, a Kirby resident, passed away, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at his home. He was 63. The son of Harold K. and Marie I. (St. Pierre) Lawrence, he was born April 3, 1946, in St. Johnsbury. He worked for Pike Industries, and Greenwood Services for many years. He owned and operated Bob's Mobil Repair Service for 15 years, he loved working, he enjoyed his Mustang, buying and selling rigs, and golfing. He really enjoyed running the roads to visit and help others in need. He was proud to have received his GED later in life. Bob is survived by his five children, Lee Newell of St. Johnsbury, Kenneth Newell and companion Monica France of St. Johnsbury, Tammy Mitchell and husband Steve of Lyndonville, Kevin Sizen and wife Tamara of Lyndonville, and Shirl Sizen and fiancé David White of St. Johnsbury; brothers and sisters, Jeannette Shier and husband Larry of Romeo, Mich., Joe Hall of Massachusetts, Ginny Perry and husband Wilfred of Brownington, Jon Hall and wife Jane of Pennsylvania, and Beatrice Boyden and husband Bill of Massachusetts; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and best friends Pam and Alan Brink of Lyndonville. He was predeceased by his parents, a second father, Forest Arnold Hall, brother, Russell Hall, sister, Fanny Hall. Visiting hours will be at Pearsons Funeral Home Friday, Aug. 14, between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, interment will be in the Kirby Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Bob's name may be made to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center North, 1080 Hospital Drive, St, Johnsbury, VT 05819.

of Lisbon, N.H., passed away suddenly at home Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009. He was 64. The son of Florence (Santy) Knighton/Stearns of Lisbon and Bernard H Knighton. He was born on April 27, 1945, in Stafford Springs, Conn. He graduated from Lisbon High School in 1963, and a year later joined the US Air Force. Bernie married his high school sweetheart, Donna Whitcher, on Aug. 21, 1965. He was a life-long resident of Lisbon and was known and loved by all. Bernie worked several years at the New Hampshire State Liquor Store in Littleton, N.H., then recently retired after 19 years from New England Wire Technologies. He was a member of the American Legion/Ross Wood Post #2. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Since retiring, Bernie has enjoyed traveling with his wife to Florida, Ohio, Virginia, Arizona, and Connecticut. Bernie became quite the carpenter in his retirement when he and Donna purchased and restored a home next to their own on school street. He was very proud of the results of their hard work in fixing up "the palace." Bernie was an avid golfer, frequenting golf courses around the North Country. He was club champion at Lisbon Village Country Club for many years, where he achieved 4 hole-in -ones. He was respected by many of his golfing buddies, especially best friend and partner, Russell Smith. Bernie truly enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their many sporting events and community activities. He was very proud of all of their accomplishments. He was blessed to have such a loving family and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Bernard Knighton, step-father Joe Stearns, and sister Mary-Louise Bartlett. Bernie is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 44 years, Donna of Lisbon; by his two children and their spouses, Toby and Kim Knighton of Lisbon, Nikki and Dan Woods of Bath, N.H.; his mother, Florence Stearns of Lisbon; grandchildren, Andrew and Chad Knighton, of Lisbon, and Mikala and Josh Woods of Bath; his sisters-in-law, Marjorie Wilkins and Virginia Nickerson: brothers-in-law, Bill Wilkins and Bart Bartlett; and many nieces and newphews with whom he had a special relationship. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Ross Funeral Home, Lisbon Chapel. A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at 10 a.m., at the White Church, South Main Street, Lisbon. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m., Grove Hill Cemetery, Lisbon. Memorial contributions in Bernie's name can be made the to Lisbon Lions' Club, P.O. Box 56, Lisbon, NH 03585.

