It is with deep sadness that we share news of the October 18 passing of society member and dedicated volunteer, Raymond Moffitt. Ray was a nice guy who also happened to be a top-notch carpenter and craftsman. When you once again have the opportunity to visit our restored one-room Green Schoolhouse, you will find Ray’s creative carpentry talents visible everywhere, from the installation of reproduction windows to the finely-crafted brackets that hold up our old Canterbury Station railroad sign. His skill and countless volunteer hours were key in the restoration effort.
Ray will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Our sympathies to Ray’s wife, Judy, their children, Pat, Susan, Roy, Ronnie, and Todd, and the extended family and friends.
https://www.legacy.com/…/norwichbulletin/obituary.aspx…
The Rev. Bob Blackard, our wonderful Vice President and friend, passed away suddenly on October 20. Bob was a resident of Brooklyn, not Canterbury, but according to his daughter Keri Danner, her dad loved being part of the Canterbury Historical Society. We surely loved him too and are fortunate that he decided to join our organization. Bob was a sterling volunteer for annual Old Home Day and many other activities and events. When it was tough to find someone to take on a task, he very often stepped up.
A few years ago, when a long-gone headstone for a 19th century Canterbury child showed up in Massachusetts, the society worked to help bring the stone back to the child’s family’s plot in Canterbury. When Bob officiated at a small ceremony to mark the stone’s return, there wasn’t a dry eye in attendance—he even made himself cry with his simple, eloquent remarks. Bob was a kind, reliable, upbeat man and friend, and we will miss him greatly. Our condolences to all his friends, and daughter Keri, son-in-law Seth, and grandchildren, Taylor, Ethan, and Kady Danner.
https://www.tillinghastfh.com/obituaries/Robert-D-Blackard?obId=18718997&fbclid=IwAR2CEcgOQ9fnL9R8ho-KvVPaVch_7ve1yvKHfBUhL5DoEtJLPc-iFKJPQ2I#/celebrationWall
