Forrest Dawson McKerley, 82, died Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Concord Hospital in Concord. Born in Concord, he was the son of David R. and Mary (Dawson) McKerley. He was a US Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1957 from the University of New Hampshire, a Graduate Certificate in Health Care Financial Management in 1978 and a Masters Degree in Finance in 1983 from the University of South Carolina. He was Chief Executive Officer Secure Care Products, Inc. Prior to the purchase of Secure Care in 1988, Mr. McKerley was active in the McKerley Health Care Centers operations...
Forrest Dawson McKerley, 82, died Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Concord Hospital in Concord.
Born in Concord, he was the son of David R. and Mary (Dawson) McKerley.
He was a US Air Force veteran of the Korean War.
He received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1957 from the University of New Hampshire, a Graduate Certificate in Health Care Financial Management in 1978 and a Masters Degree in Finance in 1983 from the University of South Carolina.
He was Chief Executive Officer Secure Care Products, Inc. Prior to the purchase of Secure Care in 1988, Mr. McKerley was active in the McKerley Health Care Centers operations from 1967 until its sale to Genesis Health Ventures, Inc. in 1995. From 1967 to 1979, he was a nursing home administrator at McKerley Health Care Centers, becoming President in 1979. Prior to this, he was district manager with the American Express Company.
In 2006 he was awarded the Hubbard Award which is given to recognize individuals whose philanthropic leadership and gifts have strengthened the University of New Hampshire and/or who have promoted philanthropy throughout the state. He endowed the Forrest D. McKerley faculty chair in health economics, established the Everett B. Sackett Professorship Fund, and was a founding board member of the UNH Foundation. He served as a member of the Whittemore School of Business and Economics Executive Board, UNH Advocates for Higher Education, and the School of Health and Human Services Dean's Leadership Council.
He funded The Forrest D. McKerley Simulation and Education Center at Concord Hospital and the 32° Masonic Children's Learning Centers for Children, Nashua, NH benefiting dyslexic children.
He was a 33° Mason, Past Grand Master of the NH IOOF and received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Concord Chamber of Commerce in 2005.
Throughout his career, he has given generously of his expertise as a member of many boards, numerous professional, government and industrial associations, along with local civic and fraternal organizations.
Survivors include his brothers, James P. McKerley and his wife Carolyn of Chichester, NH, Stillman McKerley of Loudon, NH and Matthew McKerley and his wife Priscilla of Bonita Springs, FL; one sister Elizabeth Ekstrom and her husband Stephen of Ft Myers, Fl; his sister in law Shirley McKerley of Boscawen; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother David McKerley.
Calling hours will be held from 5pm to 8pm on Weds, May 2, 2012 and from 5pm-8pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main Street, Concord.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, May 4, 2012 at the Courtyard by Marriott at 70 Constitution Avenue in Concord.
Private graveside services will be held at Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Forrest D. McKerley Education and Simulation Center at Concord Hospital, c/o Concord Hospital Trust, 250 Pleasant Street, Concord NH 03301 or to the Children's Dyslexia Center of Nashua 200 Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060.
The Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of the arrangements.