Despres & Associates founder, community leader

Jaffrey, New Hampshire — Ronald Norman Despres, 67, died at home on June 16, 2009, after a lengthy battle with brain cancer.

Mr. Despres was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Christmas Day, 1941, the second eldest of Yvette (Jean) and Raymond Despres’ eight sons.  He spent most of his growing up years on a farm in Nashua.

He graduated from Nashua High School in 1960 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He served as a crew member flying P5Ms off the coast of San Diego, California, and completed a tour of duty in the Philippine Islands.  He took great pride in his military service.

In 1962, he married Shirley LaSalle, his high school sweetheart.

Most noted for his experience and impact on the local real estate industry, he began his career at Don McBride REALTORS® in Brea, California, in 1973.  He quickly became a top producer for that office and was named “Rookie of the Year” in his first year in the business.

By 1976, he and his family had relocated to New Hampshire, where he established his own real estate office, Ron Despres REALTORS®, on Main Street in Jaffrey.  As the business grew, the name changed to Despres & Associates, Inc., with an office he built on Peterborough Street in Jaffrey, and at the height of expansion, a three-office enterprise with locations not only in Jaffrey but also in Peterborough and Bennington as well.

Ron was named REALTOR® of the Year in 1980 by the Contoocook Valley Board of REALTORS® and was a former president of the organization.  His business continues in Jaffrey to this day, under the direction of his wife and son.

Ron was also a leader in the community.  A longtime member of the Jaffrey Lions Club, he was a past president.  Not only a founding member of the Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce, he also served in various capacities including treasurer, director, vice president, and three terms as president.  He was an instrumental organizer who worked tirelessly for the many events and fundraisers for the Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce, most notably the Festival of Fireworks, and the golf tournament that now bears his name.  He delivered for Meals on Wheels and was most recently serving as treasurer.  He also served in the Color Guard for the Jaffrey VFW.

He enjoyed adventures, the outdoors, and became an avid golfer and fitness enthusiast in his later years.

In addition to his wife of 46 years, he is survived by two daughters, Barbara and her husband Ronald Pedersen of Jaffrey; Deborah Despres and her husband Jeff Hadad of Peterborough; his son, Matthew and his wife Tracy of Rindge; six brothers, Raymond and his wife Penny of Marlow; Daniel and his friend Jeff Sweat of Houston, Texas; John and his wife Renee of Londonderry; Edward and his wife Deborah of Peterborough; Dennis and his wife Patricia of Larkspur, Colorado; Michael and his wife Deborah of Jaffrey; his sister-in-law Alice Despres of Milford, widow of his brother Thomas who died in 2002. He also leaves four grandchildren, Tim and Kelsey Pedersen of Jaffrey, and Bailey and Regan Despres of Rindge; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to Meals on Wheels, c/o Sally Soney, 63 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452 or Home Health Care and Hospice Services, 312 Marlborough Street, Keene, NH 03431.