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JOHN PEPPER Celebration of Life

Jackson Community Church: Saturday, Dec. 4 • 11am 


Video link for those unable to attend the service: https://youtu.be/q6l-mR8K7ZY

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For attendance at the Celebration of Life service: MASKING is required.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s name to the Friends of the Jackson Public Library, P.O. Box 276, Jackson, NH, 03846, http://Jacksonlibrary.orgJOHN PEPPER: After a long and active life, John Pepper aged 96 died at home in Jackson NH on November 10, 2021 surrounded by family. John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Alice Pepper and his daughter Sarah Isberg and husband Roger, and son Brian Pendleton and wife Darchelle Worley. He also leaves six grandchildren, Rowan, Bridget, Kirsten and Silas Gill and David and Daniel Pendleton, and a nephew, Rob Pepper and niece, Randy Pepper. He was predeceased in 2017 by his son, Eric Pendleton.
John was born May 8, 1925 in Newton MA to Benjamin Ward Pepper and Esther Harrod Pepper. After public schools in Newton, MA, he attended Phillips Exeter Academy where he acquired a love of learning and debate and developed friendships which would last throughout his lifetime. John was an active alumnus of PEA until his passing. He was a competitive swimmer at Exeter and later in college. He graduated in 1943 at the height of World War II, then joined the US Navy and received a Bachelor of Arts in Naval Science at Tufts University before deploying to Guam to guard supplies (including “acres and acres of beer”) for the invasion of Japan. After the Navy he earned a second degree at Tufts, then following in his father's footsteps began a career in the insurance industry. He worked briefly in New York City before returning to work in Boston, where he shared an apartment on Beacon Street with a group of friends. He bought a home in Marblehead MA in 1955 where he lived for the next three decades.
In 1967 John married Alice Pendleton, whom he met while skiing at Wildcat Mountain, and acquired a family which included Alice's three pre-teenage children, Brian, Sarah and Eric, and one large Collie named Ninette. John advanced through the ranks in the insurance industry, becoming chief operating officer of the Boston office of Frank B Hall, Inc until he retired in 1984.

After retirement John and Alice moved to Alice's family home in Jackson NH, though he and Alice continued to travel to Boston once a month to attend concerts of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, nurturing their shared love of classical music for more than 50 years. They maintained a busy schedule of skiing in the winter, sailing in the summer, gardening and community involvement. They were active members of the White Mountain Milers and the New England Ski Museum, where John was a director for many years. They competed on the Sise Cup masters ski racing circuit every winter.

John and Alice also enjoyed traveling to Europe for hiking, bicycling, and visiting gardens. John was known for his dedication to outdoor physical activity and his devotion to the people with whom he shared his passions.

He made lifelong friends at virtually every stage of his life, greeting them whether on the slopes of Wildcat or the coast of Maine with his trademark yodel "Hupdiddlyodeeyo-teeyodelliyodeliyo”. John was an early and beloved member of the White Mountain Ski Runners a.k.a. the "White Mules" ski club, and with them organized the first charter ski flight to Europe in 1954.

He instilled and encouraged a love for hiking and skiing in his children and grandchildren, together with Alice leading them up the summits of the New Hampshire 4000-footers and down the trails of Wildcat Mountain during their formative years. Recognizing a good deal when he saw one, John bought a lifetime pass to Wildcat when he was in his 30’s and skied on it for 50 years, completing approximately 12,000 top to bottom runs on the mountain during that time.
John was a member of the Eastern Yacht Club since 1957, and for several decades spent weeks every summer sailing down the coast of Maine on the "Keewaydin" with Alice, joined by friends, or children and grandchildren on occasion, visiting islands and gardens, swimming every morning rain or shine and buying dinner from passing lobster boats whenever possible. Inspired to take up running by a family friend, John ran three marathons and five half- marathons in his 50s and 60s then switched to bicycling for another 25 years. When he could no longer cycle he switched to walking and became a familiar sight to residents of the Black Mountain triangle and the Carter Notch Road.

