Theodore Charles Bense

Tuftonboro-Theodore Charles Bense, 86 of Tuftonboro Neck Rd., Mirror Lake, NH passed away April 6 after a long illness at his home. Born in Meredith June 17, 1933 son of the late Theodore Alfred and Ella (Roberts) Bense he grew up in Meredith moving to Tuftonboro at the age of eleven. He attended school in Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro, graduating from Brewster Academy. Ted attended the University of NH for several years then enlisted in the United States Army and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, serving on active duty at a missile base in Texas and then in the reserves in a landing craft unit in Portsmouth, NH. Later he graduated from Plymouth State College with a degree in education. He went on to achieve a Master’s Degree in Education at Colby College in Maine. He taught math, science and computer programming at Alton High School for over 30 years. He enjoyed farming and selling fresh vegetables from his farm stand at his home. He cut and sold wood and hay, was a past selectman for the town of Tuftonboro,and served on several town committees. He was active in fund-raising for and maintaining the Abenakee Ski Area. He was an avid skier racing on teams for Brewster Academy and UNH. He continued competitive skiing in programs in North Conway, and was able to attend national races in Utah and Colorado, winning the NASTAR race in 2005 for his age group. Pre-deceased by a sister Mary Craigue he leaves his wife Carol (Wetherbee) Bense, a son Booker Charles Bense and his wife Luisa Giulianetti of Kensington, CA, a daughter Rebecca Susan Bense and her life partner Chris Frey of Bradford, NH, 2 grandchildren, Siena and Matteo Bense, and nephews, Jim and Kenneth Craigue, and nieces Carole Keller and Cinthia Clough. A memorial service will be held at a future date when it is safe for people to gather. The Baker-Gagne Funeral Homes and Cremation Service of Wolfeboro is assisting the family with the arrangements. Please share your condolences, messages, stories and sign an online guest book at www.baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com