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Ann (“Anny”) Bailey Cain — beloved wife, mother, sister, cousin and friend — passed away October 4, 2019, at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, R.I. Anny was born to Everett Clark Bailey and Doris Doerfler Bailey on May 16, 1955, in Burlington, Vt. The third of four children, she was raised in the Burlington area, attended local schools and graduated from South Burlington High School in 1972. After high school, she attended the Berkley School of Music in Boston and pursued a singing career in New York City before returning to Vermont. Anny graduated from the University of Vermont School of Nursing as a registered nurse. Anny worked passionately in different nursing specialties for more than 40 years, including surgical/operating room, ob-gyn and oncology in Vermont, Florida and Rhode Island. She is survived by her husband, David E. Cain Jr., of Jamestown, R.I.; her son, Tappan Little, of Colchester, Vt.; and her stepchildren David E. Cain III (Nancy Turner) of Waitsfield, Vt., and Eliza Cain (Randy George) of Moretown, Vt. Anny leaves two brothers, Thomas Bailey (Linda) of South Burlington, Vt., and E. Clark Bailey of Salt Lake City, Utah; and nephews Spencer (Jacki) and Skyler (Crystal) and niece Rachel (David), all of Vermont. Anny also leaves very special cousins Daniel and Mary Jo Davis of West Burke, Vt., and Carol Kelly of Portland, Maine. Anny came from a large family, including many cousins in Vermont, Maine and New York. Anny and David renewed an earlier relationship, marrying on February 18, 1995. For both, it was the love of their lives. They enjoyed many happy years together at their home in Fayston, Vt., before moving “south” to the village of Jamestown on the lovely island of Conanicut in Rhode Island. Anny had a happy and fulfilling life, living every minute with unbridled enthusiasm — she was a breath of fresh air to all whom she met! She enjoyed sailing, skiing, swimming, singing and dancing (and the Boston Red Sox). She was very social, making friends easily by bringing warmth and humor to whomever she met and whatever she did. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 87 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown, RI. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jamestown Fire Department-Emergency Medical Services Division at 50 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown, RI 02835. For full…
On September 24, 2019, at Porter Medical Center, Tinaya (Larocque) Raymond and Brent Raymond welcomed a boy, Declan Cooper Raymond.…
On September 26, 2019, at Porter Medical Center, Makayla Kimball and Mark Kennedy welcomed a girl, Vanessa Rena Lynn Kennedy.…
Megan Angelina Webbley, 31, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 29. Specifically, she died of an overdose, finally losing her battle with addiction. She was in Manchester, N.H., seeking treatment for her addiction. We have no clear picture of what went wrong. Megan leaves behind her mother, Dorothy Provenzano, of Boca Raton, Fla.; her father, Edwin Webbley, of Middlebury, Vt.; and her brother, Michael Henderson, of Los Angeles, Calif.; as well as many loving cousins, aunts and uncles. She also left behind four beautiful children who were collectively the light of her dark life. Though shadowed by opiate addiction, Megan enjoyed a big smile and an infectious laugh. She loved all kinds of music, dancing and doing her makeup. Empathetic in the extreme, she was the underdog’s biggest advocate. And against all circumstances, when she could be, she was a loving, gentle and doting mother. Just last year, she spent a few hours in the pool with all four kids (the youngest has since been adopted by a loving family), and it was a rollicking, madcap outing featuring a waterslide and peals of laughter. It was at that point when she was the happiest we had seen her in years. Megan grew up in St. Albans and Georgia, Vt., participating in dance and swimming. She proved to be an adventuresome reader and a fearless jumper off cliffs. But on July 1, 2005, she was once again at a cliff on Eagle Bay in Burlington. I was sitting at my desk on the first day of a new job, and a Vermont State Policeman called to tell me to drive to the emergency room at the University of Vermont Medical Center. I was told that she had been pushed off the cliffs and hit the rocks below … with her face. Having been rescued by a man in a kayak and EMTs, she was being stitched up, and her jaw was wired shut. They suspected a TBI, but when they prescribed her liberal doses of opiates, she lost control of her life. She would be in and out of rehab — and jail — for the next 14 years. To editorialize, I am hoping that the Department for Children and Families rethinks its mission to be the punisher of addicted mothers, the separator of families and the arbiter of children’s futures, and instead embrace a mission of enhanced rehabilitation. We,…
