Wells River, VT – Donald "Don" "Pops" R. Waterman, 75, passed away at home in the loving presence of his family on Saturday May 11, 2024. He was welcomed into the world by his parents, Leona (Brousseau) and Asa Waterman, on May 24, 1948, in Attleboro, MA.

Don had a busy childhood with four brothers:  Asa, Robert, Earl and Bruce.  Don was influenced at an early age by his church's outreach missions including UNICEF and Heifer International, which fosters growth of animal agriculture throughout the world. In 1961, Don's parents moved their family to Woodsville, NH. Don graduated from Woodsville High School in 1966.  After high school he attended the University of New Hampshire and was active in the fraternity Phi Kappa Theta.  He received his BS from UNH in 1970.  In 1973, Don moved to Texas where his older brother lived.  Don worked at Sears in the hardware department.  Following his father's passing, Don returned to Woodsville to be closer to his daughters and to restore the farm with his younger brother. He met Judi Partridge Bouffard in 1982 at the WRCC Women's Fellowship Bazaar and this was when love found him.  On July 2, 1983, they were married and blended their families.  In 1992, Don stopped farming and had a few different jobs including; subbing at BMU, bus driver, real estate salesman, department manager at John Deere, property manager of NCMC and accounts manager at CRN.   In March 2002, Don joined the WRSB as a loan originator and concluded his tenure in May 2015.

During his lifetime, Don was a man of faith and civic duty who loved his family and spending time outside. He enjoyed hiking and accomplished quite a feat when he hiked all forty-eight 4000 footers in NH with his daughter Leslie.  At times, Don was joined by other family and friends.  Don organized several overnight hiking trips for family and friends, a memorable experience for all!  Don was actively involved in his community, serving as a Wells River Village Trustee, Newbury Selectman, WRCC treasurer and trustee, president and treasurer of the Wells River Rotary, and WRAP president and treasurer.  He helped establish 302 Cares Drug Eradication Program and served as a liaison between 302 Cares and Haverhill Drug Eradication Program.  Don loved spending time in his garden.  He was easily recognizable on his walks through Wells River and Woodsville thanks to his red McDonalds hat.  Don could be seen as Uncle Sam on the 4th of July parades and Santa Claus at the WRSB.  He was very proud of his children and grandchildren, all of whom loved their "Pops" fiercely in return.

Donald was predeceased by his parents:  Asa Waterman on October 24, 1981, and Leona "Lee" Waterman on June 1, 2017; and a brother, Earl Waterman on April 11, 2018.

Don's memory will be cherished by his wife of over 40 years, Judi Waterman; his daughter Dana Seeley and husband Keith; his daughter Leslie Waterman and partner Joe Williams; and his son Jon Bouffard and wife Liz Paterson; 10 grandchildren, Runa, Lee and wife Michelle, Bri, Andrew, Dan, Joslin, Michael, Shea, Collin and Owen; his brothers, Asa Waterman Jr,  and wife Pat, Robert "Bob" Waterman and wife Linda, Bruce Waterman and partner Dara Myers; his nieces and nephews, Kristy, Asa III, Roger, Lance, Daniel, Craig, Jeremy, Adrian, Olivia, Taylor and Shelby; several great nieces and nephews; brother and sister in-laws; several cousins; and many friends.

Donations in Don's name can be made to the Baldwin Library, PO Box 337, Wells River, VT 05081.

There will be calling hours for Don on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 5 – 7 PM at Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. His Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 11 AM at the Wells River Congregational Church with Pastor James Merriam. A private committal will follow at the Wells River Cemetery.