The holidays are revered for so many things – turkeys and stuffing and pies, Christmas trees and carols and cookies, the solstice’s return of the light, the closing of one year, and the welcoming of a new one. The holidays are also associated with loss. It’s when we miss those who are no longer with us the most.

This time of mourning is tempered with memories, memories we gather and store, bringing them into the light just like the ornaments on the tree during this season of celebration and remembrance. When we hold on to our traditions, those who are no longer with us, are.

In this issue we commemorate the lives of many members of our community who we lost this year, sharing memories from those who knew and loved them, beginning with a tribute to Dan Meade. Many of you who have lived in Hampton only recently did not know the Dan Meade we knew – an extraordinary leader in so many organizations and offices of the town for so many years. But many of us remember him, and we remember him here.

Few people have served our community in as many capacities as Dan Meade. Recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2011, Dan was acknowledged for “his commitment to good governance, equal participation, education, resource protection, and maintaining a high quality of life for all residents”. This dedication to our town extended throughout his life and in every office he filled.

Dan brought many skills to a lot of tables when he moved to Hampton in 1978 with his wife Diane, the couple settling here to raise their daughters, Shannon and Jennifer. Born on February 14, 1945, Dan graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Masters of Science in hydro-geology, a hard earned degree. As Diane noted at his funeral, Dan not only pulled himself up by the boot straps, he made the straps and the boots.

After graduation, Dan embarked on a career with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Geological Survey. He was also adjunct faculty at the University of Connecticut, Eastern Connecticut State University, and Manchester Community College. His years as a soil scientist were incredibly valuable to our town in several ways, from assisting citizens in understanding the complexities of land management to guiding officials in public infrastructure and smart growth.

There were few boards, commissions, committees and organizations that didn’t benefit from Dan’s involvement. He served as a Selectman for several years. During his tenure on the Board of Selectmen, he participated in major projects such as writing permits for the establishment of the Transfer Station, converting the Consolidated School into Town Offices, and building three bridges to span the Little River. Though this was the only position he ever received compensation for, Dan always donated his Selectman’s salary to various organizations in town.

Dan served a six-year term on the Board of Education where he was involved in the building of the new elementary school. He was one of the original members of the Board of Finance, helping the fledgling agency align municipal needs with statutory requirements. Dan served on the Conservation Commission for decades where his expertise was particularly appreciated, and on the Recreation Commission, including the Grange Renovation Committee when the Town purchased the Little River Grange and successfully applied for grants to convert the building into its current use as a Community Center. Most recently Dan served as Chairman of the Hampton Emergency Management Department. He also served as Moderator at many Town meetings, always ensuring equity and calm.

Dan’s service wasn’t limited to municipal government. He served the Congregational Church for decades as a Deacon and on the Board of Trustees and Board of Auditors. For years, he helped halve, prepare, season and barbecue the chicken for the town on Memorial Day. An officer of the Windham Fish and Game Club, Dan was an avid bass fisherman and hunter, a skilled carpenter and car mechanic.

The year Dan earned the distinction of Citizen of the Year was when he completed his service as Chairman of the Garage Committee when the building was finished. Noted for consensus building and open communication, Dan worked with local officials, concerned neighbors, and area legislators to bring to fruition the construction project that three former committees over the course of 20 years were unsuccessful in attaining. Under Dan’s leadership, land was found, a grant was received, approvals were given by all permitting agencies, and taxpayers approved the purchase of the property and financing for the cost of the facility.

With a civic-mindedness that is a rarity in today’s world, it wasn’t lost on any of us that Dan died on the day of a municipal election.

The article that honored Dan as Citizen of the Year noted his attendance at all things Hampton – – game nights, historical lectures, theatrical performances and musical concerts, holiday gatherings, school sports, art exhibits. “That’s what makes Dan so special,” the article stated. “No matter what the cause or position or theme of the event or meeting, Dan participates because he is truly committed to and fond of us, the people here, whatever our views or interests or desires. For Dan, serving our community is a duty, but it is also a pleasure, and his example makes us all proud to be here.”