Rodney 'Gerb' Aldrich 71, of Pike, NH passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Cottage Hospital with his daughter by his side.

Born on November 4, 1952, to Eden and Paulina Aldrich (Hanks), the middle child of seven boys. Gerb grew up farming, participating in 4-H, cross country, and being a class clown. He graduated from Woodsville High School in 1970. He then attended UNH Agriculture School for a semester but quickly realized he should be teaching the classes from all the lessons he had learned through the "school of life".

He returned home from UNH where he worked as a truck driver hauling milk for Pete Thayer before starting his own milk hauling business, Mountain Milk.  He married Teresa Estes in August 1986 and together they started Chancey-Acres Farm in North Haverhill. In 1990 they welcomed their daughter Stacia.  After deciding to part ways with his own farm he worked for many friends, farming, and milking cows.  He also worked at the Grafton County Farm, as an employee, not a resident. He would often joke.

Gerb lived a full life with few regrets.  He was a fun-loving hippy who traveled across the country a few times with friends.  He knew how to have a good time and make everyone laugh, but also knew the importance of working hard and paving your own way.

He was an avid reader, philosopher, and man of thought, often writing down his thoughts or quotes that resonated with him.  He enjoyed attending car shows, 4-H shows, watching NASCAR, driving around in his newly restored '58 Corvette, and often stopping to see friends to discuss matters of farming and dairy life.

One of the most important things to Gerb was friendship. He knew the value of true friendship, and everyone around him felt it. He would give a stranger the shirt off his back, without question. If asked why he did it, he would say "Clearly they needed it more". He looked for positives in every aspect of life even in the hard times. He was a firm believer that life was all about learning lessons, and you're never too old to learn.

Being a father gave him such joy, but becoming a grandfather was his greatest accomplishment.  To his daughter and grandsons, he was the epitome of love, wisdom, and unselfishness, which he showcased on a daily basis.

He is predeceased by his parents Eden and Paulina Aldrich; brothers William "Billy" and Everett Aldrich; along with several dear friends whom he considered brothers.

He is survived by his daughter Stacia (Aldrich) Page and her husband Jacob; grandsons Colin and Beckett Page; brothers Eden, John, Jim, and Dan Aldrich.  Along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom he cherished.

At Gerb's request, there will be no services.  A celebration of life will be planned for the spring at the North Haverhill Fairgrounds. Gerb would encourage everyone to not mourn his death but instead celebrate his memory. "To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure".