Edwin R. Leavitt, 58, passed away at home on January 11, 2020, in Claremont, NH, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends.
Ed was born on April 10, 1961, in Lebanon, NH. A lifelong community member of the Upper Valley, Ed worked at the Dartmouth Bookstore, Dartmouth Medical School and most recently for nearly 10 years in Dartmouth’s Dean of the College Office in Student Affairs. He was also an award-winning musician. He played rhythm guitar and was male vocalist and songwriter for The Shana Stack Band, which has recorded and released four original albums. The band’s numerous awards include the Independent Country Music Association’s Country Band of the Year, the Fan’s Choice Award, the New England Music Award for Country Act of the Year and Band of the Year, and World’s Best Indie Band by Wiles Magazine. The band opened for Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, and performed on the main stage of the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion opening for Toby Keith. One of Ed’s songs, “Let it Go”, is featured in the movie Compliance which was released nationwide in the summer of 2012 by Magnolia Pictures.
Ed was a big supporter of David’s House in Lebanon, NH. He wrote the song “David’s House” in memory of David Cyr, which is featured regularly throughout their annual holiday auction and giveathon.
Ed is survived by grandmother Norma Benjamin and parents Dottie and Edwin G. Leavitt of White River Junction, VT; siblings Rick and wife Cheryl Leavitt of Newport, NH; and Laurie and husband Wayne Braley of Windsor, VT; his children, Amy Leavitt of White River Junction, VT; and Eric Leavitt of Grafton, NH; his grandchildren Logan and Mackenzy Carrier and niece Abagail Braley; many cousins, aunts, and uncles; and his spouse Conrad J. Farnham of Claremont, NH; and their beloved puppy, Sebastian.
He was predeceased by grandfather Reed Benjamin, grandmother Mary Benjamin, grandfather Henry Leavitt, and grandmother Charlotte Leavitt.
Family, friends, colleagues and fans are invited to join in several gatherings to remember Ed over the next two weeks. On Friday evening, January 17th, from 6-8 pm, his spouse Conrad and family will be hosting calling hours at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, in Claremont, NH. The memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 19th, at 2 pm, in Rollins Chapel on the Dartmouth College campus at 29 College Street in Hanover, NH. And on Saturday, January 25th, we will celebrate Ed’s life and Conrad’s birthday from 4-6 pm at the Wilder Club and Library at 78 Norwich Avenue, White River Junction, VT.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to support a scholarship in Ed’s name for a graduating high school senior with an interest in music. Checks may be made payable to: Hartford High School and placed in the donation box at calling hours, the service and the celebration, or may be mailed directly to: Hartford High School, Attn: Nelson Fogg – Ed Leavitt Scholarship Fund, 37 Highland Ave., White River Jct., VT 05001.
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