Grafton James Brown

Grafton (Hap) James Brown, 90, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on May 20th, 2015 from complications due to prostate cancer. He was born on July 6, 1924 and raised in Medford, MA by his late parents, Leon Frank and Winifred Brown. He leaves behind a loving wife, Evelyn, of 65 years, and four children Frank (Chris) Brown of Mont Vernon, NH, Cheryl (Sonny) Hazelton of Quincy, MA, Diane (Clay) Hillyer of South Windsor, CT, and William (Ry) Brown of Brattleboro, VT. He is also survived by six adored grandchildren, Jeffrey, Herbie, Jimmy, Clayton, Sam, and Brittany. He leaves his brother Graham Brown of Boston, MA. He was predeceased by five brothers Leon, Fred, Frank, Theodore, and Grant Brown, as well as his sister, Mary Carmo. After raising their family in Wakefield, MA, Hap and Evelyn retired to Temple, NH in 1986. They enjoyed many years of hosting family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Known to his grandchildren as Grampy, he hosted the annual wiffleball tournament, wild croquet games, and refereed many rambunctious family monopoly marathons and dart games. Family defined Hap. He was an outstanding husband, son, brother, uncle, father, and grandfather. His special bond with his brothers continued until his death. He put other family members before himself and was fiercely loyal to those he loved. He was a fixture at the Temple country store, always enjoying coffee and conversation with his friends. As a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, Hap took great pride in having served his country. In his younger years, he enjoyed family camping trips, mountain climbing, and boy scouts. He was an avid reader, enthusiastic gardener, and a collector of many things antique. Hap was a tough, rugged, enduring man until the end. The strength he displayed while under great duress was emblematic of the man we loved. It is no surprise to anyone who knew Hap that he retained his wry wit and sharp sense of humor to his final day. Dad was intimately involved with his children throughout his entire life. He was always there for them, and it is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye. Rest in peace Dad, we love you, and go with the flow! A private service will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or the Visiting Nurse Association of Peterborough.