Donald R. Avery

Donald R. Avery, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 18, 2016.

Don was born in Greenfield on February 11, 1934 the son of Clifford W. and Eleanor (Booker) Avery. He was a graduate of Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls, class of 1952 and a graduate of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, class of 1956 where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting.

Don met his future wife June Goodnow, while the two were students at Arms Academy and on November 17, 1956 they were married and together for over 59 years.

Don was a poultry farmer on the family farm, CT Avery and Son Poultry Farm and Hatchery for more than 30 years. He was later employed by the Lamson & Goodnow Cutlery in Buckland for a short time.

He served as Treasurer of the North River Cemetery Association in Colrain for 30 years.

Don enjoyed watching his daughters and grandchildren play sports. He and June were avid bowlers for over 30 years. After retirement, they spent many years attending Red Sox spring training in Florida.

Survivors beside his wife include three daughters; Barbara Ouellette and husband Robert of South Deerfield, Karen Hixson of Kernersville, NC, Susan Mathisen and husband Paul of Acton, MA, grandchildren; Kristin and Alyssa Ouellette, Avery Hixson, Kara and Connor Mathisen, a brother Kenneth Avery of Colrain, nieces and nephews.

Don was predeceased by sisters Bernice Avery and Mary E. Jakeman.

Calling hours will be Monday evening from 6 to 8 pm at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls.

A funeral service will take place Tuesday, August 23 at 11:00 am at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be sent to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org

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