Ann (“Anny”) Bailey Cain — beloved wife, mother, sister, cousin and friend — passed away October 4, 2019, at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, R.I. Anny was born to Everett Clark Bailey and Doris Doerfler Bailey on May 16, 1955, in Burlington, Vt. The third of four children, she was raised in the Burlington area, attended local schools and graduated from South Burlington High School in 1972. After high school, she attended the Berkley School of Music in Boston and pursued a singing career in New York City before returning to Vermont. Anny graduated from the University of Vermont School of Nursing as a registered nurse. Anny worked passionately in different nursing specialties for more than 40 years, including surgical/operating room, ob-gyn and oncology in Vermont, Florida and Rhode Island. She is survived by her husband, David E. Cain Jr., of Jamestown, R.I.; her son, Tappan Little, of Colchester, Vt.; and her stepchildren David E. Cain III (Nancy Turner) of Waitsfield, Vt., and Eliza Cain (Randy George) of Moretown, Vt. Anny leaves two brothers, Thomas Bailey (Linda) of South Burlington, Vt., and E. Clark Bailey of Salt Lake City, Utah; and nephews Spencer (Jacki) and Skyler (Crystal) and niece Rachel (David), all of Vermont. Anny also leaves very special cousins Daniel and Mary Jo Davis of West Burke, Vt., and Carol Kelly of Portland, Maine. Anny came from a large family, including many cousins in Vermont, Maine and New York. Anny and David renewed an earlier relationship, marrying on February 18, 1995. For both, it was the love of their lives. They enjoyed many happy years together at their home in Fayston, Vt., before moving “south” to the village of Jamestown on the lovely island of Conanicut in Rhode Island. Anny had a happy and fulfilling life, living every minute with unbridled enthusiasm — she was a breath of fresh air to all whom she met! She enjoyed sailing, skiing, swimming, singing and dancing (and the Boston Red Sox). She was very social, making friends easily by bringing warmth and humor to whomever she met and whatever she did. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 87 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown, RI. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jamestown Fire Department-Emergency Medical Services Division at 50 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown, RI 02835. For full…
Beloved mother, grandmother and sister Patricia Towne Ward died on September 13, 2019, after a long, difficult struggle with gastrointestinal issues. Patricia was born in Burlington, Vt., on January 14, 1951. She grew up and attended schools in Milton. She lived and worked in Barre, Vt., California and most recently in Saginaw, Mich. She followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother as one of the very best pie makers in all of creation. She loved to find pie plates at garage sales that she could buy and give away with a pie to her friends. Patricia is survived by her daughter Lisa; grandchildren Jayden, Ava and Jayda; brother Bruce; sister Pamela; and ex-husband, Harold. She was predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Arlene Towne; and daughter Megan. Pat deserved better than she got from life, especially over the last three years, but she never became bitter or resentful. Please give a hug to someone whom you love in her memory.…
U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy's first chief of staff devoted his life to preserving Vermont
On September 19, 2019, Paul Alan Bruhn of South Burlington died of having too much fun. It was his heart that finally couldn’t keep up with him. He was born March 27, 1947, in Burlington, the son of Marion and Elmer Bruhn. His father died when Paul was just 5 months old, and his mother was left to run the family business, Bruhn Office Equipment on Church Street in downtown Burlington, as well as raise three young children. The first two were probably easier than the last one. Paul is survived by his very special friend Colleen O’Neill of Cornish, N.H.; his former partner Christine Graham of Burlington and North Bennington and her two sons, Finnegan Calabro and his wife, Clare Beams, and their daughters Tess and Joanna of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Max Calabro of Portland, Ore.; his sisters Janet Lum of Orcas, Wash., and Beverly Major and her husband, Randolph, of Westminster West, Vt.; his former wife Kathleen Stankevich of Springfield; numerous nieces and nephews; his "brother" Pat Robins and Lisa Schamberg, who didn't know she was getting a package deal; his colleagues and board members at the Preservation Trust of Vermont; and lots of special friends. The high point of his academic career was at the Tom Thumb Nursery School. He later graduated (barely) from Burlington High School in 1965, where playing basketball was his biggest interest, and he