Monroe , NH – William Desmond Bunnell, 94, died Sunday, March 24, 2019, at Littleton Regional Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born in Canaan, VT, May 31, 1924, the son of Edgar and Mildred (Rowell) Bunnell, Jr.  He attended school in Canaan, Guildhall, Bloomfield, Lunenburg, and Concord, VT.  Bill entered the Army in 1943 serving in World War II in the medical corps in the Phillipines and was honorably discharged in 1946.  Upon his return to the States, he began a long and successful career as a log trucking operator.  He was especially proud to haul a "good looking" load of wood on his "Wild Bill" truck.

Bill married Ramona M. Noyes of St. Johnsbury on July 10, 1948.  They moved to Monroe in 1966 from Passumpsic, VT where they owned a farm.  He served three years as a selectman for the Town of Monroe, and was also a member of the Moose Club and VFW of St. Johnsbury.  His hobbies included work, work, playing horseshoes, and more work.  Bill loved going to camp in Passumpsic, spending time with his family at Christmas gatherings, Easter brunch, corn roasts, camp workday, and Thanksgiving at camp.

Bill was the host of the Jake's Event for the past 22 years.  It is an event that has been recognized throughout New England and nationally for promoting outdoor activity for youth.

On July 24, 2018, he was presented the Boston Post Cane as the oldest Monroe resident.  Bill will be fondly remembered for his generosity to family and friends.

He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Chuck Guibord; his siblings, Melba Donaghy, Joy Fellows, Maude Gracie, Charity Rutledge, Linwood Bunnell, Sherwood Bunnell, Lyman Bunnell, Sheldon Bunnell, Kenneth Bunnell, and Shirley "Boob" Bunnell.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Ramona "Mona" (Noyes) Bunnell; five children, Rocky W. Bunnell and wife Gail, Sharon L. Clark and husband Don, Cindy L. Guibord, Randy L. Bunnell and wife Linda, and Ricky A. Bunnell; seven grandchildren, Heath Bunnell and wife Trish, Trevor Bunnell and wife Megan, Owen Clark, Tucker Clark and wife Theresa, Justin Guibord and fiancé Jennie, Tori Morse and husband Eric, and Randilee Raynor and husband Jon; eighteen great grandchildren, Peyton, Kendal, Bailey, Tayler, Sofi, Zoe, Mya, Lexi, Bella, Lyza, William, Ryker, Huxley, Everett, Desmond, Carter, Grant, and Cole; a sister, June Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill's family would like to offer thanks and acknowledgment to North Country Home Health and Hospice, with special thanks to Anita, the staff at Littleton Regional Hospital, and to Dean and Marion Sweatt.

There will be no calling hours.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Sunday, March 31st, from 2 to 4 PM at the Monroe Town Hall.

A graveside service will be on Saturday, June 8, at 11 AM, in the Monroe Village Cemetery with Melissa Gould, as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Country Long Spurs for NWTF Jake's Event, c/o Gail Bunnell, Treasurer, 523 Littleton Road, Monroe, NH 03771.