Air Force veteran and state pole vault champion who loved the outdoors
NORTH CONWAY, N.H. — Richard M. Grout (Dick) of North Conway, N.H., died on January 26, 2024 at the age of 75 after a long illness.
Dick was born on March 3, 1948 in Melrose and was the first son to Merle (Kelsey) and Kenneth Grout.
Growing up in Greenwood in a home built by the family, he enjoyed the fun of imagination and adventure along with his sister and brother exploring the wooded area around his home. While attending Wakefield High School in Wakefield, he achieved phenomenal success in athletics. Loved the indoor/outdoor track team. His crowning achievement was winning the Massachusetts All-State Pole Vault championship in 1966. His record held for many years.
He loved music and participated in high school choir and played the guitar. An avid fisherman, he and his Dad spent many hours together in this activity. Over the years of enjoying the outdoors, he developed an interest in Entomology and had quite a collection of butterflies.
He served his country as a jet aircraft mechanic at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, serving six years, and was honorably discharged in 1972 with the rank of Sergeant. During his enlistment and many years thereafter, Richard took great pride in and joy riding his motorcycle. He was employed by his family’s company, Tender Corporation, of Littleton, N.H., the makers of Afterbite, a topical insect bite treatment.
He was predeceased by his mother, Merle F. (Kelsey) Grout and his father, Kenneth M. Grout of Littleton, N.H. He is survived by his brother, Edward (Ted) H. Grout and his spouse, Lois (Rothney) Grout of Campton, N.H.; his sister, Sharon (Grout) Bush and her spouse, C. Boyd Bush of Franconia, N.H.; his niece, Kylie (Grout) Phillips, his nephews, Michael Jason Bush and David Martin Bush and his spouse, Ida Weygandt-Bush as well as grand nephews Ethan Gauld and Otto Bush and grand nieces Sabella Phillips and Greta Bush.
Calling hours and Committal Services will be held at the Furber and White Funeral Home, 2925 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, N.H. on Monday, March 18, 2024 from 4–6 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Northern Human Services by going online to Northern Human Services, in search enter “Support NHS” and click “Network for Good.”
