Bernard Marshall Van Knowe

Bernard "Bernie" Van Knowe, 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at his home, lovingly cared for by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ma. son of the late James Albert and Muriel (MacDonald) Van Knowe on October 11, 1936 where he spent his younger years until moving to Fairhaven, Ma.

Bernie returned to Danvers, Ma at the age of 20 where he started his plumbing and heating business that he owned and operated serving customers in Danvers and Salem, Ma. for 47 years.

Bernie's first passion was for the sea, his second was for automobiles. He loved his trucks!

Bernie was a member of the Bass Haven Yacht Club in Beverly, Ma, an avid scuba diver, sailor and boater. He was also an active member of the Pemi-Baker Valley Republican Committee, the RNC and the NRA.

He and his wife built a home on St. John in the US Virgin Islands where they wintered for 10 years. They enjoyed hiking, boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, working around their home and entertaining friends.

Bernie was a hard worker and a perfectionist. He always said "it's in the details"!
There was literally nothing Bernie could not accomplish from gardening, carpentry, electrical, restoring cars and boats, maintaining his own vehicles, even cooking. He had a great sense of humor and was a devoted friend.
Bernie was predeceased by his brother Donald, and sisters Muriel Reeley, and Harriet Powers.

Bernie was husband and best friend to his wife Elaine "Wink" (Tracy) for 15 years. He was a proud dad of his five children, Joni Jones and her husband Jeff of Newmarket, NH, James and his wife Ginette of Byfield, Ma, Judy McInnis of Ipswich, Ma, Jeffrey - who was also his business partner - and his wife Diane of Danvers, Ma, and Jennifer Mscisz of Danvers, Ma. He was step-father to Tracy Palmer and her husband Steve of Keene, NH and Barbara Hadacek and her husband John of Lakeville, MN, thirteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, brothers Albert Van Knowe of T5 R9 Township, Me, Ronald Van Knowe of Middleton, Ma, sisters Rosalie Marcotte and her husband Roger of Freetown, Ma, Bonnie Kobialka of Salem, Ma and Sally Giaimo and her husband Joe of Sussex, NJ, several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013, at Blair Cemetery in Campton, NH at 11 AM. The Rev. Peter Bolster, pastor of the Campton Baptist Church, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given in his name to the Pemi Baker Hospice, 101 Boulder Point, Plymouth, NH. 03264 or Exeter Hospital Cancer Care c/o Jane Peterson, 5 Alumni Drive, Exeter, NH 03833.

Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Plymouth and Meredith, are in charge of the services.

Due to construction on the Blair Covered Bridge, please use the following directions:
From I-93 North or South, take Exit 25, left at end of ramp, left at the top of the hill onto Route 175 North, go approximately 4 miles, turn left onto Blair Road (ignore detour signs) approximately 2/10 of a mile the cemetery is on the right.