briefly attended the University of Vermont. In spite of an uninspiring academic record, he was lucky enough to have three very special careers. In 1966, Proctor and Ruth Page took him under their wings and provided him with an education in journalism and the newspaper business. Later they supported his effort to edit and publish a monthly magazine for Chittenden County. Chittenden Magazine operated for four years, ending publication in 1973. Paul often said those years working for Proc and Ruth were his "college" education. After a brief stint in the Chittenden County State’s Attorney's Office, he ran Patrick Leahy's first campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1974. He then served as Sen. Leahy's chief of staff in Washington, D.C., until returning to Vermont in 1978. (That was his second college education.) He operated a consulting business for several years and became the first executive director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont in 1980, a position he held until his death. He had great passion for his work…
Larry R. Michaels died on October 4, 2019, at his home at the age of 55 from a gastrinoma (neuroendocrine tumor, or NET). He was born on March 3, 1964, in East Chicago, Ind. He grew up in Tinley Park, a suburb of Chicago. His early years included spending time with his cousins in Chicago and Indiana. He graduated from Providence High School, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His service took him to Germany, then to Site R in Fort Ritchie, Md., and finally Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he served in the Signal Corps with top-secret security clearance during the Gulf War. After an honorable discharge, he attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor in science and, later, from Aurora University with a master’s in recreation administration. He returned to Alaska, where he worked in outdoor education for many years. He spent much of his time climbing and camping in the great outdoors of Alaska with now lifelong friends. After the darkness of Alaska became too much, he took a cross-country trip in the lower 48 states. Fate found Larry in Vermont, where he made his home and found his chosen family in Cabot. During this time, he spearheaded the creation of the Hardwick Trails, a multiuse system of hiking, biking and cross-country trails. He moved to Boston to work for Outward Bound in Boston Harbor and, later, for the Carroll School. Larry met Gretchen Gaida Michaels in Massachusetts, and they wed in 2007 in Vermont with Camel’s Hump as the backdrop. They made their home in Concord, Mass., for several years, enjoying the history and beauty of this area. During this time, Larry worked in real estate management in the Boston area. Larry and Gretchen moved to Vermont, where they lived first in Lincoln and then in South Burlington. Larry worked in real estate development at O’Brien Brothers Agency and then as a Realtor at Hickok and Boardman Realty. Larry became very engaged in community and civic life, helping manage the dump and Burnham Hall in Lincoln before helping to establish the South Burlington Business Association and serving on the South Burlington Affordable Housing Committee. He was involved with the South Burlington Rotary and served on the Queen City Park Audit Committee. He was committed to Mercy Connections, where he was a board member and…
Todd A. Ploof passed away in Burlington, Vt., on October 2, 2019, at the University of Vermont Medical Center. He was cared for patiently and lovingly by his partner, Nikki Bove; his family; and the staff at UVM. He was born in Winooski in 1966 at DeGoesbriand Hospital and lived a tumultuous life of health struggles, treatment and homelessness. His childhood was shaped by horrible experiences at the St. Joseph’s & Don Bosco Orphanage in Burlington, where he lived from age 5 to age 10. He was dropped off at the orphanage by a family member who trusted the orphanage to take good care of him. They did not. The abuse he was subjected to deformed his life. It did not kill his spirit, however, which remained undiminished by these difficulties. He was a very funny guy — well skilled at charming authority figures. He was probably best known for his signature look of wearing three pairs of dollar-store reading glasses at the same time — in lieu of prescription lenses. Being friends with Todd was a wild and largely joyous ride. There were so many people who cared for Todd and supported his growth and life, from the staff at Pathways to the staff at the Washington County Diversion Program and so many, many more. He often expressed his gratitude for those who helped him along. These social services are part of his story, too, and they supported his work of overcoming and of living his own life with its own happiness in his own way. After Todd died, a friend texted, “I hope that he has finally found peace.” And she meant what she wrote: It wasn’t just an obituarism. She truly hoped that he has finally found genuine peace. All of us who knew and loved him feel the same. RIP, Todd.…
