David Courtney

Haverhill – It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that, following a long and valiant struggle with diabetes, David M. Courtney, age 71, passed away, surrounded by the love of his family, on Wednesday November 28, 2018 at Hospice House in Haverhill.Born and raised in the “Acre” of Haverhill Mass, David continued to reside in the “Acre” and proudly raised his family on Primrose St.David was the son of the late Robert and Mary (Thompson) Courtney. David attended Haverhill High School and received his GED while in the service. David entered the US Navy and was stationed in Virginia and served on the USS Shenandoah (SP) during the Vietnam Conflict where he spent time in the Mediterranean, Naples, Italy. David received the “National Defense Service Medal. After finishing his active duty he remained in the Naval Reserve until 1972 when he was Honorably Discharged.He married his beloved wife on August 31, 1968 at St. James Church in Haverhill, while in the service and they just celebrated their “50” wedding anniversary.Upon returning to Haverhill he worked for the City of Haverhill Highway and Water Departments. In 1985 he started working for Brockway-Smith Company in Andover for 20 plus years.David was happiest being outdoors, enjoying duck &amp goose hunting during the fall with friends. He was an avid salt and freshwater fisherman both onshore and in his kayak. David earned bragging rights for a catch from his kayak where he caught a 49 ½” striper down at the Salisbury Beach Reservation. David grew up at the Reservation and continued to camp there. Once the snow fell, Dave’s love for the winter &amp snow brought him to Maine to snowmobile with his family and friend the late “Butch” Webster in the beautiful countryside. David also enjoyed ice fishing both locally and on his “annual ice fishing week” away with the guys.Animals were special to Dave and brought him much joy. David loved watching and feeding the birds and over the years had the dear companionship of his loving his cats, Snowball, Shadow and Cleo. David’s pride and joy was his grandson Gavin who is a senior at HHS. From the time he could stand, David would teach to Gavin a love and respect for nature. Their past time was to throw a line after school anytime they could. David will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of keeping his company.David leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Karen A. (Shurtleff) Courtney his daughter, Carrie Courtney and her Companion Matthew Woodman, and his “one and only” grandson and fishing partner Gavin Michael Flaherty his sister, Nancy Fontaine and her husband Randy nephew Ryan Fontaine and wife Lauren nephew Robert Clohecy and wife Paula and niece Kristen sister-in-law Gail Powell and niece Stacey brother-in law Brian Shurtleff and wife Donna and niece, Kayla and extended family members.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, December 2 from 2:00PM until 5:00PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Funeral services will begin on Monday morning in the funeral home at 10:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00AM at St. James Church, Primrose Street, Haverhill. The Courtney family would like to thank Whittier Rehab, Hannah Duston Rehab and High Pointe Hospice for the excellent care David received. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to COP Amputee Association, Inc., P.O. Box 304, Wenham, MA 01984 www.amputee-coalition.org/amputee-association or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 313 Washington St., Suite 310, Newton, MA 02458 www.stjude.org. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com