Virginia H. Freeman

Virginia H. Freeman, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Chester, Vermont on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018 after a period of failing health. She was born on Feb. 14, 1924 in Springfield, Vermont to Margaret (Skinner) Hunsdon and John H. Hunsdon of Chester. Ginny attended Chester schools and graduated from Chester High School in the class of 1944.

Ginny married Lewis H. Freeman on Sept. 26, 1942 and they were married almost 50 years when Lew died on Aug. 15, 1992. Ginny and Lew lived and raised their family in Springfield. As soon as all her children were in school, Ginny started to work as a cook in the Springfield schools. This career spanned 20 years; first at Union Street school and then at Park Street school.

In 1974, Ginny and Lew built a new home in Chester in the country near her childhood home where they spent many wonderful times: watching wildlife and birds along with entertaining grandchildren. Ginny, an avid bird watcher, was very knowledgeable about identifying different species of birds. She loved her Herrick Cove outings and other birding expeditions each year.

Ginny’s goal was to lead a good life and to help others along the way. She accomplished this many times over and was always there when someone needed a hand. Her family was her greatest joy — children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Gramee” loved to work alongside her grandsons or go sliding down hills at her home and then pass out hot cocoa and graham crackers. She loved to pick berries and she was the fastest picker ever! She was an assistant Girl Scout leader for both her daughters and thoroughly enjoyed the overnight camp outs with the leader, Laura Patterson. In her later years, she looked forward to going on her Red Hat Society adventures and out to eat.

In spite of being from a small town in Vermont, Ginny was a world traveler. Along with either her friend Mary Cabell or her younger sister Faith, she went on many trips: Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad, Tobago, Bermuda, an Alaskan cruise, Hawaii and Florida. When their son Doug got married in California in 1964, Ginny and Lew drove out to attend it with their daughters, visiting relatives along the way.

Ginny was very active and faithful to her churches throughout her life, even when she was in her 90s. In Springfield she was a member of the First Congregational Church and enjoyed her ladies' group within the church. In Chester her church was the First Universalist Parish. She sang in the choir, was a greeter at the door on Sunday morning for many years, and loved being an integral member of the A.U.U. Women’s group.

She was a proud, hard-working member of the Chester Alumni Association and also rode in the parade several times. She had a lifelong love of music: playing the piano and her organ, singing in the choir, and listening to music at home, at concerts, and at church.

Ginny’s family would like to thank all the loyal, compassionate caregivers from the L&M Family Caregivers for the wonderful attention they gave our mom. They helped keep her in her home and supplied attention, tenderness and laughter.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother Hewet S. Hunsdon, her sister Faith L. Dorothy and her grandson Kurt E. Dechen. She is survived by: her brother Stanley B. Hunsdon (Nancy); her children, Douglas H. Freeman (Reyanne), Dale F. Dechen (Richard), and Candace F. Manson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kristie Gray (Jim), Kerie Kalm (Jim), Kimberly Abley (Paul), Justin Dechen (Jennifer), and Rebecca Allen (Shilo); and her five great-grandchildren: Kailie, Nick, Avery, Arden and Alexa.

A Memorial service for Ginny will be held Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the First Universalist Parish (in the Stone Village) on Route 103 in Chester, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation in her name to either the Chester Alumni Association (send to CHS/GMUH, P.O. Box 882, Chester, VT 05143) or Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society (send to Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society, P.O. Box 191, Springfield, VT 05156 — this group sponsors the Herrick’s Cove event).

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting with arrangements.

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Retha C. Kendall

Retha C. Kendall, 95, died Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, at her home.

She was born Sept. 5, 1923, in Springfield, the daughter of Fred and Edith Cluff.

Mrs. Kendall worked for the Town of Chester for 21 years as a secretary to the town manager and to the chief of police. She was also chief dispatcher for the Chester Police Department, Chester Ambulance and Chester Fire Department, a job she continued to do part time after her retirement.

She enjoyed cooking and reading.

Survivors include four sons Lee Kendall, of Keene, New Hampshire, Kim and Gale Kendall, both of Chester, Dana Kendall, of Andover; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, with the Rev. Gerry Piper officiating.

Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery in Chester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chester Meals on Wheels program, in care of Senior Solutions, 38 Pleasant St., Springfield, VT 05156.

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Dorothy E. Fenton

Dorothy Ethel Fenton, 93, of Springfield, died Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community in Windsor.

