, 49, of Bethlehem passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on Aug. 5, 2004, at the Lafayette Health Care Facility where he had resided most recently. Abbott was born a son to Stephen and Helen (Parker) Clark on July 2, 1955, in St. Johnsbury, Vt. He attended grade school in Woodsville, N.H., and later moved to Littleton and attended area schools. After high school he moved to Manchester, N.H., where he attended mechanics school, learning the trade he was in for the rest of his life. Upon completion of school in Manchester, Abbott was employed by Audley Construction, working on the construction of Interstate 91. He then became a master mechanic for the Bretton Woods Ski Area Maintenance Department where he stayed for over 13 years. He also worked with his brother, Bob, in Barre, Vt., helping him with his transmission repair business. Abbott lived for the thrill of racing where he supported his nephews in any way he possibly could; from the construction of the cars, to repairing, as well as being on the pit crew. He enjoyed the NASCAR circuit and was an avid fan of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. Given the chance and the time, he also enjoyed fishing here in the North Country. He is survived by his son, Kenneth Robert Clark of North Haverhill, N.H.; three brothers, John Stephen Clark of Williamstown, Vt., Winfield Forest Clark of Bethlehem, N.H. and Robert Alan Clark of Orange, Vt.; several nieces and nephews. His sister, Donna L. McCormick; as well as his parents predeceased him. Services and calling hours will be held on Monday, Aug. 9 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union Street, Littleton. Graveside funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Maple Street Cemetery with Rev. Lyn O. McIntosh officiating.

, 88, of the Greensboro Nursing Home, formerly of Walden and Morrisville, died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at the Copley Hospital in Morrisville. She was born March 5, 1916, in Morrisville, the daughter of the Late Elmer and Elsie (Eagleston) Hill. She attended Morrisville public schools. On May 6, 1939, she married George Walter Colgrove Sr. in Morrisville. Ruth assisted her husband on the family farm in Wolcott. She later was employed by the Walden School lunch program for several years. She retired in the early 1980s. She was a member of the West Danville United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women's Group in West Danville. She enjoyed knitting, baking, word puzzles and flowers. She will be remembered for the moral support that she gave to whoever was in need. Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Coathup and her husband, Melvin, of Newport, and Sally Hart and her companion, Tom Walker, of Morrisville; four sons, John Colgrove and his wife, Karen, of St. Johnsbury, George W. Colgrove II of Walden, Richard Colgrove of Cabot, and Ronald Colgrove of Brattleboro; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a brother, Allen Hill of Johnson; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, George Colgrove Sr., in 1994; a son, David Colgrove; a brother, Carl; and two sisters, Bessie and Maggie. Visiting hours will be held Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the Northern Vermont Funeral Home, 60 Elm St., Hardwick. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the West Danville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the family lot in the Fairmont Cemetery in Wolcott. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Greensboro Nursing Home Activity Fund, Greensboro, Vermont 05841 or to the West Danville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 192, West Danville, Vermont 05873.

, 77, of Island Pond, passed away in Newport Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004. He was born in Canada April 3, 1927, the son of Marc and Germaine (Lavigne) McDuff. Gaston was a foreman for bridge building for C & N Railroad, retiring in 1983. He was a former state pistol champion. He enjoyed hunting and had a chance to go moose hunting this fall with his on Laurent. He built birdhouses and loved to watch birds. He also loved to be with his family and grandchildren. On July 8, 1948, Gaston married the former Pauline Bouchard, who survives him. He is also survived by his children, Jeannine Griffin and her husband Gary of Brandon, Jean McDuff of Rutland, Nichole McDuff of Pittsford, Laurent McDuff and his wife Marie of Pittsford, and Pierre McDuff and his wife Julie of Topsham, Maine; his grandchildren, Captain Gregory Griffin, Mark Griffin, Elaine Griffin, Diane Farrow, Richard Foy, Andrew McDuff, Marc McDuff and Evan McDuff; his great-grandchildren, Jamie Gray, Daniel Farrow, Rebecca Farrow, C.J. Moore, Brent Foy and Taryn Foy; his brothers, Jean Claude, Raymond, Richard and Camille, all of Canada, and Robert of Barre; his sister, Rejeanne Lynch of Canada; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his children, Diane, Daniel and Roger; and by his brother, Marcel. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 1199 Railroad St., Island Pond, Monday, Aug. 9, from 5-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. William Morgan officiating and assisted by Gaston's son-in-law, Deacon Gary Griffin. Interment will take place at a later date at St. Matthew's Cemetery in Dixville, Canada. Should friends desire, contributions in Gaston's memory may be made to the St. James Catholic Church, Island Pond, VT 05846; or to the Brighton Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Island Pond, VT 05846.