of Lyndonville died at Summercrest in Newport, N.H., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Urban was born in Morristown,Vt., on Jan. 17, 1909, the son of Jamie and Ethel (Sweet) Wakefield. On June 20, 1936, he married Marion Anderson in Craftsbury, Vt. A graduate of Peoples Academy in 1925, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Northern University in 1931 and his Master's Degree in Education from the University of Vermont in 1941. He started his teaching career in a one-room school in Elmore, Vt. From 1935 to 1942 he taught math and science at Peoples Academy in Morrisville. In 1939, he became an official Vermont State Basketball referee. He worked games in Lamoille, Washington, Orleans and Caledonia counties until 1959. He was principal of Chelsea High School in Chelsea, Vt., from 1942 until 1946. During those war years he also served as chairman of the Rationing Board and also supervised the Victory Farm Volunteers. In 1946, he became Superintendent of Schools for the Caledonia North Supervisory District-a position he held for 28 years until his retirement in 1974. For over 35 years he served on the Board of Trustees of Lyndon Institute. He was a life member of the Vermont Superintendents Association and a member Emeritus of the AASA. He belonged to the Lyndon Area Chamber of Commerce. For over 25 years he had perfect attendance at the Lyndonville Rotary Club. In 1998 he was honored by being named a Paul Harris Fellow, and in 2005 he was declared a Life Member. He was a life member of Mt. Vernon Lodge in Morrisville and served as Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star. In 1985, in recognition of their service to the community, Urban and his wife, Marion, were honored as Citizens of the Year by the Lyndonville Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. A similar honor was bestowed upon them by the local Grange in 2005. Urban was always interested in and involved in various sports. He served as President of the local bowling league, he was an active member of the St. Johnsbury Country Club and for 21 years served on the Vermont Golf Scholarship Committee. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a staunch member of the Lyndonville United Methodist Church and served in numerous capacities: teacher, Board of Trustees, and chairman of the building committee when extensive renovations were done at the church in 1992. He was predeceased by his wife of over 70 years, and his brother Dayton of Morrisville, Vt. He leaves four children, a daughter, Deanna Stowell and her husband, Norman, of Claremont, N.H.; three sons, Dayton and his wife, Sarah, of Middlebury, Vt., Douglas and his wife, Judy, of Arlington, Va., and Dana and his wife, Pamela, of Denver, Colo.; 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Urban also leaves a sister, Carolyn Fernandez of Northfield, Vt. Services will be held at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11 a.m. Interment will take place in the Andersonville Cemetery in Glover, Vt. Memorial contributions can be made to Lyndonville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 543, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

of Hernando, Fla., formerly of Lyndonville, died at home Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, with his family by his side. Alan was born Oct. 26, 1924, the son of Leonard Burns and Ada (Simpson) Burns. Alan attended St. Johnsbury Trade School. He owned and operated his own garage in Lyndonville and a bottling plant in Lyndon. He and his family moved to Florida in the fall of 1957. When he retired he was produce manager for a large grocery chain. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Georgianna, of Hernando; his children, Carol, Leonard, Michael, Stacy, Debbie, Neil and Marcia; 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by two ex-wives, Clara Watson Fiseck and Jeanette Dube Williams and two nieces. A celebration of his life will be later in October in Hernando.

, of Lyndonville, died Thursday afternoon Aug. 13, 2009, at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndon, on his 76th birthday. He was born Aug. 13, 1933, in Sutton, the last surviving child of James and Louise (Whipple) Gray. Leonard was not able to work due to a disability, but he did care for his mother and was a very good and thoughtful person. He mowed lawns in the neighborhood, volunteered at the Lyndon Area Food Shelf as well as the Lyndonville United Methodist Church where he was a member. He was also active at the Riverside Life Enrichment Center. Over the years he could be seen on his daily walks around Lyndonville. He enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. He is survived by his two nephews, Alan Thompson and wife Evelyn of St. Johnsbury, and James Thompson of Sutton; his church family; and his friends at the Riverside Life Enrichment Center. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, John Gray; and his sister, Beatrice Thompson. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m., at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating. Burial will follow in Sutton Village Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations made in Leonard's memory may be directed to, Riverside Life Enrichment Center, 2104 East Burke Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

, of Depot Square Apts. in St. Johnsbury, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009 at the age of 71. She was born Jan. 12, 1938, the daughter of Esther Boardman (Iverson). Family and friends will always remember her cooking and baking. She was generous person who volunteered at The Food Bank and other local charities. She is survived by her four children, Janet Ford, Donna Riddle, Robert Philbrook, and June Philbrook; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; "OXOXOXOX"; and by her husband Robert Butman. She was predeceased by her mother, Esther Iverson. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

, 78, of Littleton, N.H., formerly of Lisbon, N.H., died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, at the Littleton Regional Hospital, after a long illness. He was born in Chelsea, Mass., the son of Frank and Sarah (Donalee) Grayson. He attended local schools in Chelsea and Graduated from Everett Vocational, class of 1949. While living in Chelsea he was a member of and past president of the Merrit Club. Rich along with his brother Bernie were members of the St. Rose Church senior choir MA, which was under the direction of Mr. Frank Ridge, and the spiritual director was the Reverend William McCarthy, at the same time taking part in the musical plays that were put on by the St. Rose Church. When he moved to New Hampshire in the early 1970s he joined the Lisbon Police Department. He retired in 1992 holding the position of Chief of Police. He then became a Deputy Sheriff for the Grafton County Sheriff's Department serving as a bailiff in the Grafton County Superior Court. He was a past member of the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police as well as the New Hampshire Association of Retired law enforcement officers. He was pre-deceased by his parents and two brothers Raymond and Frank. He is survived by his wife of 30 years Edna (Wright) Grayson, Littleton, N.H.; four sons, Arthur of Durham, N.C., Rick of Gig Harbor, Wash., Thomas of Klamath Falls, Ore., and Daniel of Londonderry, N.H.; and seven grandchildren. He comes from a well known Mill Hill Family and is the last of the five Grayson boys. Frank of Revere, Mass., Raymond of Lynn, Mass., Thomas, also of Lynn, and Bernard Grayson of Salem, Mass.; two sisters Joan Arsenault, Seabrook, N.H., and Rosemary Caouette, Watertown, Mass. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Ross Funeral Home, Lisbon Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at 11 a.m., at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Lisbon, N.H., with Father Dan Sinabaldi officiating.

