Kenneth “Red” W. Blish, 83, died after a courageous and dignified battle with cancer, in the comfort of his home with family around him, on Tuesday August 7, 2012.  He was born on September 8, 1928, in Claremont NH, to the late George Edward and Emeline (Chambers) Blish. 

Ken attended school in Claremont and Stevens High School.  He was married to Dolores (Hardy) Blish on December 31, 1955, and they began their journey together. 

Ken worked with Hardy Brother’s Builders for many years, being instrumental in building homes throughout Claremont, in the Bible Hill area and Maple Ave area, homes in Cornish NH, remodeling the former Power’s Country Store, and other homes in the Upper Valley.  Ken & Dodie took extreme pride in building six of their own homes. 

Later in his career as a builder he worked for Beaudry Construction in Charlestown, NH, from where he retired.  Each year after retirement he enjoyed the company of his fellow buddies from Beaudry Construction at the yearly Christmas party.  In retirement he enjoyed his craft of building items in his workshop, and helping his son-in-law on various projects.  His love of the outdoors, having done logging with his father and team of horses inspired him for a period of time to own his own riding horses. 

Living next to his daughter, he enjoyed his grandchildren growing up.  The family shared hours of laughter at family gatherings where Ken would elaborate on stories about his life.  Although he had no great-grandchildren he took joy in spoiling the four legged ones with much love and treats. His family and extended family and friends meant the world to him.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores (Hardy) Blish, daughter, Deborah Snelling and husband, Larry, granddaughter, Danyle Morse and husband, Jim, grandson, Abraham Snelling and fiancé, Lorena Clay. He is also survived by his sisters, Stella Granger of Newport NH, Beatrice Tebo of Claremont, NH, brothers, Robert Blish of Claremont and Clyde Blish of Iowa, along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded by his son, Robert W.L. Blish and siblings, Dorothy Blish (infant), June Lambet and George Blish.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday evening from 6-8 PM.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday morning, August 11^th at Ten O’clock in the morning at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH with Pastor Shinhyung Ahn and Pastor Priscilla Hull, co-officiating.

Interment will follow in Union Cemetery.   

Memorial donations can be made to:  Connecticut Valley Home Care & Hospice, 958 John Stark Highway, Newport NH, 03773, or the Sullivan County Humane Society, PO Box 111, Claremont, NH 03743, with the donation going to Dancing Hill Farm Horse Rescue, a forever home for horses, in Goshen, NH.