, 73, died Friday, May 13, 2005, at her daughter's home in Lyndonville. She was born Oct. 22, 1931, in St. Albans, Vt., the daughter of William F. Sinclair Jr. and Wilma (Burleson) Sinclair. She attended schools in Barton, Montpelier and Newport, where her father was manager of the local A & P Store. Betty graduated from Newport High School in 1950 and was employed by Dr. Perry Fitch, and then as a telephone operator for N.E. Telephone in Newport, Vt. She married Edson Birchard on June 11, 1955. After the birth of her daughter, she became a devoted homemaker. She was a member of the United Church of Newport and was active in church activities. Upon moving to Lyndonville, she attended church at First Congregational Church in Lyndonville with her daughter, and East Burke Congregational Church in East Burke, Vt. Betty is survived by her husband, Edson Birchard, with whom they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 11; a daughter, Susan Wells and her husband Wade Wells, and grandson Thomas Wells; brothers, John Sinclair and his wife Sherry of North Chelmsford, Mass., and James Sinclair and his wife Jane of Brewer, Maine; nieces and nephews; an uncle, Robert Sinclair and his wife Dolly of South Burlington and Arizona; and an aunt, Hazel Sinclair of South Burlington. Betty is lovingly remembered for her caring attention to her family. She enjoyed playing bingo, attending her grandson's basketball games, the many trips to Florida and Arizona when Thomas was younger and the annual Sinclair family reunions. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Darling Hill Road, Newport (formerly Sias Ave.) on Friday, May 20, from 5-7 p.m., where funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Sidney Lambert officiating. Interment will follow at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport. Contributions in Betty's memory may be made to the Caledonia Home Health Agency, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819-0383.

, well-known Trappist monk and Danville resident, died peacefully at the Vermont Respite House Thursday, March 31, 2005, at the age of 80. Father Jon requested a Mass be celebrated in Danville at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church on the day of his burial. All are welcome to attend Mass on Tuesday, May 24, at 11 a.m. Committal services will follow at Danville Green Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Vermont Air National Guard. Memories, tributes and thoughts can be shared at cbzuccaro@together.net. Cards to the family may be sent to his niece at the following address: Patty Bruder, 29520 Sherwood Rd., Willetts CA 95490

, 85, of 21 Waterman Circle, St. Johnsbury, Vt., passed away Monday, May 16, 2005, at the Berlin Health & Rehab Center where the Spragues had resided since September of last year. She was born in Hartford, Conn., Feb. 22, 1920, the daughter of Mather Ingraham Rankin and Anna Pauline (Gray) Rankin. Julia was a 1940 graduate of Lasell Junior College in Newton, Mass. She enlisted in the WAVES in the U.S. Navy in July 1943, serving until November 1945. She married William W. Sprague, an attorney, in March 1947; they have three daughters and six grandchildren. The Spragues moved to St. Johnsbury, Vt., in 1993 from Newington, Conn. St. Johnsbury was her husband's childhood home. Julia had been active in the Daughters of the American Revolution and at the United Church of Christ in Newington. She transferred her memberships to the local DAR chapter and to the North Congregational Church. Julia had a lifelong love of poetry, painting and the arts, and continued this love while residing at the Berlin Health & Rehab Center. She is survived by her husband, William W. Sprague, now residing at the Berlin Health & Rehab Center; three daughters, Polly Baslock and her husband James E. Baslock of St. Johnsbury, Vt., Megan M. Alexander and her husband James G. Alexander Jr. of Bloomfield, Ky., and Julia Ann Barnas and her husband Ron J. Barnas of East Hartland, Conn.; and six grandchildren, William J. Baslock, Daniel M. Baslock, Cole H. Alexander, Elisabeth G. Alexander, Matthew S. Loveland and Rebecca A. Loveland. She was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth Nelson. Funeral services will be held in St. Johnsbury this Thursday, May 19, at 3 p.m., at the North Congregational Church. Burial will follow at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. There will be no public visiting hours. In appreciation of the B-wing staff for their devoted care, memorial contributions, marked in her name for "The Activity Fund," may be made to Berlin Health & Rehab Center, 98 Hospitality Drive, Barre VT 05641.