She was born Nov. 11, 1924, in Elmont, Long Island, New York, the daughter of John and Hanna (Hyvonen) Bykko.

She graduated from Chester High School.

On Dec. 19, 1942, she married Merrill Fenton in Chester.

Mrs. Fenton worked in the cost office at Jones & Lamson, and later at Bryant Grinder Corp. During World War II, she joined the Civil Service and worked on B-29 and B-17 aircraft. She was assistant manager at a Chester drug store and a ski instructor at Okemo and Killington ski areas.

She served as a courtappointed guardian and advocate for the underprivileged and elderly.

She was a member of Windsor County Extension Service and Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield.

Mrs. Fenton enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, photography, sewing and furniture refinishing.

Survivors include a son, Richard, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years; a brother, Alan Bykko; and a granddaughter.

Per her wishes, the memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, with the Rev. Malcolm Fowler, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, officiating.

Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Springfield.

There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156; or Springfield Family Center, 365 Summer St., Springfield, VT 05156.

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Troy J. Bertrand

Troy James Bertrand, 23, died Saturday, May 19, 2018, at his home in Chester.

He was born Oct. 14, 1994, in Springfield, the son of Steve Dunn and Anita R. Bertrand.

He graduated from Green Mountain Union High School and attended Community College of Vermont.

Most recently, Mr. Bertrand was employed at Jeld-Wen window and door manufacturing in North Springfield.

He enjoyed music and playing guitar, computers and Xbox gaming.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather Chad Hayes; his father; two sisters Taylor and Rachel Hayes; maternal grandparents Bob Bertrand and Linda Legg, step-grandparents Bob and Susan Dickie and great-grandfather John O'Neil; and an uncle.

He was predeceased by his great-grandmother, Barbara O'Neil, and an uncle.

The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at St. Luke's Church in Chester.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Thomas Merritt

Thomas Merritt, 91, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center in Springfield, Vermont. He was born on May 6, 1927 in Springfield, the son of Charles and Thelma (Balch) Merritt. He attended Chester Schools, and graduated from Chester High School. He served in the United States Navy during WW II.

On Oct. 19, 1957 he married Elizabeth Pignato in Springfield. She predeceased him on Feb. 8, 2016.

He worked for many years as a truck driver, first working for his grandfather with Balch Trucking and later for more than 30 years with St. Johnsbury Trucking. He also worked in the machine tool industry.

He was a member of the Chester Congregational Church, the Springfield V.F.W. Post 771, the American Legion Post No. 67 in Chester, the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge No. 96 F. & A.M. in East Wallingford, and was a member of the Shriners. He had also been a member of the Windham Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by three sons, Robert Merritt of Springfield, Richard Merritt of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and James Merritt of Charlestown, New Hampshire; one daughter, Carol Batchelder of Saxtons River; two brothers, Cunred Merritt of Londonderry, and Arthur Merritt of San Diego, California; one sister, Nancy Adams of North Adams, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by an infant son Alden, his wife Betty and his parents.

Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening, May 16. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday May 17 at the Simonsville Cemetery in Andover, Vermont. Rev. Gail Kindberg will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Road, Suite 203, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Kalevi Pajala

Kalevi Jaakko Pajala, 73, of Andover, Vermont, died peacefully Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Born in Sievi, Finland, Nov. 19, 1944, to parents Toivo Olavi Pajala and Mirjam Saily Pajala, they arrived in the United States in April 1957. He attended schools in Andover and Chester, graduating from Chester High School in 1963. After graduation, he attended Vermont Technical College in Randolph, Vermont. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Tech in 1965.

After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and went to Lackland AFB in Texas. After that, he attended jet engine mechanic school at Chanute AFB in Illinois. After completing training, he was stationed at Craig AFB in Selma, Alabama, where he worked on fighter aircraft and training jets. After the Air Force, he returned to Vermont and worked at Vermont Research Corp. in North Springfield for 24 years. He later worked at Macdermid Equipment, also in Springfield.

While at Chester High School, he distinguished himself as a gifted athlete. He excelled in both soccer and baseball. His playing style, “movie star” looks and the fact that nobody could pronounce his name, earned him the nickname “Killer.” Years later, when someone would talk about him, they would only know him as “Killer” and not Kal or Kalevi.