Pragmatic that way, John was willing to exchange one activity for another as he grew older, taking up each one with his characteristic energy and enthusiasm. His favorite way to spend a winters day in his 80’s was to ski 8 nonstop runs at Wildcat, followed by an hour of cross-country skiing in Jackson, and then swimming laps in an outdoor heated pool at Attitash. He and Alice became avid golfers and continued to play into their 90’s. John was always liberal with his time and energy, supporting Alice in her various pursuits and faithfully nurturing children and grandchildren as they moved into adulthood. He was a caring, generous and wise head of his family for more than half a century and we will never forget him.

For attendance at the Celebration of Life service: MASKING is required.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s name to the Friends of the Jackson Public Library, P.O. Box 276, Jackson, NH, 03846, http://Jacksonlibrary.org

JOHN PEPPER: After a long and active life, John Pepper aged 96 died at home in Jackson NH on November 10, 2021 surrounded by family. John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Alice Pepper and his daughter Sarah Isberg and husband Roger, and son Brian Pendleton and wife Darchelle Worley. He also leaves six grandchildren, Rowan, Bridget, Kirsten and Silas Gill and David and Daniel Pendleton, and a nephew, Rob Pepper and niece, Randy Pepper. He was predeceased in 2017 by his son, Eric Pendleton.

John was born May 8, 1925 in Newton MA to Benjamin Ward Pepper and Esther Harrod Pepper. After public schools in Newton, MA, he attended Phillips Exeter Academy where he acquired a love of learning and debate and developed friendships which would last throughout his lifetime. John was an active alumnus of PEA until his passing. He was a competitive swimmer at Exeter and later in college. He graduated in 1943 at the height of World War II, then joined the US Navy and received a Bachelor of Arts in Naval Science at Tufts University before deploying to Guam to guard supplies (including “acres and acres of beer”) for the invasion of Japan. After the Navy he earned a second degree at Tufts, then following in his father's footsteps began a career in the insurance industry. He worked briefly in New York City before returning to work in Boston, where he shared an apartment on Beacon Street with a group of friends. He bought a home in Marblehead MA in 1955 where he lived for the next three decades.

In 1967 John married Alice Pendleton, whom he met while skiing at Wildcat Mountain, and acquired a family which included Alice's three pre-teenage children, Brian, Sarah and Eric, and one large Collie named Ninette. John advanced through the ranks in the insurance industry, becoming chief operating officer of the Boston office of Frank B Hall, Inc until he retired in 1984.

After retirement John and Alice moved to Alice's family home in Jackson NH, though he and Alice continued to travel to Boston once a month to attend concerts of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, nurturing their shared love of classical music for more than 50 years. They maintained a busy schedule of skiing in the winter, sailing in the summer, gardening and community involvement. They were active members of the White Mountain Milers and the New England Ski Museum, where John was a director for many years. They competed on the Sise Cup masters ski racing circuit every winter.

John and Alice also enjoyed traveling to Europe for hiking, bicycling, and visiting gardens. John was known for his dedication to outdoor physical activity and his devotion to the people with whom he shared his passions.

He made lifelong friends at virtually every stage of his life, greeting them whether on the slopes of Wildcat or the coast of Maine with his trademark yodel "Hupdiddlyodeeyo-teeyodelliyodeliyo”. John was an early and beloved member of the White Mountain Ski Runners a.k.a. the "White Mules" ski club, and with them organized the first charter ski flight to Europe in 1954.

He instilled and encouraged a love for hiking and skiing in his children and grandchildren, together with Alice leading them up the summits of the New Hampshire 4000-footers and down the trails of Wildcat Mountain during their formative years. Recognizing a good deal when he saw one, John bought a lifetime pass to Wildcat when he was in his 30’s and skied on it for 50 years, completing approximately 12,000 top to bottom runs on the mountain during that time.

John was a member of the Eastern Yacht Club since 1957, and for several decades spent weeks every summer sailing down the coast of Maine on the "Keewaydin" with Alice, joined by friends, or children and grandchildren on occasion, visiting islands and gardens, swimming every morning rain or shine and buying dinner from passing lobster boats whenever possible. Inspired to take up running by a family friend, John ran three marathons and five half- marathons in his 50s and 60s then switched to bicycling for another 25 years. When he could no longer cycle he switched to walking and became a familiar sight to residents of the Black Mountain triangle and the Carter Notch Road.

