David Whitcher

David R. Whitcher, 74 of Strafford, NH and Fort Myers Beach, FL, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016. Born February 6, 1942 in Concord, NH, the son of Robert and Pennie (Waldron) Whitcher. A lifelong resident of Strafford NH, he graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1964 with a Bachelor's Degree in Geology, was a member of the TKE Fraternity and started David R. Whitcher Builders, Inc in 1967 currently known as Whitcher Builders. David spent his life as an active member of numerous boards and organizations within the community, including Strafford Planning Board, Zoning board, Volunteer Fire Department, Bow Lake Community Club, Bow Lake Camp Owners, Coe Brown Board of Trustees, The Antique and Classic Boat Society and Profile Auto League. Whether you were meeting him for the first time or had known him for decades his garage door was always open. Knowledgeable in countless areas, he would take on new interests and not stop until considered an expert. His passions included restoring antique automobiles, which were featured in the annual Memorial Day Parade held at Bow Lake, vintage wooden boats, Lionel trains and a historic knowledge of Strafford. Applying his knowledge to take what was old and overlooked, restoring it to pristine condition.   Over the years "Big Dave" mentored countless young adults in his crafts, working in his garage or at the company teaching them a multitude of undefined skills as well as useful and sometimes useless life lessons. He would most often challenge them to use logic to solve common problems.   Always the life of the party with a Jack Daniels sweet Manhattan in hand and a witty story to tell. Thanks to his time among us we have countless stories to remind us of his well lived life, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.   David is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Rebecca Ann "Becky" ( Lamper); his children, Cristi Lynn Hernandez her husband Roy, and his grandsons Roy and Robert of Stuart, FL and Michael David Whitcher and wife Marcy and grandchildren Kayla, Ryan and Jack of Strafford, NH; his brother, Mark Whitcher and wife Judith of Strafford, NH and their children Alison, Jason, and Kaitlin as well as his aunt Shirley (Whitcher) Sargent. Calling hours will be Friday, January 6th, from 1pm-4pm with a service at 4pm at RM Edgerly & Son Funeral Home 86 So. Main Street Rochester NH. With a celebration to follow immediately at the Rochester Elks 295 Columbus Ave Rochester NH. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Third Baptist Church ATTN: Food Pantry (David Whitcher), PO BOX 36, Center Strafford NH 03815 and Bow Lake Camp Owners (Whitcher Fund), PO BOX 227, Strafford , NH 03884.