Wilfred R. "bill" Betourne

Atkinson, NH: Wilfred R. "Bill" Betourne, 80, a former forty year resident of Plaistow, died Friday, September 20, 2013 in Newburyport, after a long illness.

Born in Belmont, NH, son of the late Arthur Betourne and Lena (Parent) (Betourne) Weeks, he graduated Belmont High School with the Class of 1951 and served as a Seaman in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Betourne received his degree in teaching from Plymouth State College. He also did graduate work at University of Massachusetts at Salem and Lowell and the University of New Hampshire.

Mr. Betourne began his teaching career at the Pollard School in Plaistow and later served as Principal of the Danville Elementary School for ten years and Sandown Elementary School for ten years until his retirement in 1988.

A life member and Past Commander of the Carl Davis Post of the American Legion, he was also a life member of the AmVets Post 147 of Haverhill and a member of the New Hampshire Education Association, and the New Hampshire Principal and Administrators Association. He was also a Past President of the Plaistow, Hampstead, Newton and Atkinson Teachers' Association.

A resident of Atkinson since 2000, Mr. Betourne was an avid Red Sox and Celtics fan, he enjoyed a fulfilling retirement of golfing, fishing, clam digging and oystering. He also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and spending time with his daughter and his many friends.

The husband of the late Madeleine L. (Hebert) Betourne, he is survived by his daughter Lynn M. Betourne of Las Vegas, and a brother Everett Weeks of Belmont, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, Francis, Arthur and Norman Betourne, and sisters, Leoni Kolinski, Lauretta Fallon, Flora Betourne, and Grace Smith.

Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St, Route 121 A, Plaistow. His funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 10a.m. in the funeral home followed by the rendering of Military Honors by the U.S. Navy. A private family burial will take place in Plaistow Cemetery. For directions to our home or to send a message of condolence to the family please visit www.brooksidechapelfh.com.