, a St. Johnsbury native, died of a heart attack Wednesday, May 18, 2005, at the age of 49. He was rushed to Fletcher Allen Health Care where he was pronounced early this morning. Mark grew up on Summer Street in St. Johnsbury and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1973. He was born in Rutland on June 13, 1955, one of two sons born to Judson and Priscilla "Bobbie" (Hale) Smith. Mark in his younger working years was an agent for Prudential Insurance and a broker at AG Edwards. He was store manager for Woodworker's Warehouse at the Green Mt. Mall and had worked for Reed's Supply for five years in St. Johnsbury. He was excited about his new job, primarily selling tools, at The Home Depot in Williston. Mark and Leslie moved to Graniteville last year and had previously resided on Bagley Street in St. Johnsbury. He is survived by his parents, Judson and Bobbie Smith of St. Johnsbury (188 Farmer Dr. 05819); his wife, Leslie of Graniteville (377 Donahue Rd. 05654); three children and one stepdaughter, Tara Rae Smith of Exeter, N.H., Tyler George Smith of East Burke, Tanner Sumner Smith, just shy of 2 years old, of Graniteville, and Jordan Ashley Sulkowski of Graniteville; and his brother, Bradley H. Smith, salesman at Lewis Motors in South Burlington, and his wife Brooke Stahle of Colchester. Friends and family will gather at the Sayles Funeral Home Friday from 5-8 p.m. to exchange memories and express sympathies to his family. Mark's wish was to be cremated and that there be no formal funeral service. Please omit flowers. Rather, please consider making a contribution for his 2-year-old son to "The Tanner S. Smith Fund," Community National Bank, 875 Memorial Dr. Suite 2, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

, known as the father of azaleas, will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2005, at 1 p.m., at the Edebohls Home, 2259 Craftsbury Road, Hardwick. Burial will follow in the family lot in the Fairview Cemetery in Hardwick. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Hardwick Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 837, Hardwick, VT 05843.

, formerly of Lyndonville, died Monday morning, May 16, 2005, at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center in St. Johnsbury at the age of 93. She was born June 17, 1911, in Exeter, N.H., daughter of the late Harley J. and Minnie E. (Huth) Thurber. Miss Thurber graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy, Class of 1930. She later graduated from Lyndon Normal School and became a school teacher, teaching in area one-room schoolhouses for several years. After leaving Lyndonville, she enjoyed living with and spending time with her family in different southern Vermont towns over the years. She had been a resident at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center since 1998. Survivors include two brothers, Harley Thurber of Oceanside, Calif., and Richard Thurber and his wife Dottie of Austin, Texas; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, John Thurber; her sister and her husband, Helen and Paul Aubin; and this past April 30, her sister-in-law, Grace Thurber. Graveside services will be held Friday, May 27, 2005, at 1 p.m., at Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke, with the Rev. Joan Vincent officiating. There will be no calling hours.