For many years, he was a ski instructor and later, alpine skiing coach, at Okemo Mountain in Ludlow, Vermont. During the summer, he played softball in the Green Mountain Softball League and played men’s league soccer with his sons on the Chester town team.

An experienced outdoorsman, he rarely missed an opening day of trout season and every fall, he would be in the woods hunting deer in Vermont and Maine. On at least one occasion, he bagged a buck on his birthday. “Killer” was an avid sports fan and rooted for all teams from New England. Sometimes he had to be reminded that the players and refs on the TV could not hear him coaching from the couch. Early Saturday mornings, he could be found watching the Formula One auto races. The Finnish drivers were his obvious favorites.

“Stubborn Finn” described him to a ‘T.’ He learned carpentry skills from his father Toivo, and was a great mechanic. He had a knack for keeping vehicles on the road; sometimes well past their useful lives.

He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends, and will be missed by all.

He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Vivian Pajala, of Andover; his sons Bradley Pajala, of Londonderry, Vermont, Gregory Pajala and wife Journey Pajala, of Winooski, Vermont; stepsons David Allen (Pam), of Florida, Kevin Allen (Gayle), of North Carolina, and Matt Allen, of Milton, Vermont; two grandsons Olavi and Jaakko, whom he adored; five step-granddaughters, three step-grandsons, four step-great-grandchildren; three sisters Ritva Burton and husband Bill, of Springfield, Vermont, Ulla and Kenny Cook, of Ludlow, Vermont, Lisa Lemmer and husband John, of Barnard, Vermont; and his aunt, Irja Tofferri, who’s address is “travelling.”

Funeral services will be held at the Andover Community Church on Saturday, May 5, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the back of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Andover Project Committee, 953 Weston Andover Road, Andover, VT 05143. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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William R. Guy

William R. Guy of North Springfield, Vermont, died Friday, March 23, 2018, peacefully at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born Nov. 26, 1939, in Lebanon, Maine, to Eugene N. and Zelma (Nichols) Guy.

Following the death of his father in 1945, he along with his mother and brother moved to Alton, New Hampshire. In 1955 they moved to Chester, Vermont, where Bill graduated from Chester High School in 1958. After graduation he joined the Army Reserves in Chester. In 1962, Bill married Evelyn Crossman at the First Baptist Church in Chester, Vermont.

Bill became a skilled machinist and over the course of the next five years he was employed at Pratt and Whitney, Cone Automatic and Bryant Grinder.

In 1967 Bill became co-owner of Idlenot Family Restaurants with his brother Eugene, then over the course of the next 20 years, they built up a chain of 12 restaurants in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York, later selling to the Friendly’s Corporation in 1986.

He was a member of the Springfield Elks Club and bowled in leagues for more than 30 years at the Plaza Bowl in Springfield.

Bill’s favorite hobby was restoring and driving his classic cars.

Survivors include his wife Evelyn of North Springfield; his son, Douglas, granddaughters Gillian and Grace Guy and their mother, Georgeann Guy, and brother Eugene (Carol ) Guy, all of Springfield, Vermont; also nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday March 31, at First Baptist Church on Main Street in Chester, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail Springfield, VT 05156.

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Raymond Thibeault Sr.

Raymond Thibeault Sr., 78, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, at his home in Chester. He was born Nov. 27, 1939, in West Stewartstown, N.H. He married the love of his life, Louise, on Aug. 22, 1958, in Lebanon, N.H. She predeceased him in August 2015. He later found companionship with his "Lady Friend," Carolina Gordon.

Ray drove school bus and Vermont Transit bus in his younger years, then he drove a boom truck for 30+ years.

He enjoyed collecting die-cast cars, reading, animals, watching car shows and "Gunsmoke" and most importantly, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed attending the North Springfield Baptist Church on Sundays.

Survivors include his daughter, Laurie Gordon, of Chester; granddaughters and caregivers Sheila Roby, of Cavendish, and Jill Worden, of Ludlow; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years and a grandson, Austin.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt.

Reverend George Keeler, pastor of the North Springfield Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the North Street Cemetery in Chester, Vt., in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont.

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Ryan Goodrich

Ryan Goodrich 35, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Chester, Vermont on Saturday December 16, 2017. He was born June 26, 1982 in Springfield, Vermont the son of Palmer H. II and Laurie (Crowson) Goodrich.

He attended Chester Andover Elementary School, graduated from Green Mountain Union High School class of 2001 and graduated from Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center, Vt. class of 2003 with a degree in Landscape Design and Horticulture.