, formerly of Gilman, passed away June 8, 2009, in Milford Connecticut where she had been residing since 1952. She was born on Feb. 6, 1927, in Lunenburg, Vt., to the late Cecil and Louise Morin Smith. She was a graduate of The Brightlook School of Nursing and was employed as a registered nurse for Dr. James Keegan. An active member of the community, she was the founder and executive director of Pierce - Newman Memorial Fund, past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, a volunteer for the CT Audubon Society, Beth El Shelter and the American Red Cross Blood Services, where she received an exceptional service award for 50 years of dedicated service. In her spare time, she was a gifted knitter and crocheter. Mrs. Pierce is survived by her loving daughters, Heather Pierce Hackley of Branford and Gail P. Fichtner of Milford; sister Bernice Pierce of Concord, Vt.; brother Herbert Smith of Manchester; and grandchildren Robert, Elizabeth, Daniel and Katie. She was predeceased by her husband Homer J. Pierce and brother Morin Smith. Graveside services will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. at the St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery. Anyone wishing to attend is welcome.

, 83, passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, at Lafayette Center in Franconia, N.H., after a long illness. She was born in Littleton on July 8, 1926. She was the daughter of Ethel (Berry) Colby, former teacher at the Apthorp School, and Charles Colby former Littleton Fire Chief, and member of Littleton Police Department. Proceeding her in death were Reginald, John (Jack), sisters, Margaret (Bennett), Dorothy (Mclaughlin), Marion (Pettey), Barbara (Bragg). Eleanor married Mark T. Gardner on Aug. 9 1947. Eleanor is survived by her children Keith, Mark (Ted), Diana, Scott, Holly; daughter-in-law Elynor; grandchildren Brent, Jennifer, Hannah, Lori, Sheena; and great-grandchild Madison. Eleanor and her husband Mark were local business owners of a two ESSO service stations in Littleton in the 1960s. Later Eleanor started working at the Littleton Courier with her brothers Reg and Jack. She worked as an editor, and later, reporter for special events, and food columnist. In 2003 she retired from the Courier, but later started her column again in the Ammonosuc Times. Then in 2004 she had a cookbook published, and had a large book signing in Littleton. The book is still being sold today online and in local bookstores. Eleanor was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Also was a member of the NH Republican State convention. Eleanor finished raising her family after her husband died in 1974. All her children, finished college with degrees. Eleanor loved to cook for her family, and ride in her RED Chevrolet she proudly owned. She was always interested in Littleton, and making it better. The family would like to thank the Lafayette Center staff, for the incredible job they did for Ellie, over the two year stay. And making family access, especially on holidays so much easier. Services will be held at the Methodist Church Main Street Littleton on Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, at 11 a.m. followed by a service at the Glenwood Cemetery.

at the young age of 21 on Aug. 18, 2009, in Newport. She was born Dec. 22, 1987, in Newport beloved daughter of Donald and Debra Ann (Valley) McAlister. Bethany loved spending time with family. She took great pride in being called Auntie. One of Beth's many passions in life were animals. Bethany also enjoyed music, and hanging out with her friends. She always greeted us with smiles and hugs. She took pride in being the first class to graduate from Wheeler Mountain Academy in Barton. Her absence will leave a big hole in our hearts. She is survived by her loving mother Debra Ann Valley and her companion Randy Towns; her father Donald McAlister Jr. and his wife Angelina; her devoted brother Jason McAlister and his daughter Brionna; two half brothers Colin and Kenneth McAlister; a step-sister Monica and two step-brothers Corey and John; also by Memere Hilda Valley and her grandmother Donna Schofield; her grandfather Donald McAlister Sr. and his wife Chris; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She is also survived by her very special friend Jay Medley who had a special place in her heart. A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Rd, Newport. Interment will follow in Derby Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, VT 05855.

