Alton V. Ryder

Alton V. Ryder, 78, resident of Mont Vernon, NH died on April 29, 2013 at Bedford Hills in Bedford, NH, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Portland, Maine on December 15, 1934, the son of Ora A. and Adele (Owen) Ryder. He was raised in Barton, Vermont and graduated from Plainville, CT High School. His step-father Lelan Basford is remembered fondly for his guiding hand to Alton’s upbringing. Alton studied physics at Brown University, graduating in the Class of 1956. Alton made his home in Mont Vernon for the past 50 years. He was curious and engaged in many things. Work, community and hobbies were all embraced with gusto. He had been employed as an engineer for Sanders Associates and Digital Equipment Corporation for many years where he contributed to the safety of our nation and the birth of modern computing. He loved his community and worked tirelessly on various committees including as a cemetery trustee, supervisor of the check list, study committee for the library and transfer station and as a volunteer firefighter. For several years, he served as Director of the New Hampshire Cemetery Association. For many years he could be found Easter morning in the church kitchen making pancakes and enjoying the company of his close friends. Alton had hobbies �" many hobbies. A sample includes scout leader, radio-controlled model planes, bee keeping, and woodworking. He deeply enjoyed working with the land and animals. He kept horses, cow, pigs, poultry, and especially geese. He had a voracious appetite for learning new things, which was an inspiration to many of his friends and acquaintances. Family members include his wife of 55 years, Betty (Buschman) Ryder of Mont Vernon; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Peter Ryder and Kathleen Conk Ryder of New Boston, NH and Eric Ryder of Hillsborough, NH; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Stephen Hauser of Carlisle, MA; five grandchildren, Sarah Ryder, Ethan Ryder, Angus Godbout, Declan Godbout and Isaiah Hauser. There are no visiting hours. A graveside service will be held on May 25th at 11:00 AM in Green Lawn Cemetery, N. Main Street, Mont Vernon, NH to be followed by an informal gathering in the Round Room at the Mont Vernon Congregational Church. Donations in his memory may be made to St. Joseph Home and Hospice Care, 24 North River Road, Milford, NH 03055.