Newbury, VT Ralph Ivan Gilson, 79, of Snake Road, died December 7, 2012, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, NH. He was born in Newbury on April 23, 1933, a son of Herbert and Lizzie (Johnson) Gilson. Following high school, Ralph served his country as a member of the New Hampshire National Guard from January 1951 through September 17, 1951, then as a member of the US Navy from September 18, 1951 until his Honorable Discharge on September 30, 1955. He continued his service by enlisting in the US Air Force and serving from April 18, 1957 through April 18, 1961 when he was honorably discharged. Finally, he was with the Vermont National Guard from December 10, 1977 through December 10, 1978, and was again, honorably discharged. After his discharge, Ralph worked for various local companies as a plumbing and heating service repairman. Recently, he worked at the Four Corners Farm in Newbury as their handyman. Ralph was a member of the Newbury Congregational Church where he served as a Deacon and a member of the Board of Trustees. He was a life member of the Haverhill Memorial VFW Post # 5245 and of the American Legion Ross-Wood Post #20 of Woodsville, NH. He enjoyed stock car racing. Mostly, Ralph loved his wife, children and grandchildren and his dog, Leo. He was predeceased by several brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife Marlene (Pearson) Gilson of Newbury, to whom he was married on April 21, 1962; daughter Valerie Gilson Gowac of Middletown, CT; son Daniel J. Gilson and wife Barbara of North Pole, AK; three grandchildren, Jillian Gowac, Bruce Ruble, and Erik Reeder; a brother Carroll Gilson of Deep River, CT; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, December 11th from 4-5:30 PM at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH, with a Memorial Service to begin at 5:30 PM with Rev. David Pruitt of the Newbury Congregational Church, officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Oxbow Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America, 5716 Corsa Avenue, Suite 203, Westlake Village, CA 91362 or by going to www.mesorfa.org.