Donald Edward Burgess, age 74, Canterbury, N.H. died tragically on Nov. 28, way before his time. Don was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt., the son of Ralph Staples Burgess and Evelyn Malina Cardinal. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School and attended Keene State College, graduating in June 1966 with a Bachelor of Education Degree. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather. Always helpful, and understanding, he was an easy person to talk to. Don had a way of guiding others in their decisions, without ever telling them what to do. His advice was sought by many who knew him, as he had extensive knowledge, and always knew how to "fix things." He was a vocational arts instructor for 31 years including 17 years at the Concord Regional Vocational Center at Concord High School, Concord, N.H., teaching automotive and building trades. During his employment at the Vocational Center, his automotive class went to the National Automotive Technology Trouble Shooting Competition twice. He also taught many continuing education classes including welding at Concord High School. He was known as a very caring and patient teacher and taught his students "how to do the job right." During the summers and after retirement from teaching, he designed and built many houses, including his own beautiful home in Canterbury. Under his company names of Burgess Builders, and 3 Oaks Building and Renovation, he built additions and decks, did finish and restorative carpentry, excavation work, septic designs and installations. He enjoyed working with his hands and was a master craftsman. Creating beautiful lanterns in wrought iron, or fine finished furniture for his home. He loved restoring antique lamps, breathing new life into each one. Don was an outdoorsman, loving to take care of his hayfields in St. Johnsbury, Vt., haying, tedding, raking and bailing hay every summer, and just sitting on "his hill," watching the deer and turkeys and enjoying the sunsets. Don enjoyed his many tractors, buying and restoring them, and using them on "the land." He thoroughly enjoyed gardening and was always saving seeds from vegetables and fruits so that he could plant them in the spring to try different methods of growing plants. Don loved to hike, bike, and travel, but he was also content to relax in front of the woodstove with his cat Yoda. He also enjoyed restoring antique cars, loved strumming on his guitars, was an avid reader and enjoyed watching the Patriots and the Red Sox. Don had a habit of naming all of his trucks and tractors, much to the delight of his family and friends. "Old Henry," "Mow Rake", and "Tedd Bail," just to name a few. He liked "wicked good" pies and often commented it "tastes like more." He was very witty, smart, had a great Yankee sense of humor, and loved hanging out with his buddies Walt Howell "Old Buck," Brian Kilrain, Hal Posselt and Conrad Holden, and many other good friends. Don touched many people in his caring, gentle manner, and he will be missed greatly, by all who knew him. He was predeceased by his parents, and his step-mother Katherine (Kay) Burgess. Don is survived by his loving wife Annette (Petrin) Burgess enjoying 24 years of marriage, brother Steven Burgess and wife Nancy, of Lyndonville, Vt., daughters Brenda Kenney and husband Peter, of Pittsburg, N.H., Barbara Forward and husband Thomas of Lyme, N.H.; stepchildren Robert Morrill and wife Kathleen; Karen Kelso and husband, David; grandchildren Samantha Kenney Maltais and husband Richard; Jaimee Kenney Cloud and husband Nevin; Zachary Kenney; Thomas Forward IV and wife Kaitlin; Amanda Forward; Megan Forward; Tyson Morrill; Taylor Morrill; great grandchildren Sawyer Maltais and Emily Cloud, mother-in-law, Hazel Petrin, nieces, nephew, step- brothers and step-sisters and their extended families. A Celebration of Life in honor of Don will be held at Alan's Restaurant in Boscawen, N.H., on Dec. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. We will be sharing special memories and stories beginning at 6 p.m. Don's family would like to thank all those who've offered their support, kind words, thoughts, and prayers. In memory of Don, please remember to live each day to the fullest, and enjoy the little things. Take nothing for granted. Remember to tell those you love how much they mean to you. And always ask for a second piece of pie.