Acworth, NH 

Gordon H. Gowen of Acworth died Thursday evening, March 24, 2022 at the age of 95. He was born in Walpole on September 29, 1926, the 3^rd child of Harry B & Abbie (Hutchinson) Gowen. He attended school in both Acworth and Alstead, graduating from Vilas High School in 1944.  Following his service in World War II, he graduated from Cornell University in 1952. Gordon married Elizabeth (Geer) on August 22^nd, 1953, and together they raised their four children on their family farm.

Gordon proudly served his country in the Army during WWII, enlisting as the war was coming to a close and spent time in Japan as part of the peacekeeping post-war occupation.

Gordon was a leader in local and national agriculture for most of his life. After graduating from Cornell’s Ag School, he returned to his hometown to expand his father’s farm, transforming it into one of the most modern and progressive dairy and maple farms in the region at that time. Gordon was involved in numerous agricultural organizations over many decades, and he proudly served as President of the NH State Farm Bureau for many years, as well as the Chairman/President of the North American Maple Council, overseeing all of the maple producers in both the USA and Canada. He and his wife Betty were fortunate to have been able to travel all over the world as worthy ambassadors for all-things agriculture. He was on the National Board of Directors for Farm Family Insurance, and he was also a life-long member of the Grange. This is just a partial list of the many organizations that he was a part of during his long life and the many accomplishments that he achieved.

Gordon loved music, dancing, singing and sports, to mention just a few. He and Betty met dancing at the former Benson’s Barn Dance in Westminster West, and the rest is history, as they glided around the region’s dance halls for decades. He sang in Acapella groups in college and later in local quartets/men’s choruses. Gordon not only played baseball while at Cornell and Semi-Pro Baseball after returning home but also remained a force on the men’s softball fields of the area into his 70s. He also rarely missed watching his beloved Red Sox, as well as the Celtics and Patriots. Gordon loved to watch his kids and grandkids play sports and music! Most importantly, Gordon LOVED his family and friends. He was never happier when the house was filled with laughter and lots of activity. Tamarack Farm was always, and will always, remain a place where all are welcome.

Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Abbie, his sister Natalie (Hurley) and brother Dana, and Great Grandson, Baby C. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty/Liz, his children Gail (Tom) of Fort Myers FL, Tim (Christine), Karen (Debi) and Dean (Wendy) of Acworth. Also surviving are his 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Service for Gordon will be held Friday, April 1^st, 2022, 11:00 AM at the Church on the Hill in Acworth, NH followed by a burial at the Acworth Cemetery with Military Honors. Following the burial there will be an Open House from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Gowen’s His & Hers Farm (next door to Tamarack Farm). In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gordon’s memory may be made to the Acworth Veteran’s Memorial Park or Friends of the Acworth Meeting House.

Contact Information – Acworth Veteran’s Memorial Park
E-mail:        [email protected]
Phone:        (860) 338-3227 or (860) 601-2223
Mail:            P.O. Box 29 Acworth, NH 03601
Donations:  https://paypal.me/pools/c/81Yd8AveXX
Contact Information – Friends of the Acworth Meeting House
Mail: P.O. Box 2011, Acworth NH 03601

The family would especially like to thank the Veterans (VA) Hospital in White River Junction for their excellent care, compassion and thoughtfulness.