Donald S. Banks

Donald Sutherland Banks SR, 87, of Cottage Road, died October 4,, 2009,at the Golden View Health Care Center, Meredith, NH.     Born in Winnipeg, Canada on March 25, 1922, he was the son of Donald and Margaret [Sutherland] Banks.     He grew up in the Chicago area and graduated from Tilden Technical High School, class of 1939.  He enrolled in Northwestern University.  During World War II, he went on to M.I.T. and earned his Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering.  He resided in Wellesley, MA for many years and has resided in Center Harbor since 1982.     In 1953, he went to work as a junior engineer for Raytheon Company's Missile Systems Division, in Waltham, MA.  Donald's work in anti-aircraft guidance systems and numerous sealed patents of various weapons systems, in his name, was a major part of the vision and the creation of the Patriot missile.  He retired after thirty-three years with Raytheon.      Donald was a HAM radio operator since he was sixteen years old; he loved to play golf and was a member of the Waukewan Golf Club, in Center Harbor.  He was also a member of the First Congregational Church on Meredith.  He held his private pilot's license and enjoyed flying in the Lakes Region area.       He was a US Navy World War II veteran.       He was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Villeneuve, who died in 2002.     Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley [Lynde] Banks of Center Harbor, sons, Donald Banks JR of Wellesley Hills, MA, Steven Banks of Brookline, NH, Douglas Banks of Bowling Green VA, Kenneth Banks of Hopkinton, MA, eleven grandchildren, 1 great grandson, nieces and nephews.Memorials:In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 10 Ferry St, Suite 427B, Concord, NH. 03301.  Service:     A memorial service will be held in the First Congregational Church of Meredith on Wednesday, October 14th, at 2pm.  The Rev. Russell Rowland, pastor, will officiate.