×

Kenneth Woodman ‘Woodie’ Spalding Jr.

Kenneth Woodman “Woodie” Spalding Jr. of Milford, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loved ones on December 18, 2021. He was 87.

Woodie was born on November 26, 1934, to Kenneth Woodman Spalding and Hildegarde Luce Spalding in Southbridge, Massachusetts. After graduating from New Hampton Preparatory School, he went on to study at Saint Lawrence University. Woodie also attended the Provost Marshal General’s School in preparation for his service in the Army.

Woodie met his wife, Audrey Ide, in 1956. They married August 10, 1957, and went on to have four children: Scott Woods Spalding, David Ide “Skip” Spalding, Kenneth Woodman “Chip” Spalding III, and Martha Spalding Sorenson.

He served in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged on December 23, 1963, as a First Lieutenant of the Military Police Corps. After his time in the military, he went on to work as the Regional Sales Manager for New England Homes. He held this position until his retirement, dedicating over fifty proud years to New England Homes.

For over fifty-five years, Woodie lived in Amherst, New Hampshire. An extremely active and devoted member of the community, Woodie served in the Amherst Memorial Day and Veteran’s

Day Color Guard, the Young Republicans Club, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the

Amherst Ways and Means Committee. He loved attending services at the Amherst

Congregational Church and skiing with the Amherst Ski Club. He also completed three terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, totaling six years in office. His passion for being a public servant was reflected in his love of collecting political pins.

Woodie cherished opportunities to travel, and commonly split his summers between Lake

Winnipesaukee and Cape Cod. With a special appreciation for these beautiful destinations, Woodie could always be found enjoying the outdoors: whether swimming, boating, fishing, golfing, gardening, or hiking. He had a particular fondness for animals, wooden boats (particularly the Kim, his 1934 Gar Wood), games of cribbage, and smuggling chocolates to his grandchildren.

Woodie joins his parents, Kenneth and Hildegarde, and his brothers, Samuel and Richard, in

Heaven. He is survived by many loving family members: his wife, Audrey; his four children, Scott (Anne Chandler) Spalding, Skip (Janet Skinner) Spalding, Chip (Elizabeth Leadbetter) Spalding, Martha (Rev. Andrew) Sorenson; and nine grandchildren.

Calling Hours will be held on January 5, 2022, from 4-6 p.m. at Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street Milford, New Hampshire. A church service will be held on January 6, 2022, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 10 Union Street, Milford, New Hampshire. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Congregational Church, Milford, New Hampshire. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.