Michael Anthony Duprey

Michael Anthony Duprey, age 68, died peacefully at home with his loving wife at his side, on September 4, 2021 after a recent heart complication. Mike had a big, loving heart, and filled it daily with friends and family. He leaves behind his much-loved bride of 29 years, Cary Hobson Duprey, of Campton. Mike was born September 14, 1952 in Nashua to Peter and Jeanette Duprey, and graduated from Nashua High School. Time with family and friends was special to Mike, especially his weekends and vacations spent with them in Maine. He cherished his nieces and nephews, introducing them to the New Hampshire attractions, watching holiday movies, celebrating birthdays, graduations, and weddings. He loved watching them grow up and was proud of their families and their many accomplishments. A longtime fan of railroads, especially Amtrack, Mike volunteered as a host on the Downeaster. He was on the board of Operation Lifesaver, which promotes safety at railroad crossings, and was a former board member of the Flying Yankee Restoration Committee. Mike started his work career with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation at a tollbooth on the Everett Turnpike. Mike had one overriding ambition; he wanted to live in the White Mountains and be paid to travel. His dream became a reality when in 1978 he moved to the White Mountain region to begin a career of public relations for the White Mountains Attractions Association. He became known in the industry as "White Mountain Mikey." His gregariousness and love for New Hampshire made him stand out. Wherever he went, he drove the WMAA's white van, with the logos of 17 attractions and the bird-eye view of the White Mountains on the side. Mike had a gift for making friends and could talk to anyone. His sincerity and charm when telling the story of NH made Mike a resource of immeasurable value as NH's goodwill ambassador. He was as comfortable speaking with Governors and television personalities as with people he met on the street. For forty years, Mike introduced new visitors to the mountains. He organized the annual White Mountains Familiarization tour which brought workers from information centers, Chambers of Commerce and AAA offices on four-day tours of the region and its biggest attractions. In 1984, Mike met his future bride, Cary Hobson, on one of those tours. She was the love of his life, and throughout their marriage he lovingly referred to her as "his bride." He also guided travel writers and visiting television crews around the area - many from overseas and promoted the region at many travel shows each year - using his fluent Canadian French at interviews and shows in Canada. He was a fixture at the Eastern States Exhibition (The Big E) every year since 1978 where as many as 100,000 people a day passed by the information booth to discuss New Hampshire, and pick up tourist maps and brochures. Mike was proud to represent the White Mountains at the New Hampshire Folklife Festival in Washington DC along with other notable people from the State, and he annually attended Experience New Hampshire in Washington DC, arriving with a truckload of New Hampshire-made products and the State's full-size stuffed moose named "Max", which he managed to guide through the passageways of Congress, with much fanfare and attention. With his passing, the tourism industry in New Hampshire has lost an icon. Mike was pre-deceased by his parents. Besides his wife, Cary, he leaves behind his sister Louise Hayes and husband Kevin; brothers Robert Duprey and partner Jill Doucette; Richard Duprey and wife Sherri, his sisters-in-law, Karen Hobson; Cris Hobson Tierney and husband Kevin, his niece Katy Schneider and husband Dan along with their daughters' Karly and Olivia; and nephews Tommy Hayes; Phil Tierney and wife Kayla and daughter Chloe; Eric Tierney, Laura Duprey and Joey Duprey. There are too many friends making it impossible to be counted. On behalf of the family, we would like to thank the wonderful caregivers from Pemi-Baker Community Health. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock or to David's House in Lebanon, NH. A celebration of Mike's life will be held on September 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Clark's Trading Post's outdoor pavilion in Lincoln, NH. Commemorations will begin at 1:30 p.m. There will be a private family burial on September 23 at 12 noon at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville, Maine.

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Michael Anthony Duprey

September 14, 1952 - September 4, 2021