, 79, of Northumberland, N.H., passed away peacefully, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, surrounded by his loving wife and their nine children, at Dartmouth Hitchcock medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Real was born in Coaticook, PQ on March 16, 1930, the son of the late Arthur and Imelda (Blouin) Perras. Real married his wife Alice (St. Germain) Perras on Feb. 3, 1955. He moved from Canada in 1948 and worked on his parent's farm in Northumberland eventually purchasing the farm and where he and his wife raised their family. Real was quite a businessman, with his hands in different businesses throughout his life. Starting Perras Tree Service and Perras Land Clearing businesses. For many years he cleared power line rightaways and ski areas throughout New England and as far as Nova Scotia, while still maintaining the family farm. In 1974, he started in the sawmill business Perras lumber, Inc. in Northumberland, which is currently run by his three sons, Robert, Claude, and Paul. In 1980 he opened the first Ace Hardware Store in New Hampshire, which is also currently run by four of his daughters, Louise, Susie, Claire, and Denise. He opened his second Hardware Store in 1986 in Gorham, N.H. Business continued to grow and eventually he sold the businesses in 2002. Semi-retired he formed Perras Self Storage with two locations, one in Groveton and one in Gorham. He also formed a land development company. He was a hard working individual all his life, even though he was retired. He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments. Real loved his wife dearly and family very much. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending the winters at his home in Dania, Fla., with his wife. The summer months he lived here in Northumberland. He enjoyed spending time with friends in New Hampshire and Florida playing cards, cribbage, and shuffleboard. Real leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Alice of Northumberland; his children Claire and her husband Bruce Prosper of Northumberland, Dianne Pendleton of Tauton, Mass., Robert Perras and his wife Christine of Northumberland, Claude Perras and his wife Laurie of Northumberland, Louise and her husband Mark Collins of Groveton, Denise and her husband Russell Freeman of Northumberland, Suzanne and her husband Brian Batchelder of Groveton, Theresa and her husband Mark Rohloff of Jacksonville, Fla., Paul Perras and his wife Lisa of Groveton; a predeceased infant son (Michael Perras); 19 grandchildren predeceased (Tod Jay Collins); 22 great-grandchildren predeceased (Jewelya Brown-Perras); brother Fern Perras of Lebanon, Ind., and sister Rejeanne Fregeau of Lancaster, N.H.; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

, a lifelong Sutton resident, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, at Maple Lane Nursing Home. Born Dec. 24, 1924, in Sutton to Avery R. and Violet I (Clark) Curtis. He married Florence Walker, she predeceased him. He was a farmer, farming in the Sutton area. Herbert is survived by a brother, Wayne Curtis and his wife Ivy of Oakland, Ontario; a sister, Alice "Ginger" Cabrera and husband Ignacio "Sonny" of Massachusetts, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Geraldine Strout. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, Aug. 25, 11 a.m., at the Sutton North Ridge Cemetery.

of St. Johnsbury succumbed to his spirited battle with cancer on Thursday morning, Aug. 20, 2009, with his wife Linda at his side. He was born in St. Johnsbury on Jan. 31, 1956, the son of Franklin and Barbara (Ashton) Lamont. His dad passed away July 22, 2006. This past June 12, Brian was very pleased to have attended a gathering in his honor at The Elks. Family and friends, brother Elks, work buddies, former employers, on-call firemen, and his extended family at the St. Johnsbury State Police Barracks where he worked, all gathered for a wonderful evening. Brian had worked at places too numerous to completely list here, and it is fair to say nearly everybody had a soft spot for Brian. He was happiest when working and always had two or three jobs. Working for Gary Sanborn was one of his favorites. When he needed to just get away, he'd head north to Sim's Hill in Lemington. He is survived by his wife Linda (Daley) Lamont of St. Johnsbury; his mother Barbara Lamont of St. Johnsbury; his father and mother-in-law Edward and Jeanne Daley of Lemington; his brother David Lamont and wife Pam of St. Johnsbury; two sisters-in-law: Vicky Smith and husband Curtis of Lemington, Debra Deblois and husband Scott of Colebrook, N.H.; two uncles: Robert Ashton and wife Dot of Milton, Richard Ashton and wife Laura of St. Johnsbury; an aunt Carol Griffith and husband Ralph of Falmouth, Maine; cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be held at the North Congregational Church this Saturday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. The pastor, the Rev. Jay D. Sprout, will officiate. On street parking may be found on Main, Church, and Summer streets with additional parking at the old Summer St. School and Sayles Funeral Home located at 481 and 525 Summer St. Memorial contributions could be directed to either Lacey's Fund (for the later years of retired police dogs), Vermont Canine Assoc. P O Box 193, Colchester, VT 05446; or to the Gene McDonough Scholarship Fund, Suite #3, 1187 Main St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.