Rhys H. Llewellyn III

Sadly, we announce the passing of Rhys H. (Chip) Llewellyn III, 80, at Catholic Medical Center on January 20, 2024. He was born March 29, 1943, the only child of Rhys H. Jr. and Merle (Cheney) Llewellyn.

Chip graduated from Central High School and Cum Laude in history from New England College in Henniker N.H. He did graduate study at UNH prior to his induction into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably and proudly with the 576^th Ordinance Battalion in Vietnam.

While stationed at Long Bien, Vietnam, he survived close proximity to the largest non-nuclear explosion in history up until that time. The enemy detonated an entire stock of 155 artillery shells in the ammunition depot to which he was assigned as a Personnel Specialist. Discharged in 1968, he joined the family business, The R.H. Llewellyn Co., stationers in Manchester N.H.

Chip later accepted a position with the N.H. Easterseal Society for Handicapped Children and Adults as the Director of Development for Fund Raising and Public Relations.  He had two significant accomplishments in his life of which he was most proud. While with Easterseals, he conceived the N.H. Snowmobile Association Easterseal Ride-In. This event, which endures to this day, attracts thousands of snowmobilers and has raised nearly three million dollars for New Hampshire’s handicapped children and adults. As a two term member of the Hooksett Conservation Commission, he played a major role in the establishment, for the first time, of binding wet lands ordinances and designations.

In his later years, Chip worked in the wholesale food industry, first with Associated Grocers of New England, and retiring in 2008 from Notini and Sons, Lowell MA.

Chip will be long remembered by his friends and neighbors for his dedication to the land he owned and its surrounding property.  He established and maintained many miles of multi-use trails and built bridges, using his snowmobile or ATV as long as he was able.  An avid outdoorsman, he hunted Rumney N.H. as a member of the Old Moses Farm Hunting Camp Association and also spent much time in the Hall Mountain area of Bear Brook State Park.  He accounted for over 25 deer during his lifetime.  He was a Life/Endowment Member of the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of N.H., and the Heritage Foundation.

He was predeceased by two life partners:  Dorothy M. Campbell in 2008, and Mary B. Lavery in 2011.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Winkelman-Llewellyn, of Hooksett.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Rifle Association,11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400 or Easterseals New Hampshire, 555 Auburn St., Manchester, NH 03103. There will be a celebration of life held at The Puritan Restaurant at a later date.