of the Pilgrim Congregational Church of Nashua acting as moderator for a number of years. He enjoyed supporting his daughters in their endeavors and was a member of the Nashua High Band Boosters Club. Vern also struggled with alcoholism and was an active member of AA. Vern celebrated many years of sobriety. He cherished his friendships with all the people he met over the years and was moved by their stories. Vern was the kind of person who would talk to anyone and bring people home to meet the family, especially if they needed help. He loved the outdoors, camping, people, claiming that he was the youngest of the 13 cousins, family reunions, and laughing. Vern was predeceased by his young son Christopher and his wife Colleen Hamlin of Nashua who died October 16 of this year. Members of his family include his two daughters Holly Hartman, and her husband Lester from Needham MA, and their children Sarah and Laura, and Heather Warr and her husband Tim of Exeter NH, and their sons Kevin and Alex. Vern also leaves behind his two beloved brothers Homer Hamlin and his wife Romaine of Dover NH, and Charles Hamlin of Longmeadow, MA and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. SERVICES: There are no calling hours. A private memorial service celebrating Vern'slife will be held at the Bryant Funeral Home in Gorham, NH followed by interment in the Hamlin family lot at Lary Cemetery in Gorham. Donations may be made in his memory to the Pilgrim Congregational Church, 4 WatsonStreet, Nashua, NH 03064.