Ryan was employed as an Excavation Supervisor and Equipment Operator with P & L Trucking, Logging & Excavating in Chester, Vermont. He was an amazing equipment operator and stonewall builder.

He loved being outdoors, enjoyed snowmobiling and four-wheeling and loved spending time with family and friends, and adored his nieces.

He is survived by his parents Palmer and Laurie Goodrich of Chester, Sister Lindsey Pollard and her husband Shawn of Chester and their children Riley and Olivia. Also by several close extended family members, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Palmer and Catherine Goodrich and maternal grandparents Richard and Janice Crowson. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday December 23, 2017 at the American Legion Post # 67 in Chester, Vt.

Contributions may be made in Ryan’s memory to the Snowmobile Club of one’s choice.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ryan and family, 2016

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Mark Phelps Sr.

Mark Phelps Sr. 53, passed away on Monday December 11, 2017 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. He was born April 17, 1964 in Springfield, Vermont the son of Charles and Elizabeth ( Childs ) Phelps. He attended Springfield Schools, graduating from Springfield High School class of 1983. He later attended the Vermont Police Academy.

On January 8, 2008 he married Debra E. Duprey in Chester, Vermont.

Mark was a Law Enforcement Officer in the area for 30 plus years, serving as an Officer with the Bellows Falls Police Department, the Springfield Police Department and was most recently as Sgt. with the Chester Police Department. He was also a K-9 Officer for several years with his canine partner Riggs. Mark had also served with the Springfield Fire Department and the Chester Fire Department and taught in the Protective Services Program at the Springfield High School.

Mark enjoyed camping, scuba diving, hiking, snowshoeing, four wheeling, country music and was a N.E. Patriots fan.

Mark was a hard worker all his life, he was a devoted husband and father and lived every day to it’s fullest.

He is survived by his wife Debra E. Phelps of Chester, son Mark Phelps Jr. of East Longmeadow, MA., His parents Charles and Elizabeth Phelps of Springfield, step-sons Jason Albert of Denver, CO., and Christopher Albert of Chester. Sister Susan Dana of Springfield, Brother Jason Phelps of Springfield, sister-in-law Pam Perry , and brother-in-law Ken Bugosh of Littleton, CO. Also by aunts, uncles and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Monday December 18, 2017 at the American Legion Post # 67 in Chester, Vermont. A celebration of his life will follow the services.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Supporter Services 901 E Street, NW, Suite 100Washington, DC 20004-2025. or to the Springfield Humane Society 401 Skitchewaug Trail Springfield, Vt. 05156.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

 
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Patricia R. Decatur

Patricia Richards Decatur of Chester passed away on Dec. 2, 2017, after a long fight with cancer, surrounded by her family and close friends, at the Springfield Health and Rehab Center.

She was born in Exeter, NH, March 2, 1943, the daughter of Edward N. Richards and Mary Bean Richards Ross.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lee; four children Brian Decatur, of Williston, VT, Scott Decatur and his wife, Nan, of Colchester, VT, Heather Cloud and her husband, Rick, of Baltimore, VT, and Jordan Decatur and Maeve, of Burlington, VT; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. One grandson, Raymond White Jr., predeceased her.

She attended Exeter public schools, graduating in 1961. She moved to Chester in 1969 with her family. She was a member of a rope skipping troupe in Exeter during her pre-teens and took up highland dancing and the drum as a teenager. She was a member of the Granite State Highlanders Pipe band for many years. She won many medals with her highland dancing which she later taught for two years at Franklin Pierce College in Antrim, NH.

In Chester, she took up photography and won many ribbons, and later produced photo cards and many other craft items. She was a 51-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and served in many local and state offices. She also was president of the Grand Representatives Association. She was a Cub Scout den mother and mother-advisor for many terms in the Order of Rainbow for Girls and on advisory boards in Springfield and Chester. When her children were in high school, she took up housekeeping for a private estate for over 15 years retiring in 1999.

She enjoyed spending her winters in Florida where she made many friends and was often seen on her three-wheel bike with a "cat in the hat" on spreading joy as "Pat in the Hat" around the community she was in. One of her favorite things to do was to obtain lots of stuffed animals and deliver them to fire stations, ambulance and police departments to have in their vehicles to give to kids for comfort. She would often say "anything you do for a child is never wasted."

