Kennith F. Champney

After spending 1 month at home under the care of his daughter Denise, later transferring to the VA Hospital in White River Junction, beloved husband, father and grandfather Kennith Franklin Champney died on August 22, 2022 at the age of 95.

Kennith was born on February 20, 1927 in South Acworth, NH, the son of Don Champney and Bertha L. (Pitkin) Champney. He attended school in Acworth and Vilas High School in Alstead NH.

Kennith joined the US Navy in 1944 and served aboard the USS Orleck in the Pacific, the last living crew member before his passing. Although he spoke very little about this time, he shared the story of winning the contest for best legs while aboard ship. Upon being honorably discharged in 1946, Kennith studied welding under the G.I Bill, becoming a Master Welder.  Welding continued to be his passion throughout his life.

In 1952 he married the love of his life, Betty Holden. Through good times and bad their love for each other and family never faltered. He was the rock upon which his family was built.

After his wedding, Kennith discovered his love of Volkswagen Beetles, and from then on always had several in the yard in various stages of overhaul. His need to remain active would see him repairing countless junk cars, tractors, lawn mowers and chainsaws along with chopping wood for winter and his obsession with mowing lawns.

Whenever he was asked how he was, Ken would like to tell you he was "mean, rotten and miserable and those are my good points". But to all who knew him, Ken was kind, funny and generous and would eagerly give assistance to those who asked. On many occasions he would be called in the middle of the night to aid someone with car troubles and without fail he would help. His mechanical aptitude was legendary. It was often remarked that he could drive a car even if it didn't have an wheels or engine.

Kennith and his brother Freemond established a welding company, Champney's Welding Sales and Service , in North Walpole, NH. Later Kennith was employed in various other companies including Berger Metal, Westminster Vt, Burt Anchor Curb, Bellows Falls, VT and J & L, Springfield, VT. Kennith was an engaged and active member of the Charlestown community, serving on the Charlestown Planning Board for many years.

During his later years, Ken maintained a welding business from home and would do jobs for a few bucks, a shared beer and friendly conversation. Later still, with an urge to travel, worked as a Pilot Car Driver for Fred Poison, Charlestown, NH, CSI of Claremont, NH, and Phil House, Unity, NH.

Retirement came reluctantly, which for him only meant doing slightly less. When he did sit still, Ken greatly enjoyed keeping up to date on the news and politics, watching professional wrestling on TV and sitting on his front porch waving at passerby's.

He leaves behind an amazing wife, two devoted daughters and 6 loving grandchildren, all of whom were shaped and molded by his example.

Kennith is predeceased by his parents, Don and Bertha Champney (Pitkin), brothers; Donald J. Champney and wife Arline, Robert Champney and wife Laura, Freemond Champney and wife Eleanor; and sisters; Dorothy Champney (Jones), Doris Champney, Katherine Champney (Starks) and husband Bill.

Surviving family includes wife Betty J. Champney (Holden); daughters; Denise Partridge (Champney) and Lori Wike (Champney) and husband Doug; grandchildren; Cameron Champney, Tyler Champney and wife Amanda (Bengston), Aramis Manley and partner Kendra Keller, Ifoma G. Rothblatt (Elesi) and husband Eli, Chukwuka O. Elesi, Chinyelu B.Elesi; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friend Jaxie MacGregor "adopted granddaughter."