Charles Leroy Putnam

Charley Putnam of Concord died peacefully in his sleep this week. He was devoted to his family and his community. He was a wonderful story-teller and an avid reader of everything from Archer Mayer's latest mystery to the most recent alumni magazine. His love of life and sense of humor were evident to everyone who knew him. 

Charley grew up in Erie, PA, with 3 younger sisters and spent summers on family-owned farms in Lander, PA. He was a graduate of Penn State and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

In 1962, he married Judy Farnum and they moved to Summit Road in Keene where they established his veterinary practice. He loved large animal work, especially treating dairy cows, and often took his daughters on farm calls. With Dr. Carl Nelson, Charley later founded Cheshire Animal Hospital. After 25 years in private practice, Judy and Charley moved to her hometown of Pembroke when he took a position with the NH Department of Agriculture.

Charley supported his community as a member of Lions Club for over 60 years; he served as club president first in Keene and then in Concord. He donated over 40 gallons of blood to the Red Cross over his lifetime and was active in the United Church of Christ in Keene.

Charley loved spending time with his family, whether it was telling stories, going to the ocean, or watching Nittany Lions football. He shared his love of sailing, skiing, and classic British sports cars with his daughters. Charley enjoyed traveling the back roads of his adopted state in his pick-up and later in daughter Janet's Mini-Cooper. He was a founding member of the Fugawee Ski Club of Keene and skied at Mt. Sunapee into his late 70s.

Charley is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Putnam; daughters Jennifer Putnam (Pepperell, MA) and Janet Putnam (Tucson, AZ, & Concord, NH); sisters Nancy Wright (VA) and Joyce Helm & her husband Scott (TX); in-laws John & Helena Farnum (NH), Carolyn & Harry Covington (FL), Jan Farnum (FL) and Lynne Farnum & Steve Boylan (VT); and many other beloved family members.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood to your local Red Cross or making a donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center at www.splcenter.org. A private burial will be held this summer. The Cremation Society of NH is in charge of arrangements. For more information or to view and on-line memorial, go to www.csnh.com