Gary Wayne Rokes

Gary W. Rokes, 71, of Winchester, NH, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on June 13th, 2025, following a brief illness. Gary was born on September 2, 1953, the son of George “Bud” Rokes Jr. and Arlene Barrett. Following high school, Gary worked as a logger for Roger Starkey, Mike Honkala, and later for Beaman Lumber. In 1979, Gary started Gary’s Power Equipment, which he owned and operated for 46 years until his passing. Gary served the town as a part-time police officer in the mid-to-late 1970s and spent time as a budget committee member for the town of Winchester. Gary was a very generous man and passionate about donating to local charities and the Winchester community. In his spare time, Gary loved caring for his property on Forest Lake Road where he had built a barn and raised beef cows. Gary enjoyed spending time in his small, private camping area, which he built on his property. He loved sitting around a campfire, cooking outside, with his partner Lynn, family, and friends. In recent years, Gary and Lynn spent several months a year at their home in Florida during the winter. Gary is survived by his partner, Lynn Carpenter of Winchester, his son James Rokes Sr. of Winchester, daughter Lori Emery of North Conway, NH, grandson, James (Sarah) Rokes Jr. and their son Carter of Winchester, NH, granddaughter MacKenzie Rokes (Joseph Walsh) of Keene, NH. sisters Kathy (Carl) Collier of Zephyr Hills, Florida and Julie (Marc) Richard of Winchester, NH, Jenn (Justin) Lyman of Richmond, NH, and his brothers David (Laura) Blake of Keene, NH and Troy Rokes of Winchester, NH. He is also survived by an aunt, uncles, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased in death by his parents George “Bud” Rokes Jr. and Arlene Barrett. Calling hours will be held at Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave., Keene, NH, on Friday, June 27th from 4-8 pm. A burial will follow on Saturday, June 28th at 12 o’clock at the family plot at Evergreen Cemetery in Winchester, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following: the United Church of Winchester, The Winchester VFW Post 3968 Auxiliary, or Evergreen Cemetery in Winchester, NH. Under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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Gary Wayne Rokes

September 2, 1953 - June 13, 2025