, Jr. - Aug 29, 1929-Oct. 27, 2012Episcopal priest, coach, community organizer, store owner, actor, and lifelong champion for peace and justice, Robert Castle died on Sunday, October 27, 2012 of natural causes. "Bobby" was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, the only child to Freda and Robert W. Castle.Bobby attended St. Lawrence University where he was named an All American Quarterback. He married Nancy Thomas in 1952. He went on to attend divinity school at Berkley/Yale in New Haven, Connecticut. After divinity school he became the rector of St. Andrews Episcopal church in Lincoln Park, New Jersey. He lead the community in the construction of a new church and established two other congregations in neighboring communities. In 1962 he became on to be rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. That year he was named one of the Top Outstanding Young Men in America. Father Castle was active in the anti Vietnam war and civil rights movement at a community and national level throughout the 1960's even connecting with members of the Black Panther Party.In 1971 the Castle family moved to the old farm house and land on Mead Hill in Holland. Bob and Nancy opened the East Charleston Country Store while he served as Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Island Pond and St. Mark's Episcopal Church In Newport. Bob also coached football for many years at North Country Union High School and worked part-time for Northeast Kingdom Mental Health. In 1983 Father Castle became Director of Brookehaven Home for Boys in Chelsea for three years before returning to his urban roots went he moved to New York. He served on the staff of Holy Trinity and provided outreach work for The Coalition for the Homeless. Reverend Castle was called to serve as Rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Harlem in 1987.Bob married Kate Betsch in 1987. The early 1990's was a time when Bobby was reacquainted with his cousin director Jonathan Demme who helped launch Bobby's movie career after completing the documentary Cousin Bobby. He had a number of short appearances in films with most notable roles in Philadelphia and Rachel Getting Married.Father Castle retired as a full time priest in 2000 and retuned to Mead Hill Farm in Holland to be close to his family and share the land and home with them and many others. He stayed active by serving Christ Church in Stanstead and other area churches. He also remained resolute in his convictions for peace and justice and faithful to protesting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.He leaves behind his wife Kate; daughter Jane, her three children and son-in-law Norm Lanman; son Paul and daughter-in-law Carol and their three children; son John and daughter-in-law Jill and two children; seven great-grandchildren and step children William and Emily Betsch.A memorial service will be held at Mead Hill Farm in Holland at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, 2012. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the St. Mark's food shelf at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 44 Second Street, Newport, VT 05855.

- March 21, 1926-September 26, 2012Mr. Raymond A. Peterson, age 86, passed away at Memorial Hospital in North Conway, NH on September 26, 2012. He was a retired attorney and long-time resident of Newport City.Mr. Peterson moved to Newport from New Brunswick, NJ in November 1963, and joined the law firm of Paul R. Rexford. He opened his own law firm specializing in probate and property law in 1967. His loving wife, Claire, worked side-by-side with him as his assistant and office manager. He was a familiar sight at town clerk’s offices, courthouses, banks, and real estate offices throughout the Northeast Kingdom until he retired in June 2007. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson moved to North Conway, NH in early 2009.Mr. Peterson was born on March 21, 1926 in Bronx, New York, the son of Sylvester A. Peterson and Marcelle (Sir) Peterson, a native of France. He graduated from Morris High School in June 1943 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 1944. While in the Marine Corps, he served as a guard at the U.S. Naval Air Station, Coco Solo on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal Zone, as a clerk in the Sergeant Major’s office in the Marine Barracks, U. S. Naval Base, Balboa, on the Pacific side of the Canal Zone, and as a personnel records clerk at the Navy Annex, Arlington, VA. He enrolled in Brooklyn Law School as a full-time student under the G.I. Bill and graduated with the class of June 1953. Following graduation, he joined the law firm of Galli & Locker of New York City, and represented the Traveler’s Insurance Company in accident cases, until October 1963, when he left the firm to join Mr. Rexford in Newport.He was predeceased by his parents, his brother George, and sister Marcelle. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Claire; his loving children: Richard of New York, NY; Nancy of Ottawa, Canada; and Arlene of Burke, VA; and six grandchildren. A Mass of Christian burial was held at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in North Conway on September 28, 2012 officiated by Fr. Don Gauthier. Interment was in the parish cemetery.

- Orloff “Sonny,” 76, of Derby Line, VT, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2012, in Derby, VT. There will be a graveside service at Saint Mary’s Cemetery on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 11 a.m. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Northeast Kingdom Home Care, The Meeting Place, P.O. Box 250, Newport, VT 05855.

– Nellie R. McCann, 86, of Bethel Gilead, VT, died early Monday morning, October 22, 2012 at the Coos County Nursing Hospital in West Stewartstown, NH. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2012, at the United Church of Randolph, VT, with Rev. Roger Wotton officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Center Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Contributions in her memory may be made to the United Church of Randolph or Grace Methodist Church in Canaan, VT.