89, of 425 Dwyer Road, Sheffield, Vt., passed away Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at his residence. Bill was born on Sheffield Heights Feb. 15, 1915, the son of George and Nellie (Dopp) Dwyer. He attended Sheffield Heights School and Barton Academy, graduating with the honor of valedictorian in 1932, also teaching classes. He worked on the family farm and on Nov. 18, 1938, married Wilma Spring. They made their first home in Sheffield and then had farms in Wheelock, Sheffield, Coventry, Barton, and finally returned to Sheffield Heights, where he still lived. Bill farmed, drove a truck for Checkerboard, became a deputy sheriff in Caledonia and Orleans counties, worked at the Blue Moon drive-in for four years, and worked for the Sheffield Highway Department. During this time he would be found policing at local dance halls. While Bill still farmed, he worked at Green Mountain Fence Company. When he stopped farming, he went to work for Ethan Allen manufacturing in Orleans, from which he retired. With all of this, he still found time to join Crystal Lake Grange, which he belonged to for 46 years. He served as master for many years and joined Shepherd Pomona Grange, where he was also master. Bill served on the Orleans County Fair Commission and helped direct traffic at both Orleans County Fair and Caledonia County Fair. He also volunteered in the floral hall helping with the Grange booth, and at Caledonia Fair helping with the Grange food booth. Bill was a member of the St. Johnsbury Lodge of Loyal Order of the Moose. One of Bill's long traditions involved directing traffic at Sheffield Field Day every Labor Day. As he reached retirement, he was elected to serve as Sheffield Town Auditor, which he served for several years. He also enjoyed fishing with his family and would provide for them by taking everybody berrying around the area. On Sundays, the family would go for rides to see different parts of Vermont. Those who will miss Bill include his sons, Rodney J. of Rhode Island, Lawrence J. "Larry" and his wife Bonnie of Orleans, and Francis J. "Frank" and his companion Lori Curtis of Sheffield; and his daughter, Eilene J. Jasper and her husband Bill of North Carolina. Grandchildren who will miss him include George T. and his wife Charlene of Massachusetts, Lize Jane of Florida, Chris R. of Milton, Eric W. of Orleans, Janice A. of Florida, Dennis J. of Maine, and Jennifer L. of Sheffield. Bill will be missed by his brothers, Ken F. of St. Johnsbury, and Edward R. of Essex Junction. In addition, several cousins, nieces and nephews will miss him. Bill was predeceased by his wife, Wilma; and his children, Maxine J., Sandra J., and Dennis J. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church of Lyndonville Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating. Burial will be in the Westlook Cemetery, Glover, Vt. Those who wish may send contributions in his memory to the Hospice Unit, in care of Caledonia Home Health Care Agency, P.O. Box 336, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 83, of Western Avenue, Brattleboro, died Aug. 6, 2004, at the Harborside-Westwood Healthcare Center in Keene, N.H. He was born Nov. 13, 1920, in Wilder, Vt., the son of Dr. Rollin J. and Lulu (Patterson) Goss. He attended Wilder Grammar School, Hartford High School, White River Jct., and was graduated from the University of Vermont in 1943. He received his master's degree from the University of Vermont in 1952. Advanced academic work was pursued at Boston University, University of Maine, University of Massachusetts, Northeastern and Saint Michael's College. Mr. Goss and Doris Squire were married Dec. 24, 1943. The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary last Christmas Eve. He is also survived by his children and their spouses, Deborah Goss of Lexington, Mass., Janet and Jim Burke of Montpelier, Vt., Heather and Sam Fischer of Littleton, Mass., and John Rollin and Emily Goss of Tahoe City, Calif.; and six grandchildren, Ian Burke, Noah Burke, Amy Fischer, Eliza Fischer, Harrison Goss and Guthrie Goss. His brother, Robert, is deceased. Mr. Goss began teaching in Hanover, N.H.; taught and coached at Lyndon Institute for five years; was principal of Stowe High School for five years; and served as director of guidance at Brattleboro Union High School for 29 years. He retired in 1983. Mr. Goss was an elected trustee of the State Teacher's Retirement System for 28 years, and was its chairman for a decade. In the 1960s, he served a three-year term on the executive committee of the National Council on Teacher's Retirement. He was a former director, vice president and president of the Vermont Education Association (VT-NEA) and a life member of the National Education Association. He also served as president of the Vermont Personnel and Guidance Association and was chairman of the New England Personnel and Guidance Conference Executive Committee. In the 1970s, he had a three-year term on the Advisory Council to the Vermont Commissioner of Education on Innovative and Exemplary Education. For several years, he was chairman of the Ski Committee of the New England Council of Secondary School Principals and the Vermont Headmasters Association. For over a decade, he was chairman of the Admissions Committee of the Thompson School for Practical Nursing in Brattleboro. In Brattleboro, Mr. Goss served on the Town Finance Committee, the Water Filtration Plant Study Committee, the Route 9 Corridor Study Committee and the Town Capital Needs Review Committee. As a District 1 member of the Representative Town Meeting in Brattleboro, he served from its inception until 2002. Vocal music had been a lifelong hobby of Mr. Goss. For over 40 years as a member of the Blanche Moyse Chorale, as soloist at the annual Messiah Sing, and in various music theater productions ("The Mikado," "Pinafore," "Amahl," "Die Fledermaus"), as well as in church choir work, his bass voice will be remembered. In early life as a participant, coach, official and later as a spectator, he enjoyed all types of sports and often attended high school and community athletic events. Following retirement from teaching, he was involved for a number of years with the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program and with R.S.V.P. For three years, he represented the Brattleboro area on the Central Vermont Public Service Consumer Advisory Committee. He was a member of Brattleboro Lodge 102 F & AM; local and state Scottish and York Rite Bodies; and Bingham Chapter 30, O.E.S. For a number of years, Mr. Goss was on the State Executive Committee of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and was recognized and received their award for meritorious service. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Burial will be in the Hartford Cemetery in Hartford, Vt. Contributions may be made to Rescue Inc., Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or the First Congregational Church Endowment Fund, 880 Western Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301.

