David I. Locke , of St. Johnsbury, a longtime area milkman, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 13, 2005, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital at the age of 71. He was born in East St. Johnsbury on Jan. 21, 1934, the son of Raymond Sr. and Jeannie (Ramage) Locke. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School, Class of 1953. From the time he was 18 to his retirement in 1996, David knew one job and that was being a milkman. He worked originally for Kilfasset Farms, which became part of Billings Dairy, then Idlenot Dairy, Booth Bros., and HP Hood and Sons. His principal route went from Lancaster, north on Route 3 all the way to Pittsburg, and over to Canaan and Island Pond. David showed great courage and an upbeat attitude as he faced his eight-year battle with cancer. Many people knew him as the mayor of the Green Mountain Mall where he loved to be out and socialize with people. Sears even had a designated recliner for him. He remained very faithful to his daughter Melody who resides at The Pines in Lyndonville. He loved to root for the Yankees and the Boston Celtics and will be missed dearly by friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Jean (Piper) Locke of St. Johnsbury (37 First St., Box 7A, 05819); three children, Randy Locke, Melody Locke (601 Red Village Rd. 05851), and Kim Russell and her husband Tim (1099 Mt. Pisgah Rd. 05819); four grandchildren, Christina and Maranda Locke, and Trish and Kris Russell; one sister, Betty Heath and her husband Roland Sr. of North Danville; and nieces and nephews and their families. A brother, Raymond Jr., predeceased him in 1992. Funeral services will be held this Saturday at 11 a.m. at the North Danville Baptist Church with the Rev. Glen Hatch, family friend, officiating. Cremation will follow the funeral with family committal services on Sunday at the Grove Cemetery in East St. Johnsbury. Visiting hours will be held Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home. Contributions, made out to "Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital" and marked for "Norris Cotton Cancer Center North" in David Locke's memory, may be sent to Norris Cotton Cancer Center North, Attention Jim Flynn, P.O. Box 905, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.