John Harry Martin

John H. Martin, 64, of Meredith, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at Lahey Clinic, in Burlington, MA. Born on September 2, 1948, in Jamestown, RI, he was the son of the late John James and Vera (Piva) Martin. John attended the University of Rhode Island, in Kingston, RI. He started his banking career in 1973 as the Branch Manager of Lakeport Bank/ Indian Head Bank, in Gilford, NH, where he met his wife Lu-Ann. John was the founder and Executive Vice President of Belknap Bank & Trust, in Belmont, NH in the 1980's before becoming Executive Vice President of Village Bank & Trust, in Gilford, NH. When Village Bank & Trust merged with Laconia Savings Bank, John became Vice President in Business Banking & Commercial Loans. In total, John spent 27 years between Village Bank & Trust, Laconia Savings Bank, and Bank of New Hampshire, and over 40 years as a banker. Outside of work, John was an invaluable member of the community, as a part of the Jaycee's Club, Kiwanis Club and the Gilford Rotary Club. John also received many achievement awards for his service to the community. John's love of life showed everyday by his ear to ear smile and to all that knew him, John was nothing less than a beacon of positivity. John was taken away way too early from all that were lucky enough to have known him. He touched so many lives with his sparkling and energetic personally and was always there for everyone. Above all else, his family was his life and his life was spent taking care of his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and he was always focused on the family being together, whether taking long walks in the woods, working around the garden, tending to the animals, playing cards or just watching the Red Sox. John was the Master Griller on holidays, the happy-go-lucky farmer, and the life of every gathering he attended. There are truly no words that can express the loss of this amazing husband, father, brother, son in-law, father in-law, brother in-law, grandfather, friend and human being. John, you will never be forgotten. You will always be loved. John is survived by his inseparable and true soul mate of 39 years, LuAnn G. (Smith) Martin, of Meredith; four amazing children, sons, John E. Martin and wife Michelle, Brian S. Martin and his girlfriend, Heidi McCarter (and her children, Aryssa and Kendra McCarter), daughters, Jennifer G. Martin and future son-in-law, Ken Mavrogeorge, Amy Messinger and her husband Joshua; three grandchildren, Kaila, Hunter, and Ethan Martin; sister-in-law, Diane Smith, of NH; in-laws, Charlie and Esther Smith, of NH; two brothers, Bill Martin, of RI, and Raymond Martin and his wife Darlene Brown, of CA; nieces, Lindsey and Jennie Brown, both of CA; nephews, Jason Martin and wife Sarah, of RI, and Justin Martin and wife Christine, of PA; grand-niece, Isabelle, of RI; grand-nephew, Hudson Martin, of PA; aunt, Emeline Cabral, of RI; uncle, Ed Austin, of CA; numerous cousins from Rhode Island and North Carolina. A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, John's family asks that everyone spend quality time with their family as a special tribute to John. Donations may be made in his memory to: Northern Lakes Veterinary Hospital, Save an Animal Program, 83 Depot Street, Ashland, NH 03217 (603) 968-9710.

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John Harry Martin

September 2, 1948 - July 24, 2013