In lieu of flowers, any tributes may be made to Chester Rescue or Chester Police K-9 fund. A celebration of life for Pat will be held at MacLaomainn's Pub Great Room in Chester on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. All are welcome to bring your "Pat" stories.

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Janet L. Greenlees

Janet L. Greenlees 90, of Chester, born on July 10, 1927 passed away November 12, 2017 at The Meadows Home in Rutland Vermont.

She was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey where she attended grade school. After grade school she went to college in Wisconsin, where she played basketball. After college she taught seventh and eighth grade science.

Janet love to travel with her friends in Europe and Africa. In 1978 she moved to Chester, Vermont where she cared for her father. She volunteered at the Springfield library and was a certified tax preparer, doing tax returns for seniors free of charge. She love music and the arts and play the viola. Janet was also a volunteer ski instructor for children at Okemo Mountain ski resort.

Janet never married and always loved having a dog as a companion. She was a free spirit and her own quiet way. She loved to spend her summers at her cottage in Kingston Ontario. Janet was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Chester and was an active member in her community. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

The celebration of her life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Chester in the spring.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont is assisting with arrangements.

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Blanche K. Shepard

Blanche K. Shepard, 93, died peacefully at her home in Springfield on Friday evening Aug.11, 2017.

She attended school in Chester, Vt. and spent her entire life in the Chester and Springfield communities making a good home for her family and a giving person to many. She enjoyed knitting and quilting, making a number of mittens for her grandchildren, other school children, and later donating to the rehab center. She also stayed involved with helping as a bookkeeper for more than one family business.

Blanche is survived by her seven sons: Arthur Westney of Bellows Falls, Vt., Walter Westney of Newton, Kan., Eugene Westney of Bridgewater, Vt., Eldred Westney of Charlestown, N.H., Charles Westney of Charlestown, N.H. Everett Westney of Springfield, Vt., Robert Westney of Perkinsville, Vt., daughter – Barbara Emery of Proctorsville, Vt., stepson – Harry K. Shepard, Jr. of Springfield, Vt., five stepdaughters, June McKenzie of San Bernardino, Calif., Ann Creaser of Barton, Vt., Caroline Shepard of North Pomfret, Vt., Lee Wetherby of Charlestown, N.H., Hope Shaver of Fort Wayne, Idaho, brother – Clarence Cook of Chester, Vt., many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, her best friend Gloria Barrows and many caregivers especially Madelyn and Amy.

She is pre deceased by her husband Harry K. Shepard, two sisters: Ellen Wright and Lena Allen, two brothers: Allen Cook and Floyd Cook, and her first husband Louis Westney.

Visiting hours will be on Wednesday evening Aug. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Davis Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Thursday Aug.17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Davis Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont.

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Harrison A. Kendall

Harrison A. Kendall 69, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at his home in Baltimore. He was born Oct. 13, 1947 in Springfield, Vt. the son of Addison L. and Elizabeth ( Perry ) Kendall.

He graduated from Chester High School in Chester, Vt. class of 1965.

On Aug. 22, 1992 He married Janet E. Miller in Baltimore.

He was employed as a Machinist with the Bryant Grinder Co. in Springfield, Vt. for 31 years. He later worked for LaValley Building Supply in Ludlow, Vt.

He enjoyed farming and having animals on the farm. He enjoyed hunting and was an admirer of historic and antique guns.

He is survived by his wife Janet of Baltimore. ;Two sons – Harrison A. Kendall Jr. of New Boston, N.H. and Joseph Kendall of Anderson, N.C.; Two Daughters – Gail LaVoie of Whitehall, N.Y. And Caitlyn Millett of Brewer, Maine. Step-son Dana Miller of Baltimore, Vt. ;Two brothers – Jason Kendall and Orson Kendall, and one sister Lora Wheelock all of Baltimore. ; Five Grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased sister Elva Ackley, and brother Alvin Kendall.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Contributions may be made in his name to the Springfield Humane Society 401 Skitchewaug Trail Springfield, Vt 05156.

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Kenneth J. Relihan

Kenneth J. Relihan 67, passed away on Saturday evening April 29, 2017 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center from complications of septic shock. He was born January 4, 1950 in Nashua, New Hampshire the son of Walter and Florence (Harmon) Relihan.

