White River Junction, VT- John R. Pelkey, 71, died Monday, September 7, 2015 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH following a long illness.

He was born December 22, 1943 in Proctorsville, VT the son of Clarence and Lois (Hyland) Pelkey. He attended Hartford and Lebanon schools before going to work as a short order cook. He worked for many years as a painter with Monmaney Master Painters. He spent several years in California working as a truck driver later returning to the Upper Valley following an injury. He was married to Ila-Lynn (Regione) Colburn on June 6, 1998.

He was a proud member of the National Guard and was activated during the Cuban Missile Crises. He was a member of the American Legion Post 26 in White River Junction and former commander of the post for two consecutive years. John loved golf and in the past few years he settled for the computer version. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, he also enjoyed cooking and playing card games. He loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

John is predeceased by two brothers Edward and James Pelkey.

He is survived by his wife Ila-Lynn of White River Junction; three sons John Pelkey Jr of Enfield, NH and Jamie Pelkey and Devin Stevens both of White River Junction; two daughters Christina of MD and Kelly "Princess" Boutin of Lebanon; nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren a brother William Pelkey and three sisters Myrna LaCroix and Gail Emery all of White River Junction and Barbara Spurr of Ludlow, VT; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A visiting hour will be held Friday, September 11 at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction from 6-7PM immediately followed by a funeral service at 7PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to: the American Lung Association, 372 Hurricane Lane Suite 101, Williston, VT 05495 lungne.org or Visiting Nurse and Hospice for VT and NH
P.O. Box 976, White River Junction, VT 05001-0976 www.vnhcare.org