On Saturday, October 26, 2019, Sean Bento will be 41 years old in Heaven. Happy birthday to you, my loving, handsome Seano, my Obiwan. I love you and miss you more than anyone can understand or any words can express. Forever 37. October 26, 1978, to August 8, 2016. — Sean’s Mom…
John Emil Novotny — biomechanical engineer, educator and saber fencer — died at home on September 24, 2019. A longtime resident of Burlington, John taught mechanical engineering at the University of Vermont and was known for his supportive teaching and mentoring of students. John grew up in Kennebunk, Maine. He attended Yale University and graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering. At Yale, he served as captain of the fencing team and was an All-American saber fencer. After a fellowship in Switzerland, John attended the University of Vermont, earning an MS in biomedical engineering in 1992 and a PhD in mechanical engineering in 1997. He married his college sweetheart, Dawn Ellis, in 1999. He was an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Delaware, then returned to UVM, where he made substantial contributions to the engineering curriculum. A voracious reader, John also coached Little League, helped start the Vermont Fencing Alliance and spent many hours volunteering. John is survived by his wife, Dawn, and their two sons, Miles and Theo. John was preceded in death by his sister, Jayme Novotny. He is also survived by his parents, Marilyn and James Novotny; his brother, Jim; and his sisters Lynanne and Laura and their families. A remembrance space will be hosted on Friday, October 25, 2019, from 2 to 8:30 p.m. at the UVM Interfaith Center, 400 S. Prospect St., Burlington. For more information, visit the John Novotny Remembrance Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, cards or donations may be sent to support his family’s transition to D. Ellis at P.O. Box 8245, Burlington, VT 05402, or to the John Novotny Memorial Fund at UVM at go.uvm.edu/novotny.…
On October 19, 2019, at Porter Medical Center, Elaina Goodin and Carl DeRoberts welcomed a boy, Carl Joseph DeRoberts.…
‘Lifetime member’ of Lyric Theatre managed ticket sales for 40 years
Joann Moulton Stanfield passed away at her home on October 22, 2019, to join her beloved Bob. Joann was born on November 22, 1940, in Marietta, Ohio, the daughter of David and Grace (Morrison) Moulton, who were officers in the Salvation Army, and the younger sister of her much-adored brothers Arthur and Alan. As officers, her parents moved often with their family to various ministries. Joann and her brothers would eventually work as camp counselors at Ashford Hills Salvation Army Camp. In 1955, at the age of 15, Joann met a fellow counselor and friend of her brothers who would become the love of her life. They were married on June 11, 1960, at the Brooklyn SA Citadel by her father, David Moulton. They would build a life and support each other unconditionally over the next 55 years, until his passing on September 28, 2015. After marrying, Joann and Bob moved to Cambridge, Mass., where Joann supported them by typing papers for students while Bob pursued his PhD from Harvard University. Upon graduation in 1963, Bob accepted a position at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where they expanded their family. In 1969, they moved to Vermont with their three children when Bob accepted a position at the University of Vermont. Vermont would become their forever home. Joann worked as a full-time mother and part-time nursery school teacher at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Burlington, where the family had begun going to church every Sunday. In 1974, Bob and Joann went to see a live performance of How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying at the Flynn Theater by a newly started theater group called Lyric Theatre. They were two of only 200 people enjoying the show in a 1,500-seat theater. Sitting there in the theater, they had no idea how important this theater group and the Flynn would become to them. After Bob was cast in the second show, Gypsy, by Lyric, Joann decided that she wanted to have as much fun as he was having and was cast in their third show, Pajama Game. They would continue to perform in numerous shows over the years. Upon joining Lyric in 1975, they made new friends whom, 44 years later, they still called friends … and many joined them in 2010 to help them celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They opened their home over the years to the cast…
On October 27, 2019, at Porter Medical Center, Chelsea (Purinton) Hescock and Judson Hescock welcomed a boy, Walden Arthur Hescock.…
Opioid crisis claims Rutland native