He attended schools in the Nashua area and graduated from Nashua High School class of 1968. He received his B.A. from the University of New Hampshire in 1972, and later his Masters from Brown University. He began his career in Nashua, worked at the Collegiate School in Richmond, VA., at the Westover School in Middlebury, Ct. , at Green Mountain Union High School in Chester, Vt. , and Monadnock Regional High School in Swanzey, N.H. He was a teacher as well as the Head of the Social Studies Department, and Debate Team Coach. His most recent position was as Curriculum Coordinator with the New Hampshire Department of Education in Social Studies, Foreign Language, and Gifted Education.

On May 30, 1981 He married Lenore Rourke in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Among his many gifts, he could take any moment in history and tell you its current relevance. History was never dead for him, and he made it live in his family and for hundreds of his students. Few outside the family will know that he was a lover, too, of children's literature. Reading aloud from The Wind and the Willows, The Hobbit, the Narnia books and so much more formed a basis for a rich family culture, and continued long after Terry Relihan and Ian Relihan grew up. We loved him dearly and will miss him forever.

He was also fond of fishing, and undeterred by his disability of recent years.

He enjoyed reading books and newspapers, fishing, bird watching and was an all around nature lover. He is survived by his wife Lenore of Springfield, two sons – Terence Relihan, of Manchester, N.H. and Ian Relihan of New York City. Mother and Father-in-law Janet and Bernard Rourke of Nashua, N.H., Brother-in-law David Rourke and his wife Susan of Nashua, N.H. and sister-in-law Susan Crandall, also of Nashua, N.H. He was predeceased by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday May 6, 2017 at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt. Reverend William Sheldon will officiate.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the The Nature Conservancy 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22203-1606, or at www.nature.org , or to the Southern Poverty Law Center 400 Washington Ave. Montgomery, AL 36104.

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Richard A. Knight II

Richard Alan "Rick" Knight II, 34, died April 17, 2017, at his home in Chester.

He was born Oct. 8, 1982, in Claremont, New Hampshire, the son of Richard and Sandra "Sunny" Benson Knight.

He attended Springfield schools.

Mr. Knight had many jobs, including as a carpenter, at Ben & Jerry's, a Grafton cheesemaker, a chef, and most recently, was self-employed as a tree surgeon. He enjoyed snowboarding, motorcycle riding, skateboarding, scuba diving, playing in pool tournaments and was known as an aspiring chainsaw artist.

Survivors include his father and stepmother Carol Knight; his former wife, Kimberlee Adams, whom he married March 31, 2006, and their sons, Jacob and Joel; his stepson R.J. Spinelli; his half-siblings, Lance Pearson, Samantha Henry and Richanne Knight; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother and stepdaughter Angela Spinelli.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel.

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Tanner Gasco-Wiggin

Tanner Edward Gasco-Wiggin, 26, of Chester, Vermont, left us on Jan. 26, 2017. He was born in Randolph, Vermont, on July 3, 1990, and grew up in the Springfield area, attending Springfield schools and graduating from Springfield High School in 2008.

He attended the Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine, and he became an accomplished artist and printmaker. Tanner cared deeply about social and political causes and was a fierce advocate for freedom of expression. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed snowboarding, hiking, music of all kinds, and reading and writing poetry.

He is survived by his father, Randall Wiggin, and partner, Marybeth Maloney, of Chester; his mother, Valerie Gasco, and his stepfather, Jeff Lavin, of Lehigh Acres, Florida; his paternal grandmother, Ruth Wiggin, of Rutland; his brother, Ian Gasco-Wiggin, and sister, Siera Lavin, both of Boston, Massachusetts; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in New England and Florida.

A memorial service will be held at the Old Stone Church (First Universalist), 103 North St., Chester, Vermont, on Saturday, April 8, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tanner's memory to the Vermont Arts Council, Outright Vermont or the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center.

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Earle E. Pinkham

Earle Everett Pinkham, 98, of Chester, died Friday, March 10, 2017, at Springfield Hospital, of a heart attack.

He was born Dec. 2, 1918, in Lynn, Massachusetts, the son of Earle Everett Pinkham Sr. and Aletha Florence Parrott.

He graduated from Lynn English High School in 1936 and attended Burdett Business College.

A World War II veteran, Mr. Pinkham enlisted in 1940, served in Panama in 1942 and married Barbara Louise Winston June 4, 1942, before being shipped to North Africa, and the China-Burma-India Theater in Karachi with the Army Air Corps. He was discharged in 1945 as a 2nd lieutenant.

