Robert Avery Jasper

Robert Avery Jasper died in his 90th year on February 4, 2012 at home with his family by his side. He was born at Memorial Hospital in Nashua on June 25, 1922, a son of the late Grant and Bernice (Fall) Jasper. He was a true son of New Hampshire, a descendant of several founding families of the state.

A lifelong resident of Hudson, he was educated at the Number Nine School House and Kimball Webster School. He attended Nashua High School, Tilton Preparatory Academy and Cornell University, where he was a member of the Acacia Fraternity. He grew up on the family farm and started working full time with his father at Jasper Poultry Farms in 1942. He closed the farm in 1972 and pursued other business ventures on the property. At the time of his death, he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jasper Corporation.

He was a 65 year member of the Rising Sun Lodge #39 F & A. M., a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and Noble of the Bektash Temple. Bob was a charter member of the Hudson Chamber of Commerce, the Hudson Kiwanis and a life member of the Hudson Historical Society. He served for over 30 years on the Alvirne Board of Trustees and was a member of the Alvirne Agricultural Advisory Committee. He served on the Hudson Planning Board and the Hudson School Board, representing the Board on the Budget Committee. He was a former member of the Hudson Community Church and the Hudson Players. Outside the community, Bob was a long time member of the NH Poultry Growers Association, serving as president and treasurer, Director of the Hillsborough 4H Advisory Council and a Director of the NH Community Technical College.

Bob and his wife Reita wintered each year at their home in Englewood, Florida where he enjoyed golf, shuffleboard and the warm weather. They also enjoyed many excursions in their motor home, including a trip to Alaska in 1997 to celebrate his 75th birthday.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Reita (Newton) Jasper and their children; Representative Shawn Jasper and his wife, Laurie, of Hudson and Maria VanderWoude and her husband, William, of Loudon.

In addition, he leaves his children from his first marriage: Atty. Bruce Jasper and his wife, Ann, of Newport; Susan Wright and her husband Richard of Loudon; James Jasper and his wife Anne of Wilton; Gregg Jasper of San Francisco, CA. He is also survived by a sister, Nancy (Jasper) Rade and her husband Wallace of Santa Maria, CA, nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brother, Forrest Jasper, and sister, Dorothy (Jasper) Crockett.

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, there are no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the NH FFA (Future Farmers of America) Foundation, NH DAMF, P.O. Box 2042, Concord, NH 03302.