Former Weare selectwoman Heleen Kurk said she was also caught off guard by news of Souter's move. She said she'd most miss seeing him turn out to vote during election season.

"I'm sorry that we're losing him, in the sense that it was one of our prides to have him here, I think," Kurk said. "He was an honest, honorable, decent guy - someone I'd like to have as a citizen of Weare."

Gilman said Souter told him one of the reasons he decided to move was because his Weare house wasn't structurally sound enough to hold the thousands of books that make up his library.

"He said there was just so much weight from the books, it would be too much for the house to support," Gilman said. "He said he wants to live on one floor."

Attorney Lucy Hodder, who also lives in Hopkins Green, said her family was thrilled to have him in the neighborhood, adding there are a few perks that come with the territory: a bear that's been spotted running through people's front yards recently, for example, or the fact that he'd be surrounded by "every type of physician." 

"He'll be well taken care of," Hodder said. "We hope he enjoys the peace and quiet and camaraderie of the Green. . . . We welcome him home."

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