Eugene A. Savage, 77, of Durham, NH died on Monday, May 14, 2012, at his home surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born to the late Raymond and Harriet (Kennedy) Savage in North Stratford, NH, Savage never lost his connection to NH’s North Country. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Savage returned to his native NH to attend Plymouth Teachers College (now Plymouth State University). While at Plymouth, Savage met Joan (Doyon) Savage. Savage married Joan after three years of dating, which he often described as the “best decision of [his] life.” He later earned his Master’s degree in Education from Boston University and received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Franklin Pierce College. Savage loved the State of New Hampshire and was dedicated to helping its young people succeed. Throughout his 35 year career in education, Savage exhibited a true commitment to each individual student with whom he worked. He was a tremendous mentor who transformed thousands of lives through his tireless efforts to create opportunities for the young people of New Hampshire. After working as a teacher, coach, and guidance director in Pittsfield, Somersworth, and Wolfeboro, NH, as well as Brandon, VT, Savage became Director of Admissions at the University of New Hampshire in 1967. He later served as Dean of Admissions, Vice President for University Relations, and as Vice Chancellor and consultant to the Chancellor for the University System of New Hampshire. After leaving the University System, Savage served as Senior Government Relations advisor for the law firm of Rath, Young, and Pignatelli in Concord, NH. Upon retirement, Savage and his wife Joan enjoyed spending their winters in North Fort Myers, FL. Savage was the recipient of many awards and honors throughout his life in recognition of his commitment to education and public service. Among these cherished awards were the Charles Holmes Pettee Medal and the Profile of Service Award from the UNH Alumni Association; the Henry W. Blair Award for Distinguished Public Service, the Granite State Award, and the Silas H. Pearl Medal for Distinguished Lifetime Service from PSU; the Distinguished Service and the Distinguished Achievement Awards from the PSU Alumni Association; the NH Distinguished Citizen Award from the Daniel Webster Council of Boy Scouts; the Distinguished Service Award from the New England Association of College Admissions Counselors; the Thomas More Award from St. Thomas More Church in Durham; and the Chancellor’s Medallion for Service to the University System of New Hampshire. For his contributions to the state, Savage will be honored with a Granite State Award during UNH's 142nd commencement on May 19. In recognition of their lifelong commitment to Plymouth State, the university designated the Eugene and Joan Savage Welcome Center in 2010. In addition to these more public recognitions, Savage was quietly celebrated by his family. He was presented with an honorary diploma from Bishop Hendricken High School by one of his grandsons in 2008 in recognition of his patience, diligence, and love. This type of unwavering support, guidance, and love was felt by all of Savage’s family members throughout their lives. Savage displayed exemplary loyalty to and leadership of many organizations through service on their boards including the USNH Board of Trustees, The College Board, Berwick Academy, Odyssey House, Eastern States Exposition, Wentworth Douglass Hospital, the American National Red Cross, the New England Advisory Council, the Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation of America, and the Regional Student Advisory Council of the New England Board of Higher Education. He also served as a college admissions consultant for the U.S. Department of State and the College Board in Africa, Asia and South America. Savage is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joan (Doyon) Savage; three daughters Suzanne Yeatts and husband Byon Yeatts of Kennebunk, ME; Deborah Rearick-Curran and husband Tony Curran of Middleborough, MA; and Dr. Kathleen Mills and husband Dr. Scott Mills of Framingham, MA; and seven beloved grandchildren, Alexandra Yeatts, Timothy Rearick, Michael Yeatts, Chloe Mills, Parker Mills, Collin Curran, and Dylan Curran. Savage also leaves behind two brothers, Raymond Savage and wife Margaret of Cary, NC; and William Savage and wife Joyce of Keene, NH; and his sister Claire Farley of Holliston, MA; his brother-in-law Dona Doyon and wife Carol of Strafford, NH; as well as twelve cherished nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Savage is predeceased by his wife’s parents, Lionel and Marie Doyon, brother-in-law Richard Farley, and great-niece Jamie Doyon. Public Visiting hours will be held on Monday, May 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. at UNH’s Huddleston Ballroom (73 Main Street, Durham; Parking in Lot C). A funeral mass and burial will be private. A Public Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 22 at 5 p.m. at UNH’s Lundholm Gymnasium (145 Main Street, Durham; Parking in Lot A). A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Savage’s name to a scholarship fund being established in his honor at the University of New Hampshire (UNH Foundation, 9 Edgewood Road, Durham, NH 03824), or to the Eugene and Joan Savage Education Award at Plymouth State University (University Advancement Office, Plymouth State University, MSC 50, Plymouth, NH, 03264). In honor of his commitment to helping the youth of New Hampshire, Savage’s family encourages all those inspired by Savage throughout the years to pay tribute to him by making a conscious effort to help a young person reach his or her full potential. Arrangements are under the direction of Wiggin-Purdy-McCooey-Dion Funeral Home, 655 Central Ave., Dover, NH. To sign our online guestbook, please go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com