Bruce Thomas (Buddy) Rafter, 78, of Wilton, NH, passed away on July 27, 2011 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family. Mr. Rafter was born in Milford, NH on November 21, 1932, the son of Frances Thomas Rafter and Olive E. (Blood). He was a graduate of Milford High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1954 during the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Rafter worked in heavy construction in the New England area until his retirement in 1998. He was a loving father and husband who was known for his quiet demeanor and friendly nature. His interests were snowmobiling, trail making, motorcycling and swimming.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Shirley A. (Patten); 2 children, Debra (Rafter) and her husband Nico Tzouratzis, and Steven B. Rafter and his wife Patricia; 3 grandchildren, Brendan Face, Jaclyn Herlihy (Rafter), and Joshua Rafter; and 2 siblings, Arthur Rafter and Janice Adams.

Calling hours will be held Monday August 1st from 2-4 and 6-8. A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held Tuesday at 11am in the Michaud funeral home chapel followed by a committal ceremony at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.

The arrangements are in the care of the Michaud Funeral Home, 32 Maple St., Wilton, NH. To view an online obituary or leave a condolence, please visit our Web site, www.michaudfuneralhome.com.