Jon Phillip Coutermarsh, “COOT” 63, died Friday, May 14, 2010 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center after a sudden illness with his son and daughter by his side.

He was born in Burlington, Vermont, on October 19, 1946 the son of George and Catherine (Winchell) Coutermarsh and had resided most of his life in the Claremont and Newport area.

Jon graduated from Windsor High School the class of 1964 and worked for more than forty years for Mill Brook Farm and Spring Brook Farm both in Reading, VT.

He last worked for American Brush in Claremont in the packaging and shipping department.

Jon was known for his hard work qualities and for “hoofin it” to work before sunrise. He was an amazing athlete and played softball and basketball in many leagues from Lebanon to Keene. Jon enjoyed the local race track and had a love for music. In his later years, Jon became an avid puzzle builder and would frame them for others to enjoy. He called it “puzzart”.

The family includes one son, Michael Coutermarsh and his wife Jaclyn of Newport; one daughter, Jennifer Barry and her husband Daniel of Claremont; three grandchildren, Logan Coutermarsh, Amber Barry and Aiden Barry; one sister, Judy Bryant and her husband Arthur of Perkinsville, VT; and his companion, Lena Allen.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon, May 19^th, at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont at 4PM with John Stewart, a family member officiating.

Visiting hours will be held from 3 to 4 PM prior to the funeral service.

Burial will be held privately.

Anyone who knew Jon is asked to attend.

A reception will follow at the Elk’s lodge on Pleasant Street.