, 88, of St. Johnsbury, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center. She was born in Danville May 10, 1916, the daughter of Harold and Elizabeth (Berube) Scott. A member of St. John the Evangelist Church, she loved animals, family cookouts and especially country music. Survivors include her daughter, Shirley Johnston of St. Johnsbury; an aunt, Antoinette Meserve of St. Johnsbury; a brother-in-law and his wife, Douglas and Lucy Murphy of St. Johnsbury; a sister-in-law and her husband, Mildred and John Shultz of South Farmingdale, N.Y.; nieces and nephews; her special neighbors, Celia Zabrosky and Maude Timson; and special friend, Verna Berube. She was predeceased by her husband, Rupert Johnston, Dec. 17, 1989; and a brother, Herman Scott. Burial services will be held at St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Lyndonville at the convenience of the family. There will be no visiting hours. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Elizabeth H. Brown Humane Society Inc., 180 Emerson Falls Road, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; or Alzheimer's Association, Green Mountain Chapter, P.O. Box 1139, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 71, formerly of 8 Gordon St., Woodsville, N.H., died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville after an extended illness. Luvia had been a resident at the Grafton County Nursing Home in North Haverhill, N.H., for the past six years. She was born in Woodsville on Aug. 28, 1932, daughter of Norman and Corabelle (Clark) Thornton. She was a member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church, Woodsville, and the American Legion Ross Wood Post 20 Auxiliary, Woodsville. She was predeceased by her husband Harold A. "Harry" Byrne on March 3, 1989; and two brothers, John C. and Douglas C. Thornton. Surviving relatives include two sons, Richard S. Byrne of North Haverhill, N.H., and Harold J. Byrne of Danville, Vt.; two daughters, Elizabeth J. Hudson of Littleton, N.H., and Sarah L Cherwien of West Richland, Wash.; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jean Harrington of Barnstead, N.H., Mildred Winchester of Westmoreland, N.H., and Norma Beverly Doyen of Littleton, N.H.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A calling hour will be held Thursday, Aug. 12, from 7-8 p.m., at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 13, at 2 p.m., at the Ricker Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Woodsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grafton County Home Association, 3855 Dartmouth College Highway, North Haverhill, NH 03774.

, 57, of Mt. Misery Road, Littleton, N.H., passed away Aug. 7, 2004, at the Littleton Regional Hospital after a long illness. Cheryl was born a daughter to Alvin and Eudora (Lucas) Corliss on Feb. 12, 1947, in Littleton, N.H. She graduated from Littleton High School. Hitchiner Manufacturing employed Cheryl for the past 17 years. She was very dedicated to her children and grandchildren and spent as much time as possible with them. She was also very supportive of her sons in auto racing. Surviving family members include her father and stepmother, Alvin and Myrtle Corliss of Littleton, NH; four sons, Russell Clark of Littleton, Steve Clark of Bethlehem, Michael Clark of Littleton, and Timothy Clark of Bethlehem; one daughter, Tina Clark of Littleton; four brothers, Wayne Corliss of Montehue, Calif., Kenneth Corliss of Littleton, N.H., Michael Corliss of Anaheim, Calif., and Arnold Stygles of Bradford, Vt.; two sisters, Sandra Manning of Littleton, and Susan Brann of Groveton; and seven grandchildren. Her mother, Eudora Corliss, predeceased her in 1989. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 6:30-8 p.m., at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union St., Littleton. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 12, at 11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Littleton, with the Rev. Lyn O. McIntosh officiating. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery in Littleton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in her memory to either The Racing Against Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 575, North Woodstock, NH 03262, or the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire, 1492 Elm St., Suite 1, Manchester, NH 03101.