, 70, of Island Pond, Vt., passed away at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass., on Thursday, May 19, 2005. Beloved wife of Clifford. She was born in Norton on May 30, 1934, the daughter of Louis J. and Leontine (Lavertue) Henry. Polly found her greatest joy in the company of her family and many friends. She loved cooking and bringing people together at the family cottage on Norton Pond. She also loved to walk the Head of the Pond Road with friends, kayaking, bird watching and reading. Pauline was a graduate of St. Paul's Convent High School in Stanhope, PQ. She later attended Lyndon State College, where she studied accounting and business administration. In the 1970s, Polly was a freelance writer for the Newport Daily, The Caledonian-Record and the Burlington Free Press. She served on a number of boards including the North Country Union High School Board, a 10-year term on the board of directors for North Country Hospital, the Brighton Planning Board, the Brighton Board of Selectmen, and was on the board of the Northern Counties Healthcare, Inc. at the time of her death. She served two terms as side judge for the Essex County Court and was also a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Island Pond Post 80. In 1999 Polly retired from the real estate business after owning and operating Brighton Real Estate from 1988 to 1998. On June 27, 1953, Pauline married Clifford F. Biron, who survives her. She is also survived by her children, Major Mark Biron, U.S. Army, Cynthia Biron of Brookline, Mass., and Alexander Biron of Hollywood, Calif.; her brother, Franklin Henry of Norton; her sister Jeanne Henry of Norton; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her infant son, Christopher, in 1955; by her daughter, Lona, in 1966; and by her brother, Wilfred Henry. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 1199 Railroad St., Island Pond, on Sunday, May 22, from 4-8 p.m., where funeral services will be held on Monday, May 23, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Lakeside cemetery in Island Pond. Should friends desire, contributions in Pauline's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division Inc., 13 Loomis St., Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 66, of Sym Noyes Road, Landaff, N.H., passed away suddenly May 18, 2005, at the Littleton Regional Hospital. Roger was born a son to Earl and Una (Dickenson) Hazelton on Feb. 16, 1939, in Monroe, N.H. He was a 1957 graduate of Lisbon High School. Roger served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963. He was a member of the American Legion and was a heavy equipment operator for Audley Construction Company. He resided in Landaff for 31 years with his family, with whom he loved to spend his time. Roger was known as "Pop Pop" to all his grandchildren. Roger's favorite pastime was going to the casino; he loved his slot machines. Surviving family members include his wife, Marie Hazelton of Landaff, N.H.; three sons, Roger Hazelton Jr. and his wife, Kim of Oregon, Ronald Hazelton of Dallas, Texas, and Robert Hazelton Sr. of Littleton, N.H.; one daughter, Jean Becker of Essex, Vt.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Donald Dickenson and his wife Marilyn of Monroe, N.H.; and several nieces and nephews. SERVICES - A Memorial Service will be held Monday, May 23, at 11 a.m. at the Pillsbury Funeral Home Lisbon Chapel, 77 South Main St., Lisbon, N.H., with the Rev. Lyn O. McIntosh officiating. Burial will be in the Monroe Cemetery.

, 73, of Cemetery Street, Lancaster, N.H., died Thursday evening, May 19, 2005, at Weeks Medical Center, Lancaster, after a recent illness. His wife, Lorraine A. White, recently predeceased him on May 8. Mr. White was born in Groveton, N.H., on July 18, 1931, the son of John and Mildred (Conley) White. He was raised in Groveton and Lancaster. For 22 years he served with the U.S. Navy in both the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. Returning home he was employed with the N.H. Department of Transportation as a bridgeman. During that time he was involved with bridge building and repair but he also had the opportunity to work with Nels Nelson on the maintenance of the Old Man of the Mountain. He later worked for various construction companies including Temple Construction of Lunenburg, Vt. Active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars he was past commander of the John W. Weeks Post No. 3041, Lancaster, where he was also a member of the Cooties. He was also past state commander for the Department of New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Family members include a son Harold "Sam" White of Lancaster; four daughters, Valerie Benson, Eileen King, Diane Blodgett and Cheri White, all of Lancaster; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. At Raymond's request there are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 25, at 11 a.m., at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. The Rev. Donald Williams, pastor of the Mountain View Baptist Church, Lancaster, will officiate. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to Toys for Tots, Lancaster VFW, in care of Rosalie Leonard, P.O. Box 147, Lancaster, NH 03584.

of St. Johnsbury died Friday, May 20, 2005, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital at the age of 44 years. He was born in St. Johnsbury, Sept. 21, 1960, the son of Richard C. and Connie (Colby) Gammell Sr. A graduate of Peacham Academy, Class of 1979, Rick held several work positions including Northeast Tool, Cabot Creamery and driving truck for the state of Vermont. Many folks will remember him as a volunteer for RCT the last two years. Rick was an avid NASCAR fan as well as the outdoors where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Survivors include his parents of St. Johnsbury; grandmother, Lorraine Gammell of St. Johnsbury; a son, Tyler; a daughter, Shawna; two sisters and their husbands, Karen and Mark Sylvester and Laurie and Mark Bickford, both of St. Johnsbury; special niece and nephews, Angela, Andrew and Mitchell; a grandniece, Mikaela; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He also leaves his best friend, Blaine Holloway of West Burke, Vt. Memorial services will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home, Tuesday at 1 p.m. Friends are invited to meet the family Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to NVRH 2nd Floor Nurses, Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; or RCT, St. Johnsbury, VT.

