Kent M. Royce

Kent Monroe Royce, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at his home on August 1, 2025, following a series of heart problems. Kent was the 3rd son of the late Harold C. and Mary (Smyth) Royce. He was 90 years old and passed away in the house where he was born on October 20, 1934. His grandparents, William and Maria Royce (with the help of Bowman Cann, local carpenter and contractor) built the house in 1908; it was left to their children when they passed. Kent and his wife, Betty, purchased the house from the family in 1978, renovated it, and enjoyed many happy and comfortable years living in the “1908 Royce House.”

Kent grew up loving the woods surrounding their home and Mt. Monadnock. During his high school years, he and his brothers regularly hiked up Monadnock in the summers carrying tanks of water, soda, candy, etc., for sale at a small refreshment stand at the top run by the State. Kent attended local schools and graduated from Conant High School in 1953. After working at Wade’s Garage for a short time, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, along with seven other Conant graduates (5 from his Class of 1953). The eight young men (Earnest Caron, Leo Desmarais, Daniel Field, Gordon Hartwell, Richard Isakson, Tiny Rich, Dick Roberts and Kent Royce) all signed up and left Jaffrey together on the same day.

Following basic training at Sampson AFB in New York, Kent was assigned to Luke AFB in Arizona. At that time, the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds) practiced their aerial demonstrations at Luke, so he had the pleasure of watching (and hearing) them practice. After 7 months in Arizona, he was transferred to Germany where he completed his tour of duty. During his tenure in Germany, he was recognized as “Outstanding Airman of the Quarter.” In a letter sent to his parents, his commander stated, “Kent’s high standards of loyalty, integrity, devotion to duty, technical competence, and military bearing were the prime factors in his selection.” Upon discharge, Kent used the GI Bill to further his education and graduated from Concord Commercial College with an associate’s degree in business. In 1961, Kent and his wife, Betty, moved from Concord to Jaffrey, purchased their first home, and Kent accepted a position in credit and collections for Security Acceptance Corp. In 1965, Kent joined the Sales Division of Troy Mills, Inc. where he worked for 33 years until his retirement as Office Manager in 1998.

Kent and Betty were both avid country music fans and enjoyed traveling to many concerts for performances by Reba McIntyre, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Brooks and Dunn, and many more. They also enjoyed trips to Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Nashville (and Grand Old Opry); California (Los Angeles and Sequoia National Park/San Francisco and Muir Woods); and vacation trips to several of the Caribbean islands. Best of all, three trips to Ireland to see the birthplace of Kent’s mother who emigrated here from Ireland at the age of 19. The first trip in 1997 was

his favorite since he and Betty were accompanied by their four daughters and a granddaughter; upon arrival, a large gathering was arranged at the local pub by his mother’s Irish relatives to meet and visit with them which was very special.

Kent was a devoted son, and for many years he drove home from Troy Mills each day to have lunch with his mother which she greatly enjoyed. He was also a devoted father and enjoyed annual family vacations to Old Orchard Beach; teaching his four daughters how to drive; Red Sox games at Fenway; playing cards with friends and family; hiking in the woods with the girls, his grandchildren, and various family dogs; feeding the birds; cutting and splitting his own firewood; family gatherings; spending time with his grandchildren and following their sports activities through high school and college; and more recently, welcoming his two great-granddaughters to the family!

Kent was a long-standing member of the Jaffrey Historical Society; during his tenure, he served as Chair of Membership, Treasurer, and President. He also served on the Jaffrey Conservation Committee, Budget Committee, and was an alternate member of the Planning Board.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Betty (Coll) Royce; four daughters, Kari Gilmore (Chris) of Lyndonville, VT; Pamela Royce of Jaffrey; Brenda Royce of Bethlehem, NH; and Kelly Haynes (James) of Sterling, MA; two sisters, Margaret Wenning of Madison Heights, VA and Marie Ruffle of Keene; 7 grandchildren, Sarah and Andrew Gilmore, Casey, Cody and Cooper Gordon, Lily and Jack Haynes; two great-grandchildren, Cora and Georgette Gordon, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brothers; CMSgt. (Ret.) Henry W. Royce of Liberty, SC, H. Charles Royce Jr. and William C. Royce of Jaffrey.

At Kent’s request, a private service and burial in St. Patrick Cemetery will be held at the convenience of his immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jaffrey Historical Society, 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452, or St. Patrick Church, 87 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452.