Harry Cowles Lord

Harry Cowles Lord, age 93 of New Hampton, passed away peacefully at Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia on January 5, 2021 after a brief illness.  He was born in Framingham, MA on April 1, 1927 the son of George W. and Frances Eugenia (Wood) Lord.

The main focus and pride of Harry's life was his time in the US Navy, which he entered near the end of WWII.  He enlisted early in February of 1945 at the age of 17, with 20 years of active duty followed by another 10 years fleet reserve status, until fully retiring in 1974 as a Chief Boatswain's Mate. His naval career took him around the world serving on a variety of ships, including the attack transport USS Drew (APA-162), aircraft carrier USS Tarawa (GV-40), destroyer escorts USS Huse (DE-145) and USS Formoe (DE-509), rescue and salvage USS Recovery (ARS-43), and technical research (i.e., electronic surveillance) USS Oxford (AG-159).  He achieved multiple decorations during his career including Good Conduct Medal (multiple), American Theater, Asiatic Pacific, WWII Victory medal, National Defense Service Medal, and China Service Medal.

After his Navy service, Harry applied his carpentry skills in everything from cabinetry building to restoring historic buildings. For a while he raised chinchillas, which were a delight to visiting young relatives. He also entertained them with corny jokes and magically pulled quarters from behind their ears.  Harry is remembered for always starting phone conversations with “This is the good Lord calling”.  Most of his post-Navy years were spent in New Hampshire, split between Richmond, Charlestown, Hill and finally New Hampton. For a change of pace, he spent a few years out west in Kalispell, Montana until the local politics drove him back to NH.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents George and Eugenia Lord and brother George Walker Lord, Jr.

Harry is survived by brother Kenneth Lord of FL, cousins Carol Eva of NH and Barbara Tewksbury of MA, and nephews Tim Lord, Gary Lord and Lee Lord of CT.  Harry is also survived by extended cousins, including Don (and Gayla) Eva, Debra (and Mark) Thompson, Dale Eva, Karen (and Jim) Roscoe, Peter Tewksbury, and Mark (and Amy) Tewksbury.

Like his father, burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harry’s name to the New Hampton Firefighters Association.