Reflections on NH Cultural Resources Commissioner Van McLeod

Monday, the New Hampshire government lost someone very important and dear to them and the entire state. Van McLeod, the longest serving commissioner in New Hampshire government died yesterday in Concord Hospital. McLeod was first confirmed  to the position of commissioner in 1992. Throughout his tenure in state government, he was a tireless champion for culture in  all of its forms.

He was as well known for his humor and compassion as he was for his devotion to supporting culture statewide. Greg Uhrin, the COO of YCN remembers him as a fellow artist in the Artist’s in the Schools program where they both participated starting in the late 1970’s. He remembers him for his positive “can-do” attitude and his councillor nature which was reflected in this clip from a Capital Connections show from last year.

We at YCN wish to pay our condolences to Van’s family and especially his wife Joan and their daughter. Calling hours are 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at Bennett Funeral Home in Concord, and services will be Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Concord.