John Conde

John Conde, 69, of Northfield died suddenly Thursday while on his way to visit a woodlot in Springfield, NH. John grew up in Oneida, NY, the son of Albert and Doris (Randall) Conde. He graduated from Paul Smith's College and UNH with degrees in Forest Management, having decided he wanted to be a forester by age 12. John was the Merrimack County Extension Forester for 18 years before starting his own consultant forestry business, Bean Hill Forest Services, in 1988. He managed private landowner's forest lands throughout much of the state, many of them through 2 or 3 generations of landowners. His extensive knowledge of the natural resources of vast tracks of land was amazing. Often times a new landowner would call and after identifying the location, John was able to provide a history of the woodlot, where the boundaries were, where an old car was located on the lot, etc. He never forgot a woodlot! His priority was improving the condition of the woodlot for future growth of forest products, improving habitat for wildlife and protecting natural resources. John's integrity and firm handshake were the basis of his business and private relationships. He didn't waste words, but the few he used were usually from keen observation and to the point. He took great pride in maintaining his hay fields, making quality hay and maple syrup. He has passed on his opinionated knowledge to his sons, as well as mentoring young foresters and maple producers who will carry on his work. John is survived by his wife of 47 years, Eliza Hall Conde, his sons John(and Karena Angell), and Charlie, as well as his favorite granddaughter, Coralie, all of Salt Lake City UT, his sister, Carol Conde Miske of Raleigh, NC and nieces and nephews, Jenn, Jill, Greg, Gwen, Steve, Marshall, Parker and Fred. He was predeceased by his son Jim in 1997 and his parents. Friends are encouraged to stop in at the farm any time to visit. A gathering in memory of John will be held at 1:00 March 7 in and around his shed at the farm on Bean Hill Road. Pontifications and memories of John will be expected and warm attire would be advised. Paquette-Neun Funeral Home in Northfield is assisting his family. For an online guestbook, please visit www.neunfuneralhomes.com