He served as treasurer for North Shore Rock & Mineral Club and donated much of his personal glass and mineral collection with Lydia Pinkham papers, to the Lynn Museum & Historical Society. He was a 32nd-degree Mason at Golden Fleece Lodge in Lynn.

He retired after 34 years employment with Bursaw Oil Co.'s service station management in Salem and Lynn, He then worked part time for Kaiser Pemanente's Valley Health Plans.

He was an avid book collector, enjoyed ancient history, his exercise routine and the New England Patriots' success.

Survivors include his son, Galen, of Grafton; brother, Edward, of Lynn; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Pinkham was predeceased by his brother, Norman, in 1994; his daughter, Cheryl, in 2007; and his wife, Barbara, in 2008. The graveside service is planned for June 4 in Cobb Cemetery in Houghtonville.

In lieu of flowers, mail memories to Galen, 2026 Stage Coach Road, Grafton, VT 05146. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel, Springfield.

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Julie K. Gibbs

Julie Kay Gibbs, 55, died unexpectedly at her home in Springfield, Vermont on Friday, March 3, 2017.

Julie was born on May 4, 1961 in Springfield, Vermont, the daughter of Leonard Almon and Carmen May (Johnson) Stillings.

Julie grew up in Ludlow, Vermont, later living in Andover, Ascutney, and Springfield. She graduated from Green Mountain High School in Chester, Vermont. After graduating, she began working at the Gill Home in Ludlow before beginning her 30-plus-year career at Mack Molding, Inc. in Cavendish, Vermont. Julie also worked part-time at Okemo Mountain Resort for a number of years.

In addition to being a dedicated worker, Julie enjoyed running, snowboarding, boating, riding her motorcycle, puzzles, traveling to Florida to visit her father, spending time with family, and spoiling her grandson Elias.

Julie is survived by her two sons Jonathon Gibbs and girlfriend Vanessa Chaffee, Jay Gibbs and wife Jemma and their son Elias all of Charlestown, New Hampshire, her father Leonard Stillings of Plymouth, Vermont, her brother Sam Stillings and wife Jane of Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania, her two sisters Melissa Moore and husband Tony of Plymouth, Vermont, Lenora Wilkins and her husband Scott of South Londonderry, Vermont, her best friend Tony Parker of Springfield, Vermont and three nieces and four nephews. She is predeceased by her mother Carmen Stillings.

The graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, in Plymouth Notch Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Margo Marrone and followed by a gathering at the home of Tony and Melissa Moore, 4342 Route 100, Plymoth, Vermont.

Those wishing may make memorial donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 2000 Commonwealth Ave. Suite 205, Newton, Massachusetts 02466 or by visiting www.komen.org Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. An online guest book can be found at cabotfh.com

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Holger A. Holmberg

Holger “Buster” Alan Holmberg, 66, lost his 15-year battle with diabetes with complications on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at his home with his wife Shirley by his side.

He was born in the Bronx, New York. He attended schools in Chester and graduated from Chester High School Class of 1968. Following graduation he worked at several jobs in Chester before entering the U.S. Army in February of 1970. He served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, having received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Expert Badge with M-16 Rifle Bar, and the Army Commendation Medal 21st Artillery with 2 O/S Service Bars. He was proud to have served with the Tropical Lighting 25th Infantry Division A Battery 1/8 F.A.

Years after returning home he became a police officer for the town of Springfield and also served as a firefighter for the Bellows Falls Fire Department, where he had an accident in 1987 and became disabled at the age of 35. In his younger days when he could he loved to hunt, fish and play golf. On March 10, 1995 he became president of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VAA) Chapter 723, Chester when the charter was first formed and the charter forming the chapter was received. He also belonged to many other veterans' organizations.

In 1975 he married Laurie Thurston; they had one son, Joseph Alan Holmberg, who had five children. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernice and Joe Kozak, and his brother Ronald Holmberg.

Buster is survived by his wife Shirley (Trayhan), whom he married in August of 1990; a stepson, Roy Trayhan and a step-grandson, Blaze Robert Trayhan; his brother, Robert and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to a time of visitation and sharing of remembrances from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Adams Funeral Home, 35 Depot St., in Chester. Memorial contributions may be made to Bayada Home Health Care, 28 Vernon St., Suite 327, Brattleboro, VT 05301-3668.

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