Celebration of Jeff Bright's Life

Jeffrey Edward Bright, 71, after a short illness, peacefully passed away at his home in Raton, N.M., surrounded by friends Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014.

Due to the blitz, Jeff's mother was evacuated from London to Northampton, England, where Jeff was born Feb. 26, 1942, son of Susie and Len Bright. Raised in London, he moved to America in 1970, and married and settled (for a decade) in Deering, N.H.

Never losing his Cockney accent, this tall, thin, ginger Englishman with the turquoise tattoo on his ear always stood out and enlivened the world of many people wherever he went. Jeff went to sea as a young man, working as a steward on the Royal Mail Line.

A born traveler and adventurer, he would eventually visit every continent except Antarctica. Besides Deering, Jeff also lived for several years in Concord and Allenstown, as well as New York City, Nantucket, and Las Cruces and Raton, N.M. He became an American citizen in 1990.

Jeff possessed a far ranging consciousness, and among his many passions he loved music, movies, books, travel, women, exercise, conversation, friends, knowledge and nature. A man of many talents, he was a social worker, silversmith, statistician, ship steward, carpenter, counselor, lumberjack, aerobics instructor, phlebotomist, painter, hospice nurse, video store clerk and poet. He held degrees from NHTI, Springfield College and New Mexico State University.

Long ago married and divorced, Jeff leaves behind no children. He does leave behind many, many friends, scattered all about the world, who will remember the twinkle in his eye, his wide and ready smile, and his readiness to help, talk or try something new. A generous and unique soul, Jeff brightened the lives of many, both professionally and personally.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at Red River Theatres' screening room, Sunday, March 23, in Concord. Friends are invited to share memories and stories of Jeff.