Peterborough, NH – Kenneth S. Whicker, 56, of Peterborough N.H. died unexpectedly after a sudden illness on Monday, July 6, 2026. ‘Ken’ was born on November 2, 1969, in Middletown, CT, son of the late Paul ‘Doc’ Whicker and Cheryl (Pederson) Whicker of Peterborough. He was a 1989 graduate of Conant High School in Jaffrey and later earned an associate degree in Fire Science from Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA.
Ken served the community of Rindge as a Firefighter / EMT-I from 1984 to 2006, serving in many roles. During that time, he also became a Certified Police Officer and worked as a Patrolman on the Fitzwilliam Police Department until 2008. Ken moved on from the Monadnock Region and served on the Windham (NH) Fire Department until 2012, when his health began to decline.
Throughout the years, Ken’s many interests revolved around public service. He began collecting emergency lighting, from the old revolving motorized lights to the strobes, and even the current LED technology. He also collected helmets, not only from the departments he served on, but from other area departments as well. He also enjoyed collecting and shooting firearms for many years. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs, especially his Springer Spaniels and his German Shepherd named Russia.
Ken is survived by his mother, Cheryl Whicker, of Peterborough; his daughter, Mary Ruth, his son, Jesse, his twin brother Jamie, of Kentucky, his sister Andrea, also of Kentucky, his sister, Heather of Jaffrey, as well as his ‘favorite uncle’ Brian Pederson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 33 River Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452.
A Department Walk-Through will begin at 3:45 PM for all Public Safety Personnel.
Refreshments will be served following the visiting hours at the Jaffrey VFW located at 12 Hathorn Rd, Jaffrey, NH 03452.
In lieu of flowers please consider making memorial donations in Ken’s name to the Good Neighbor Fund, PO Box 486, Jaffrey N.H. 03452.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes