Arthur Lionel Deschenes

Arthur Lionel "Nel" Deschenes, Sr. died today at his home in Wilton, surrounded by his loving family. Born February 19, 1936 in Greenville, the son of Gilbert Deschenes and Yvonne Michaud. He was pre-deceased by two brothers, Rudolph and Wilfred Deschenes and a step-mother Angeline Deschenes of Greenville. He is survived by his wife, of forty nine years, Patricia Searles Deschenes and six children; one son, Arthur L. Deschenes, Jr.; and life-partner, Diane Bolton of Wilton; five daughters and son in laws, Michelle and Kevin Valley of Wilton, Andria and Perry Day of Lyndeborough, Desiree and Wayne Nichols of Wilton, Dawn Deschenes of Jaffrey, and Deirdre Deschenes of Old Saybrook, CT; fifteen grandchildren, Brigham and Eric Eckhardt of Old Saybrook, CT, Bridey Day of Temple, Brianne Lavallee, Elizabeth and Erin Day of Milford, Kallie and Katie Mallows of Old Saybrook, CT, Lucas Deschenes and Patricia Deschenes-Davis of Jaffrey, Nicholas and Kassie Deschenes, Axel Bolton, Elise and Erika Nichols of Wilton; four great grandchildren, Dylan and Isabella Eckhardt of Old Saybrook, CT, Maya Marie Flores of Milford and Mikayla Mae Broderick of Temple; three brothers and sister in laws, Gilbert and Yvette Deschenes of Milford, Raymond and Terry Deschenes of Rindge, and Andre and Pam Deschenes of Jaffrey; five sisters and three brother in laws, Irene and Conrad Rodier of Baldwinville, MA, Lucy and George Lord of Greenville, Muriel Spalding of Gardner, MA, Theresa and Danny Fortonado, and Yvonne LaCroix of Leominster, MA; his mother in law, Priscilla Devine Searles of Brookline; sisters and brother in laws, James Searles of Brookline, Priscilla and Fred Niemi of Fitchburg, MA, Cecelia Searles of Rowley, MA, Kurt and Laurie Lozeau of Imperial Beach, CA; many nieces and nephews. He enjoyed travel. It was important to him to have his children see their own country. Each and every family member has treasured memories of trips across the US, Canada, and Mexico- made possible by him. His greatest pleasure in life was his family. The endless love and compassion shown to them had no boundaries. He has given each and everyone of them a more worthwhile and pleasurable life filled with treasured memories. A private service will be held in the seacoast area where he spent many years vacationing with family and friends; making it a family tradition to start and end the summer season. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire is in charge of arrangements. To view the online memorial, send a condolence, get directions or for more information, go to www.csnh.com.