B. G. Jerry Zwaagstra

Broer Geert (Jerry) Zwaagstra, Aliases Mr. Z/ The Flying Dutchman/ Hosses Ass/ Shit Stirrer/ Smelly Old Goat/ Turd Turner/ Grampy Z

Jerry died suddenly Thursday, May 12, at his home doing what he loved, gardening. He was born in the Province of Friesland in the Country of the Netherlands (Holland), B. G. Zwaagstra. He grew up as a young boy surviving World War II. Sometime during the early 1950’s Jerry's family immigrated to Canada. Not knowing the English language, Jerry had to start school in the first grade as a young teen. When he learned English, he was able to pass several grades in less than two years. Around age 17, Jerry dropped out of school after grade 6 to work helping to support his family. He worked on his family's dairy farm, several logging camps, at Halifax, and Nova Scotia Dairy Company. While working at the dairy company Jerry met the girl he would marry in 1958. “The love of his life” and the boss's daughter, Colleen Graves. They had a son, John Wayne born in 1959.

In 1960 the family of three immigrated to the United States of America through the port of Boston Massachusetts. It was here that two daughters joined the family. Cheryl Anne was born in 1961 and Lorie Ellen was born in 1963. Jerry worked a union job at a large dairy company and then went on to learn the donut business at a Mister Donut.

In 1964 Jerry and Colleen moved the family to Nashua, NH. Here they started a small successful business called Lorie’s Donut Shop that was located in North Chelmsford, MA. They later built a home in South Nashua.

In 1973 Jerry and Colleen sold their home and business and moved the family north to the White Mountains to Bethlehem, NH. They built their home where they currently reside. With the help of their children they owned and operated several large and small restaurants. They worked for several other food service businesses and non-food services. In time their daughter Lorie married Rob Hayward and they brought grandchildren into their lives. Granddaughter Jerusha Hayward in 1982 and grandson Serry Hayward in 1984. Jerusha Hayward later married Ben Fish and gave Jerry and Colleen great-grandchildren. Mia Fish was born in 2014 and Cora Fish in 2016.

Around the year 2000 Jerry retired living a busy comfortable life with his love Colleen and K9 buddy Chipper. Jerry and Colleen came to the USA, raised a family, lived, worked hard, and successfully achieved the American dream. When Jerry was asked about himself he would reply “I was the little dutch boy who saved Holland from flooding when I stuck my finger in the dike!” He had the permanently bent finger to prove it! He was pre-deceased by his grandson Serry in 2005.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 11, 12:00 – 4:00 PM, at the old Wedding Pioneer Barn, 21 Sunset Hill Road, Sugarhill. There will be burgers, hot-dogs, soda, and water. For anyone who would like to bring a dish to share it would be appreciated. To RSVP and let the family know what dish you could bring please contact Cheryl Zwaagstra at 603-745-5003.

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