, 83, a lifelong resident of St. Johnsbury, Vt., died Wednesday, July 28, 2004, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. Paul was born July 21, 1921, in St. Johnsbury, the son of Joseph Prescott and Edith (Rodgers) Colby. Paul graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy, Class of 1939. He married Marguerite Prefontaine. He loved fishing and camping and wintering in Florida. His family was most important in his life. Paul served three years in the U.S. Army during WWII, was a staff sergeant, served in six major campaigns and received two Bronze Stars. He was also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. Paul is survived by his loving wife, Marguerite, of St. Johnsbury; daughters, Gloria Molinaroli of St. Johnsbury, Terri Eldridge and her husband Kim of Siloam Springs, Ark., and Sheri Colby Schenck and her husband Jim of Passumpsic, Vt.; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Lloyd and Howard. Private services were held at St. Elizabeth's Cemetery in Lyndonville, Vt.

52, of Naples, Fla., formerly of Littleton, N.H., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, at the Naples Community Hospital six days after undergoing extensive heart surgery. Robert was born a son of the late Roy and Gertrude Dodge, July 18, 1952, in Littleton, N.H. He graduated from Littleton High School and then enjoyed working for and the friendship of Frank Porfido at Porfido's Market for over 20 years. Approximately 6-1/2 years ago Robert made the move to Florida and worked at Publix Supermarket. Robert was an avid Red Sox baseball fan and traveled many miles to see them play. He was a member of the Elk's Lodge in Littleton for many years and spent many hours challenging his friends to a game of pool. Robert is survived by six brothers and their families, Donald Dodge of Franklin, N.H., Willie Dodge of Lebanon, N.H., Gene Dodge of Littleton, N.H., Herbert Dodge of Greensboro, N.C., Clarence Dodge of Littleton, N.H., and David Dodge of Littleton, N.H.; four sisters and their families, Maureen Sweeney of Woodsville, N.H., Alice Wilson of Littleton, N.H., Florence McFarland of Florida, and Louise Myrick of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and many cousins and friends. Committal services will be at a later date at the discretion of the family. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery in Littleton, N.H.

, 79, of East Charleston, Vt., passed away in New Port Richey, Fla., Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004. She was the beloved wife of Jack B. Sloan. Arrangements will be announced when complete.

, 76, of 895 East Burke Road, Lyndonville, Vt., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury, Vt. She was born in Wheelock, Vt., Nov. 21, 1927, the daughter of the late Earl and Madelene (Willey) Miles. Her husband William Tower predeceased her in 2002. Phyllis and her husband owned and operated the Burke View Garage and Burke View Drive-In. She is survived by her sisters, Shirley Allard of Lakeland, Fla., and Betty-Lou Rexford and her husband Leslie of Burke, Vt.; her sister-in-law, Rowena Miles of West Burke, Vt.; her brothers-in-law and their wives, David and Thelma Tower of East Burke, Vt., and Maurice and Janet Tower of East Burke, Vt.; and by several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held Friday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m., in the Sutton Village Cemetery, Sutton, Vt., with the Rev. Don Vincent officiating.

, 88, of Sugar Hill Road, Lisbon, N.H., passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, at the Littleton Regional Hospital. Bernard was born a son to Clarence and Lillian (Stephens) Dodge on Dec. 6, 1915, in Landaff, N.H. He attended area one-room schools. Bernard married Susan Wright on July 12, 1941. He served with the Civilian Conservation Corp and was involved in logging, farming and construction. Bernard assisted with the carpentry on the construction of the original Harrison Publishing Building in Sugar Hill. He enjoyed woodworking, building various items and maple sugaring. He had a great love of the outdoors. Bernard loved and cared for his entire family. Surviving family members include one son, Bernard C. Dodge Jr. and his wife Ava of Lisbon, N.H.; five daughters, Lillian F. Guay of North Haverhill, N.H., Barbara S. Stevens of Lisbon, N.H., Shirley L. Peterson of Landaff, N.H., and Jane A. Dodge and Judy B. Dodge, both of Graniteville, Vt.; two brothers, Kenneth Dodge of Springfield, Vt., and Ervin Dodge of Montpelier, Vt.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; many cousins; and Ruby Gray, a very close family friend. His wife, Susan Dodge, and one sister, Eunice Parks, predeceased him. The family will receive friends Friday evening, Aug. 13, from 6:30-8 p.m., at the Pillsbury Funeral Home Lisbon Chapel, 77 South Main St., Lisbon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m., at the funeral home with the Rev. Lyn O. McIntosh officiating. Burial will follow in the Grove Hill Cemetery in Lisbon. Expressions of Sympathy may be made in his memory to the North Country Home Health Agency, 536 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561.