, 60, died May 19, 2005, in Baltimore, Md. Dean was born April 24, 1945, in Gilman, Vt., the son of George and Beulah (Kelly) McBey. Dean grew up in Vermont and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Dean was a foreman at the Gilman Paper Mill for over 20 years before becoming a truck driver for the Berwick & Sons in Lebanon, N.H. Dean loved to ride the roads, go hunting and fishing with his grandchildren. He also had a passion for motorcycle riding. Dean is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly Townsend of Hartland, Vt., and Nancy McBey of Lyndonville, Vt.; four grandchildren, Cody, Cory, and Ryan Townsend of Hartland, Vt., and Zack Noyes of Lyndonville, Vt.; two brothers, Everett McBey of Laconia, N.H., and Russell McBey of East Concord, Vt.; two sisters; Maryland Shufelt and Sandra Boudle, both of Groveton, N.H. He is predeceased by a brother, Howard McBey. Private services will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, P.O. Box 39, Bridgewater, VT 05034.

, 68, of Hebert Road, Montpelier, Vt., died unexpectedly April 11, 2005. He was born July 24, 1936, the son of Dana Tyler and Velma Chase Tyler. He graduated from Haverhill Academy in Haverhill, N.H. He went on to Plymouth State College, where he received his bachelor's degree, and continued on to the University of New Hampshire where he completed his master's degree. Mr. Tyler served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He began his career in education in 1961 as a teacher, coach, athletic director and administrative assistant in Concord, N.H. Dick continued on in education as a junior high school principal in Oyster River, N.H., and later became the principal of Morse High School in Bath, Maine. In 1984, he became the executive director of the Maine Principals Association. Dick was a member of the board of directors for the MELMAC Education Foundation, the Maine Principals Association and the Haverhill Academy. Survivors include a son, Brian D. Tyler of Boston, Mass; daughters, Diane "Dede" Tyler of New Harbor, Maine, and Kristin Jean Braymiller of Boulder, Colo.; his fiancee, Tina Muncy of Montpelier; sisters, Muriel Norman of Fairlee, and Doreen Tyler Ludman of Westford, Mass; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A reception will be held at noon on June 4 at the Parish Hall on the Common in Haverhill, N.H. A graveside committal will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Center Haverhill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Richard W. Tyler Scholarship Fund, in care of Maine Principals Association, 50 Industrial Drive, P.O. Box 2468, Augusta, ME 04338-2468.

, of West Danville, Vt., died Saturday, May 14, 2005, in Berlin, Vt., at the age of 90. He was born in Connecticut on Jan. 28, 1915, son of Wallace M. and Elizabeth (Peck) Seavey. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Mary (Platt) Seavey, who died in 1994. His second wife, Marion W. Kruth, of West Danville, survives him. He is also survived by nephews, Richard N. Platt Jr. of Milford, Conn., Thomas S. Platt of Hamden, Conn., and Bruce P. Ekstrand of Florida; and a niece, Josephine P. Clark of Westerville, Ohio. Roland was an aviation enthusiast, going by the nickname "Sky," and was also an expert skier. He was a civil engineer, working for the Viking Flying Boat Company in New Haven, Conn., before moving to Vermont about 1940. He worked for Fellows Gearshaper in Springfield for 25 years, and then briefly as a member of the permanent ski patrol at Stratton Mountain before working at the Vermont State Highway Department until his retirement. There will be a memorial service at a later date and interment will be in Milford, Conn., at the convenience of the family.