68, of Milton, died on September 30, 2009 after a lengthy illness.

Born in Boston, Hugh graduated from the Groton School in 1959 and from Harvard University in 1963. He then enrolled in the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University and he worked for twenty-nine years for the New England Forestry Foundation.

Hugh served as the Executive Director for the New England Forestry Foundation for eight years. He later founded his own business, Putnam Forestry Services of Milton which he operated until his retirement in 2005.

In his spare time, Hugh served as the Recording Secretary for the Milton Hoosic Club, he was the Chairman of the Mass. Tree Farm Association and he sang four days a week with Saint Michael’s Church, Dedham Choral Society, his own Barbershop Quartet and the Canton Bay Statesmen.

His hobbies involved model trains and train photography.

Beloved husband of Heather (McCusker) Putnam. Father of Hugh T. Putnam, III and his wife Virginia, of Milton and Robin A. Putnam of Milton. Grandfather of Caroline and Sophia Putnam. Brother of Anne Putnam Nichols and her husband Louis of Sherborn and Mary Putnam Mitchell and her husband Ned of Groton. Hugh is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated at Saint Michael Episcopal Church, 112 Randolph Ave. Milton, MA 02186 on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 at 2:00PM. Reception to follow at the Straus Library, Milton Academy, Milton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hugh’s memory may be sent to Saint Michael’s Church at the address listed above. Upon Hugh’s request, those attending the service are asked not to wear all black.