DOVER, N.H. (AP) – Norman Louis Grandmaison, longtime owner of the Ashworth by the Sea Hotel and the Hampton Beach Casino, has died. He was 79.

Grandmaison, of Hampton, died Saturday in a hospice in Dover.

He bought the Ashworth with his brother, Paul, in 1954. For over a half century, it welcomed heads of state, entertainers, members of the clergy and numerous national politicians.

Grandmaison and his family managed the Seacoast landmark until its sale in May 2006.

In 1976, the brothers bought the Hampton Beach Casino, which is still owned by the family and business partners.

Grandmaison also was a former director of the Hampton National Bank and the Hampton Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

His brother Paul died in 1986.

Grandmaison is survived by his wife, Joyce; a son and daughter.


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