Fort Collins, Colorado —Arthur G. Jenckes, Jr, 86, passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, surrounded by love and family after a long courageous battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He was the husband of the late Gloria M. (Rawlinson) Jenckes, who predeceased him on June 24, 2022, just prior to their sixtieth (60th) wedding anniversary. Following the loss of the love of his life, he moved with his daughter and son-in-law from Bellingham, Massachusetts to Colorado in 2022 and lived with them until his passing.
Born in Slatersville, Rhode Island on September 13, 1939, to the late Arthur and Arlene (San Soucie) Jenckes, he was the eldest of three children.
He was a devoted son, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, friend and proud veteran whose life was defined by hard work, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. Known for his quiet wisdom, deep love for his family and strong values, he enjoyed the simply pleasures of life; spending time with loved ones, soaking in everything in his surroundings, and observing nature and its many creatures.
Raised in the rural countryside of Rhode Island and Massachusetts with plenty of working farms, he developed a strong work ethic and gained a steady hand. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1956 —1960 aboard the USS Northampton where he learned new skills and traveled the world. Following his time in the Navy, he spent most of his professional life in the construction industry, mastering the art of drywall for both homes and businesses. He took great pride in working with his hands and was respected by his coworkers, family, and friends for his reliability, craftsmanship, and willingness to help others.
He is survived by his devoted children; Linda M. Healy and her husband Michael of Fort Collins, CO, Thomas J. Hamelin of Worcester, MA, Timothy J. Hamelin and his partner Cindy Richardson of Uxbridge, MA, Marlene M. Lavallee of Ashland, MA and daughters-in-law Doreen Brown Hamelin of Uxbridge, MA and Lisa Letts of East Wareham, MA. He leaves his sibling, Kenneth Jenckes and his wife, Michelle James of Santee, CA. In addition he leaves his cherished eighteen (18) grandchildren and eighteen (18) great-grandchildren, his cousin Sally Stubbs and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. His son Raymond J. Hamelin, grandson James Rais, sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Norman Roy, niece Barbara Ann Rapko, his parents, and several in-laws predeceased him.
His family and friends will remember him most for his quiet, calm demeanor, witty sense of humor, kindness, resourcefulness and unending helpfulness. A man of few words, a true gentle soul. He was loved by all and will be missed.
A celebration of life is being planned for later in the year. Burial will be with his wife in St. Paul's Cemetery, Farm Street, Blackstone, MA. In honor of his life, please consider planting a tree, feeding an animal, or making a contribution to a wildlife or environmental organization in his name.