John Atwood Sr.

SCARBOROUGH — John H. Atwood, 92, of Fryeburg, died Friday, April 24, 2015, at Life Choice Hospice in Scarborough.

John was born in Dorchester, Mass., on April 26, 1923, to August S. and Elizabeth B. Atwood. He grew up in Wellesley Hills, Mass., and graduated from Kimball Union Academy in 1941. He entered UNH, leaving his sophomore year to join the 10th Mt. Division. John trained at Camp Hale and was then sent to officer candidate school, graduating as a second Lieutenant. His first assignment was to escort 350 mules and 250 cases of beer to Italy, where he joined the occupation forces. When the war ended, he was selected to join the U.S. Army ski team, which competed through Europe. John returned to UNH to study Hotel Administration and compete on the Ski and Track teams. He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity and the Outing Club, serving as President for two years. His most important accomplishment was his engagement to Esther Cole. They graduated together and were married on Oct. 23,1948.

He worked at Mount Sunapee Ski Area, the Exeter Inn, and then was manager of Severance Lodge on Lake Kezar in 1954. After 15 years at Severance Lodge, John changed careers and taught accounting at Fryeburg Academy for 14 years. He was Athletic Director for eight years and coached Girls Skiing and Boys and Girls golf. John was Teachers Association President and a class advisor.

During his 55 years in Fryeburg, John was a member of Kiwanis, and a member of the First Congregational Church, serving in many capacities. He and Esther were cofounders of the Fryeburg Junior Ski Program. John served as President of the Lake Kezar Country Club for eight years and as a trustee for thirty years. John was inducted into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame in 2010 and into the Fryeburg Academy Hall of Excellence in 2012.

Immediate family includes his wife Esther; daughter Nancy Mockler; sons John and Peter; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Life Choice Hospice and Holbrook for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Fryeburg Academy Athletic Dept.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.org