Ronald DESCHENES

SOMERSWORTH — Ronald (Lefty) Deschenes, 65, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2005, at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Dover, surrounded by his loving family.He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He "Let go and let God" after 16 years of showing strength and courage for living.He was born in Somersworth on Oct. 3, 1940, and was the son of Ovila and Antoinette (Gagnon) Deschenes. He was raised in Somersworth attending St. Martin Academy in Somersworth High School and college at St. Hyacinth's in Quebec with his brothers.Upon his return from Canada, he was employed as a foreman with General Electric in Somersworth and had been employed with the company for more than 30 years.He was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church and before his illness, had been a member of the parish folk group.He enjoyed baseball, hockey, golf and football. He coached his daughters' softball team and enjoyed being a loyal Red Sox and Patriot fan.He had a fantastic memory for details and all the events in his life. He will be remembered for his positive outlook in life and the special way he brightened everyone's day with his humor.He will be missed dearly by his loving wife, Judy (Veno) Deschenes of Somersworth; daughters, Rhonda Knapp of Rochester, Robin Burkhead of Suffolk, Va., and Roxann Drouin of Somersworth. Other family members include his mother, Antoinette (Gagnon) Deschenes of Somersworth; his brothers, Martin Deschenes of Nashville, Tenn., Roger Deschenes of Sacramento, Calif., Valmore Deschenes of Somersworth and Clement Deschenes of Manchester. He also leaves his sister, Beatrice Lizotte of Somersworth and his grandchildren, Peter, Jodi, Cassandra Knapp, Tara Ball, Ryan Drouin and great-grandson, Cole Knapp; also many cousins, nieces, nephews and aunts and uncles.His father, Ovila Deschenes, who died in 2001, predeceased him.Calling hours at Bernier Funeral Home, 49 South St., Somersworth, N.H. will be on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday at noon in St. Martin Catholic Church, with the Rev. Aaron Pfaff, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be at a later date in the Mt. Calvary Columbarium, Somersworth. Memorial contributions may bemade in his name to either, St. Martin Catholic Church or to the American Cancer Society. Folders are available at the funeral home.To view and sign the online guestbook in Lefty's name, please visit www.bernierfuneralhome.com