Alexa Lynn Williams, born February 25, 1986, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of October 26, 2019, from an apparent overdose. She is survived by her loving husband, James Matthew Clement; their son, Ethan Matthew Clement; her mother, April Kovolick Williams, and her partner, Peter Hayden; aunt and uncle Amanda and Ariel Miranda; cousin Ariel Miranda; aunt Kate Kovolick Cook; great-aunt Barbara Poeter Salls and her husband, Derick; her father, Jeffrey Warren Williams, and his wife, Carol Ann Williams; her brother, Jason Warren Williams, and his wife, Kiersten Lea Williams; her nephew, August Warren Williams; her stepsister Harmony and her husband, Kurt Shangraw; niece and nephew Zuzu and Cash Rooney; her grandfather Thomas Warren Williams and his wife, Helen Williams; great-aunt and -uncle Lorraine and John R. Williams; cousin Stacy Lee and her husband, Michael; aunt and uncle Missy and Tim Williams; cousins Bret, Zakk and Hannah Williams; her mother- and father-in-law Barbara and Jeff Clement; brother-in-law John Clement and his daughter, Sofie; brother-in-law Timothy Clement; sister-in-law Sarah Clement; and many other loving family members and close friends. Alexa was born in Rutland, Vt., and grew up in Sudbury and Underhill, Vt., attending Sudbury Country School, Browns River Middle School and graduating from Mount Mansfield Union High School. After graduation, she moved to Johnson City, Tenn., to attend East Tennessee State University. Alexa excelled at everything she did and was particularly gifted in math. We had many a road trip with flash cards to keep her entertained. Alexa and James were married on July 10, 2013. On January 15, 2015, she gave birth to the joy of her life, her son Ethan. She loved being a mother and, in many ways, excelled at being a mother more than anything else. Alexa was incredibly empathetic and sought to befriend people who were in need of friendship and companionship. With remarkably large eyes and a big, beautiful smile, Alexa warmed up every room she was in. Due to her sharp sense of humor and her kind and generous heart, everyone who met Alexa felt an immediate and close connection. Alexa was known for doing everything spectacularly — whether that was school, high school basketball or motherhood. Unfortunately, she was prescribed her first opioid prescription as a teenager, before the true extent and addictive nature of the substance was known. Those early prescriptions altered her life permanently. She regretted her addiction and…
Professional horseman started his long ride on Rose Street in Burlington
Carl William Bessette has ridden off into the sunset. He died at age 89, after a short bout of pneumonia, on October 20, 2019, in Wellington, Fla. A professional horseman, he led a life well-lived, doing what he loved doing the most: sharing his love of people and horses. Carl was born on Rose Street in Burlington, Vt., in 1930 to Arthur and Blanche (Levee) Bessette. Arthur and his brother Paul owned a trucking company and a stable where they rented horses. Carl followed in his father’s footsteps, driving a bread truck to support his horse business. That evolved from the Bessette Brother’s Riding Stable to a stable in Shelburne to Champlain Riding School in Williston in 1964. He served in the Marines from 1948 to 1951. He married Virginia Donaldson in 1951. In 1968, Carl started a series of moves in his equestrian career. He headed the equitation program at St. Lawrence University and then moved to New Jersey to Tewksbury Farms. In 1977, he was appointed director of riding at Southern Seminary Junior College in Virginia. In 1983, he began his life in Florida, including at Little Place Farm and Done Bobbin Farm. Carl is survived by son Eric Bessette, daughter-in-law Jennifer Baker and grandson Noah Bessette; as well as his son David Bessette and grandson Ethan Bessette. He was predeceased by his daughter, Cathy Lynn. The family would like to offer thanks for the extraordinary care Carl was given by his “angels,” who allowed him to maintain his life with horses to the very end: Patti Roberts Blank, Angela Green, M. Douglas Mutch, Kelly Hamshaw, Margaret Bidgood and "super angel" Jill Soderqvist. A celebration of life will be held at the Lakeview House on Route 7 in South Burlington on November 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Casual attire.)…
Underhill engineer and Navy vet worked for Oscar Meyer, Frito-Lay and Wyeth Nutrition
