CONTOOCOOK - Neil Thomas Cayer, 74, died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at Concord Hospital.

He was born in West Hopkinton, the son of the late Horace and Arlene (Miller) Cayer.

Neil worked as a boiler maker and welder for many years and also owned and operated Neil Cayer Enterprise.

Neil loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and camping in the White Mountains. He also loved to read books and play cribbage.

He was a veteran of the National Guard.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a son, Dana Cayer.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Doris M. (Shatney) Cayer of Contoocook; six sons, Larry D. Cayer of Hawaii, Thomas N. Cayer of Sanbornton, Bradley A. Cayer of Concord, Brett V. Cayer of Newington, Conn., Neil T. Cayer II of Webster and Kent Barton of Contoocook; two daughters, Valerie J. Dyer of Henniker and Crystal Anderson of Concord; two brothers, Bruce H. Cayer of Contoocook and Jerry Cayer of Belmont; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held tomorrow from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 19 Hall Ave., Henniker.

Graveside service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Contoocook Village Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hopkinton Fire Deptment, 9 Pine St., Contoocook 03229.

For more information, log on to holtwoodburyfh.com.