Ralph Colby Jenkins, Jr.

HAVERHILL - Ralph Colby Jenkins, Jr., 91, of Haverhill, MA passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on June 7, 2024. He was born on April 23, 1933, the son of the late Ralph Sr. and Dorothy (Morris) Jenkins. Ralph grew up in Bradford, MA. After graduating from Haverhill High School in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Navy and then the Marines, HM2USN 1st Marine Division serving from 1952 to 1956 as a Medical Corpsman during the Korean War. After completion of his service, he attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. After taking  some time off of school, he worked at the Hale Hospital, where he met his future wife Marilyn. They returned to Davenport, where he finished his degree and graduated in 1960. He practiced in New York for several years before returning to the Haverhill/  Merrimac area. Ralph worked at Cabot Corporation in Billerica, MA, as a lab technician, retiring in 1987. Ralph was a strong advocate for staying fit and was a long-time member of Cedardale and Choice Fitness Health Clubs.

He had a deep passion for all sports. He was involved in Pentucket and Haverhill Youth Hockey with his sons where he participated in coaching and training. He was always active with tennis, hiking, fishing, skating, and gardening, which he did until the very end. He enjoyed many family vacations and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. You could find him and Marilyn on the Haverhill trails along with their grand doggies, always lending a hand in keeping the trails as pristine as possible. They also created and maintained the first garden at Winnekenni Castle and many beautiful gardens in their backyard, receiving Garden of the Month several times. Ralph's journey through life touched the lives of many, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of strength and resilience. His unwavering spirit in the face of adversity inspired all who knew him. Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn (Dillon) whom he was married to for 66 years, his two sons, Ralph Jenkins III and his partner Judy of Hampstead, NH, Scott and his wife Sheila Jenkins of Haverhill, and two daughters, Kim Rousseau and her husband Vinny of Plaistow, NH, and Sandra Angers of Merrimac, MA. Six grandchildren, Jaclyn Hannan and her husband Elijah, Kingston, NH,Lindsay Woodbury and her husband Ryan, Auburn, NH, Jonathan Rousseau of Dover, NH, Kyle Rousseau of Plaistow, NH, Jordan and Victoria Angers and her fiance James Young, Merrimac, MA. Four great-grandchildren, Annika and Violette Hannan, Thatcher Jenkins, and Ryder Woodbury. He also leaves his sister Marilyn Jenkins, a special niece Andrea Wallace-Jenkins, her husband Chris and son, Beau, of Colorado, niece Sharron Potter, and family of Haverhill. Sister-inlaw Joanne McDermott of Windham, NH, and her son Jack and his wife Linda of Florida, nephew Bill Green and his wife Claire of Lawrence, MA. He was predeceased by his older sister, Betty Jordan, nephew David Jordan and son-inlaw Lee Angers.

Private services will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Bradford with military burial. Arrangements by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

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