Melvin W. Litchfield Jr., 80, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on October 15 in Underhill, Vt. He was surrounded by love and his favorite music. He is survived by his wife, Cathryn Litchfield; children, Daniel (Laura) Litchfield and Teri Litchfield; and grandchildren, Isaiah and Kira Litchfield. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary, Cheryl and Lawrence (Mary); as well as many nieces and nephews. Mel was well loved and appreciated for his kind, supportive ways and quick wit. He enjoyed building and fixing almost anything, airplanes, skiing, horses, corny jokes, football, music, and spending time with family. He was born in Madison, Wis., on May 10, 1939. He graduated from Madison East High School and the University of Wisconsin with degrees in mechanical and agricultural engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation mechanic patrolling the Pacific Ocean from Midway Island to Alaska and loved to recount memories from this time of his life. Mel worked as an engineer with Oscar Meyer, American Potato Company, Frito Lay and Wyeth Nutritionals. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 16, at Underhill ID School, 10 River Rd., Jericho, VT. Friends are invited to stop by and celebrate between 4 and 7 p.m. The family would like to thank the Bayada Hospice team for their wonderful care during Mel's last days.…
Rutland-born educator became a trailblazer for the Northeast Kingdom Section of the Green Mountain Club
Jean Crossley Haigh (formerly Rogers and Cotroneo), 84, of South Albany Road in Craftsbury, Vt., passed away unexpectedly but peacefully while leading a hike with her good friends from the Northeast Kingdom Section of the Green Mountain Club. She was doing what she loved most in her favorite part of the state, right up until the last moment. Born on March 21, 1935, to Ernest and Etta (Morris) Haigh, Jean grew up in Rutland, Vt., where she developed a love for Morgan horses at Mr. Hendy’s barn and for skiing at Pico. After graduating from Rutland High School, she studied microbiology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, the rugged home of her ancestors. After returning to the States, she married and had two daughters, Nancy and Jackie, and, in 1965, resettled in Sudbury, Vt., on an old farm, which she quickly filled with Morgan horses and a pony. She rekindled her love of skiing at High Pond Ski Area. Jean completed her BS and master's degrees in education at Castleton State College. Later, she moved to Craftsbury, Vt. Over a long, vigorous and valued career, Jean enriched a variety of educational institutions, serving as a fifth grade teacher at Lothrop Elementary School; an administrator at the Brandon Training School, where she assisted in the deinstitutionalization and closure of the facility; as special education director at Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union and Lamoille South Supervisory Union; and as an adjunct professor at Castleton and Johnson State colleges. At the time of her death, she was still working for the University of Vermont, consulting to schools on the implementation of Positive Behavioral Intervention Support programs. As an educator and a teacher of teachers, Jean transformed innumerable lives. Jean’s unbounded energy, her commitment and dedication, her kindness and generosity, her compassion and care, and the brilliance and clarity of the light she brought to everything provided an example and an inspiration not only to all the young lives she touched and transformed, but to all the teachers she mentored and guided and who continue to spread her invaluable influence. To be anywhere with Jean in public was to be routinely astonished that she always seemed to know — and remember — everyone, and everyone loved her. The stream of people who stopped to say hello and chat, to be remembered, and to draw energy and warmth from Jean’s limitless stores was a…
Former Addison County educator and volunteer was a mixtape master
Douglas William Hopps died in Portland, Maine, on October 17, 2019 after a long illness. He was born in the hamlet of Garrison in the village of Cold Spring, N.Y., on May 26, 1959. He went to school in West Hartford, Conn., and Westminster West, Vt., and graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School, Vt., in 1977. He earned a certificate from the Franklin School of Business in 1993. Douglas worked at Artech Electronics Ltd. in Burlington, Vt. He later was manager at several retail stores in South Burlington, Vt., and in 1996 moved to Albuquerque, N.M., for nine years. Returning to Bristol, Vt., he was a custodian and a para-educator at Bristol Elementary School. He did volunteer work at the Starksboro food bank. He moved to Maine in 2015 to rejuvenate his life; he lived in Camden and Cumberland and quickly developed new friendships in both communities. In Maine, he worked at local grocery stores and volunteered for Furniture Friends and the Cumberland Wood Bank. Douglas was good-natured and delightful, with an innate sense of humor. He was a kind and gentle soul. Doug loved most all music genres, in particular rock and roll, big band '40s and classical; he was a big fan of artists from Ian Anderson to Antonio Vivaldi. He was a drummer at an early age and played until recently, when he continued tapping out beats on his dashboard. His greatest joy professionally was running his DJ business, Dance Around Sound. Douglas made cassette