ROCHESTER, N.H. – Kenneth E. Menard, 81, of Rochester, N.H., passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. Ken was born to Verna Adaire Randall and Eugene K. Butterfield on May 3, 1938, in Topsham.

Raised by Verna and Leo Menard, Ken grew up in Brunswick and spent his summers in Newport. He met the love of his life, Charlene Niles, in the summer of 1957. Ken proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Force, serving in Vietnam with honor and pride. His career brought their family all over the United States from Alaska to New Hampshire where they finally settled in 1978.

Ken is survived by his wife, Charlene Menard (Niles); his three daughters, Lorianne Martel, Debra Gregoire and her husband, John, Carol-Jean Lathrop and her husband, Larry, his loved daughter-in-law, Shannon and Russ Hollis; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings, Rosalie Bean and her husband, Bruce, Philip Menard and his wife, Janet and Johnny Menard.

Ken was predeceased by his father, Eugene Butterfield, stepfather Leo Menard; sister, Patricia Stilphen; and his beloved son, Kenny Menard.

Ken always lived his life to the fullest from the very beginning. You would know when Ken was home from a long day at work when you would hear him whistling away up the driveway and into the house. Ken enjoyed laying in the sunshine, playing cards, and golfing, proudly displaying his “Hole in One” picture framed in the computer room.

In 1995, Ken and Charlene began their adventure as yearly snowbirds. Each winter spending more time than the last in Florida where they made many lifelong friends. Ken never missed a 3 p.m. wine time, which became the most important part of every day. No matter the day of the week, at 3 p.m., wine and conversation would be enjoyed with whoever showed up that day to enjoy Ken and Charlene’s company.

Ken and Charlene spent their lives devoted to building their giant, loving, and crazy family. Even with grandchildren all over the world, Papa always found a way to make each one of feel special. He was proud to have four grandsons follow his footsteps and serve their country. Ken’s summers were filled with family cookouts by the pool where Ken would put on his apron and chef hat and burn all the meat.

While Ken was a man of few words, when he spoke, you knew to listen because he was going to share information from his vast wealth of knowledge or make a witty comment. As a husband, Ken loved his wife. As a father, Ken adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As a friend, Ken will be missed by all.

Visiting hours will be held at R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main Street, Rochester, N.H. on Monday, May 20, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.edgerly.com.