Pragmatic that way, John was willing to exchange one activity for another as he grew older, taking up each one with his characteristic energy and enthusiasm. His favorite way to spend a winters day in his 80’s was to ski 8 nonstop runs at Wildcat, followed by an hour of cross-country skiing in Jackson, and then swimming laps in an outdoor heated pool at Attitash. He and Alice became avid golfers and continued to play into their 90’s. John was always liberal with his time and energy, supporting Alice in her various pursuits and faithfully nurturing children and grandchildren as they moved into adulthood. He was a caring, generous and wise head of his family for more than half a century and we will never forget him.

Advent Daily Devotional: WEEK of HOPE – DAY 7 – Sat, Dec 4

Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord. — Psalm 31:24

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path. — Psalm 119:105

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The final day of its solo vigil, this candle sums up the week’s theme of hope. Alone it burns. Signals to you. Symbolizes everything you can imagine that hope might offer or promise. Dares to challenge its surroundings and add its small brightness to the world. Reminds you that your life, your heart, your mind, your choices, your voice, and your acts make an impact. — Rev Gail

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A lot of people have their big dreams and get knocked down and don’t have things go their way. And you never give up hope, and you really just hold on to it. Hard work and perseverance. You just keep getting up and getting up, and then you get that breakthrough. — Robert Kraft

In the right light, at the right time,
everything is extraordinary. – Aaron Rose

Advent Daily Devotional: WEEK of HOPE – DAY 6 – Fri, Dec 3

… hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem. — Psalm 130:7

O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me;
 let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
— Psalm 43:3

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By now, the Advent candle has melted down and lost some height, especially if it is used every day. Yet its flame flares and rises upright: one small beacon.

            ‘Grounded hope’ requires a sense of empowerment and agency. In response to whatever is happening in your life, you develop confidence that you can exert some control over whatever comes next. Hope includes this proactive, reality-based troubleshooting approach to the issues in life.

            Writing about resiliency for Option B, Kravetz observes,
‘We start by asking, “Given what’s happened to me, what am I going to do about it? How can I build a better life on top of it?” Then we set goals for ourselves and find sources of motivation to pursue those goals.’ Perhaps events occur that are beyond your control. Perhaps circumstances include situations that involve your own choices and actions.

            Scientist and change-maker Jane Goodall reflects, in her book Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey, “Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living things around us, especially each other.”
            What plans might you make in response to whatever requires change in your life? Break your strategy into small do-able steps. Pace yourself. Set up the opportunity to succeed incrementally as you implement your strategy.

            Look again at the candle. Focus on its capacity to change its surroundings and how it affects your perception of your world. Hope is achievable!  — Rev Gail

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They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy
in this world: someone to love, something to do,
and something to hope for. – Tom Bodett

There’s a sorrow and pain in everyone’s life, but every now and then there’s a ray of light that melts the loneliness in your heart and brings comfort like hot soup and a soft bed.
 – Hubert Selby, Jr.

Advent Daily Devotional: WEEK of HOPE – DAY 5 – Thurs, Dec 2

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. — Isaiah 40:31

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? — Psalm 27:1

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Watch the edge of the candle flame. It shifts. Changes color. Jumps and flickers. It seems to be alive.

            In your own body, your heart leaps. Your breath catches. You, too, are alive.

            Writer and researcher Lee Daniel Kravetz suggests that during the urgency of crisis and other life-changing events, we especially seek hope. Such experiences shift ‘our focus to the legacy we’ll leave … It pushes us to ask the question, “What is truly important to me?”’ Extreme circumstances or changes in perspective cause such clarification of our priorities.

            What has become important to you over the past year or more? What, in this season, arises to claim your energy and imagination? Part of hope is channeling your time and resources into those areas of your life that matter the most and offer the greatest sense of purpose.

            Let your flame be fed by what you value above all else. — Rev Gail

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Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality. — Jonas Salk

Light must come from inside. You cannot ask the darkness to leave; you must turn on the light. —Sogyal Rinpoche

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