tapes, and later CDs, for family members that some of us still listen to today because of the great music mixes he created. He was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Jean (Shaw) Foster, in 2017; his stepmother, Ann Hopps, in 2015; and his aunt, Joan Hopps, in 2013. Douglas is survived by his daughter Burdena of Middlebury Vt.; his father, Thomas Hopps, of Camden, Maine; his siblings Robin and her wife Wendy Sue Harper of Monkton, Vt., Frederic and his wife Jette of Beverly, Mass., and Jonathan and his wife Tory Dietel Hopps of Cumberland, Maine; nieces Inge, Kaja, Sara and Carly; and nephew Sawyer. Other family members include Lynn and Bill Cash of Davidson, N.C., and family; Bruce and Sue Millar of Diablo, Calif., and family; Keith Millar of New York City; Leath Allyn Ashley of Yukon, Okla., and family; Craig Hamilton of Glendora, Calif.; Andrew and Christy Shaw…
Former state rep founded central Vermont cancer support group
Frederick Nelson Cook, 90, of Montpelier, died peacefully on November 7 after a short illness. Fred was born on August 24, 1929, to Edward J. and Helen (Foster) Cook. He spent his youth in Cuttingsville and Mount Holly, Vt., and graduated from Rutland High School in 1947. From 1950 to 1954, Fred served in the U.S. Navy. He is a 1959 graduate of the University of Vermont. He was elected a state representative for the Town of Shrewsbury and was appointed by the Vermont Board of Historic Sites in 1959, where he spent three and a half years overseeing programs at several Vermont Historic Sites. In 1960, Fred married Barrie Brundage, and together they had three sons, Christopher, Daniel and Richard. Fred spent most of his working career as the executive director of the Vermont Petroleum Institute, then as a lobbyist on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business/Vermont. He also worked on the campaigns of Barbara Snelling for lieutenant governor and of state senator Susan Sweetser for U.S. representative. After successful cancer treatment in 1996, Fred retired from active lobbying. He then established what became the Central Vermont Prostate Cancer Support Group, affiliated with the American Cancer Society’s Man to Man program. He often remarked that outside of raising his three boys, his most rewarding initiative in his life was working with the cancer survivors who attended the monthly Man to Man meetings. The American Cancer Society recognized his efforts in 1999 and again in 2007 for dedicated service to the Man to Man program. Fred proudly served his community in various capacities throughout his long life. He was a member and former vestryman of Christ Church in Montpelier, the Montpelier Board of Adjustment and the Montpelier City Republican Committee. He served as chair of the City Hall Plaza War Memorial Committee and was master of ceremonies for its dedication. He spent many years as a Montpelier justice of the peace, in which capacity his sons were fortunate to have him officiate at their weddings. A member of Rotary International with 50 years of perfect attendance, Fred was president of the Montpelier Rotary Club in 1980 and 81 and district governor of Rotary District 7850 in 1987 and 88. He was an elected representative to the Rotary International Council on Legislation, a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient and a regular contributor to the Rotary Foundation. He hosted…
Brent Graves Sr., age 47, died at 5:30pm on September 12, 2019 in his favorite park located in New Smyrna, Florida. Brent was born to Betty Plante in 1971, he grew up in Barre, VT, where he received his High school diploma in 1991. He married Lisa A. Westcott in 1992 in Montpelier, VT. After committing their life together, Brent purchased his first home in Northfield, VT and raised 3 children: Brent Graves Jr, Eric Boutin and David Boutin. He was a man of many talents, an avid car collector; when he wasn't working he would restore classic cars and show them at car shows. Brent was known for his great sense of humor and contagious laughter among his family and friends. He managed Interstate Maintenance Cleaning Corp. for 15 years before he became an owner himself. In 2012 Brent honored his wife's wishes to move to Port Orange, Florida to start a new business, Clean-Pro. He enjoyed hunting & fishing at his favorite brooks. He also enjoyed golfing, racing and collecting diecast cars. He enjoyed vacationing in Wells, Maine with his family. Brent is survived by his loving family his mother Betty Plante, his sisters; Samantha Leblanc and her partner Brad Mattson, Krystal Vize and her husband Tim and Ambir Moote And her husband Lewie, his niece Mercedez Vize, his wife, Lisa Graves, his sons; Eric Boutin, David Boutin and Brent Graves Jr, and his extended family members; Susan Westcott, Linda Westcott and Ron Westcott. The Celebration of Life for Brent will be held in Central Vermont at a later date to be announced.…