- May 25, 1926-October 18, 2012Vivian E. Whipple, 86, long-time resident of Newport Center, joined the love of her life for eternity when she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at North Country Hospital in Newport on October 18, 2012. She was born on May 25, 1926, in Westfield, the daughter of Ralph Willis and Elsie Besaw. Vivian Elsie Willis married Gilbert Whipple on December 29, 1943. She loved him with her entire heart and soul, and she loved her life as a farmer’s wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and a great-great-grandmother. She found total joy from a life some might consider mundane and simple because she always understood there is no job title that holds greater prestige than that of wife, mother, and grandmother.She raised her six children—and she helped raise many others who called her “Ma”… “Mom”… “Grammy…” and “Aunt Vivian.” She could prepare a meal that would cause the world’s most famous chefs to nod in approval. She could wake up in the morning and have a dozen pies cooling in the kitchen before 8 a.m. She could plant a garden that would make people who were driving by it stop their vehicle to take a closer look at the perfection and the bounty. She could turn that garden into shelves full of pickles, jam, relish, and vegetables to share with friends and family throughout the winter. She could convince her young grandchildren that there was no greater token of her love for them than the firm tap of a wooden cooking spoon on their behind to remind them of the importance of appropriate behavior. She would drop whatever she was doing at a moment’s notice to go and help a neighbor in need. She worked hard, she loved freely, and she touched many with her kindness. Vivian and Gilbert Whipple lived a long and beautiful love story, and she was never able to get a mind’s eye picture of her life without him. Her wealth was not defined in money, but she gave her family a gift that all the riches in the world cannot purchase—the gift of knowing she always stood beside them, and she always loved them without question. She is greatly loved, and she will be greatly missed. Vivian leaves her six children: Joyce Twing of Chelsea; Evelyn Kelley of Newport Center; Beverly Schinck and her husband Denis of Highwater, Quebec; Donna Whipple of Cranston, Rhode Island; Wayne Whipple of Wells River and his long-time friend Arthur Hull of Boston, Massachusetts; and Ed Whipple and his wife Kate of Coventry; her eight grandchildren: Shawn Twing and his wife Collins of Chelsea; Carmen McCammon of Newport; Carla Whipple of Cranston, Rhode Island; Jeremy Schinck of Grand Prarie, Alberta; Vance Schinck of Fulford, Quebec; Ryan and Connor Fletcher of Coventry; and Brooke Thomas of North Troy; her nine great-grandchildren: Seth Demers of Newport; Trisha, Autumn, Deztyni, Marquis, and Vincent Whipple, all of Cranston, Rhode Island; Kari Twing of Chelsea; and Macy and Cody Schinck of Fulford, Quebec; and one great-great-granddaughter Emily Jane Demers of Newport; as well as several nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by her husband in 2010, her mother in 1931, her father in 1960, her four brothers: Richard Willis in 1953, Cecil Willis in 1992, Lawrence Willis in 1998, and Donald Willis in 2000, an infant son Calvin in 1951, and a son-in-law Bruce Twing in 1999. Please join the family for calling hours on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 4675 Darling Hill in Newport. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at the Newport Center Advent Christian Church. After the funeral, friends are invited to follow the hearse for Vivian’s final tribute ride on the Number 12 Road past the farmstead and home she loved to her resting place beside her husband at the Newport Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a contribution in Vivian’s memory be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 4473 Barton-Orleans Road, Orleans, VT 05860. In lieu of flowers or monetary contributions, there would be no greater tribute to Vivian’s memory than to simply perform a random act of kindness for someone in need. The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Larry Sisson, Dr. Virginia McDougal, and to all the nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at North Country Hospital for their kindness and attentive care to Vivian and to her family members during our difficult days following her surgery.

– Frank C. of Derby, Vermont passed away suddenly on Friday, October 19, 2012 in Newport, VT. As per Frank’s wishes there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at the Derby Center Cemetery on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 1 p.m. with the Rev. David Lisner officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to Dr. Robert Primeau at the Island Pond Health Care Center, 82 Maple Street, Island Pond, VT 05846.

– David J.,71, a long time resident of Dane Hill, W. Charleston, passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2012 in Newport. There will be no calling hours or funeral at his request. Condolences may be sent to Betty Murray, 2792 Dane Hill, W. Charleston, VT 05872.

– Vivian E., 86, long-time resident of Newport Center, joined the love of her life for eternity when she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at North Country Hospital in Newport on October 18, 2012. She was born on May 25, 1926, in Westfield, the daughter of Ralph Willis and Elsie Besaw. Please join the family for calling hours on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 4675 Darling Hill in Newport. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at the Newport Center Advent Christian Church. After the funeral, friends are invited to follow the hearse for Vivian’s final tribute ride on the Number 12 Road past the farmstead and home she loved to her resting place beside her husband at the Newport Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a contribution in Vivian’s memory be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 4473 Barton-Orleans Road, Orleans, VT 05860. In lieu of flowers or monetary contributions, there would be no greater tribute to Vivian’s memory than to simply perform a random act of kindness for someone in need.

– Marilyn J., 79, of Island Pond, VT, passed away Oct. 17, 2012 in Lyndonville, VT. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, October 21, 2012, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 1199 Railroad Street, Island Pond, VT, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 22, 2012, with the Rev. Alan Magoon officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeside Cemetery, Island Pond, VT. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be Alzheimer’s Association of VT, 300 Corner Stone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, VT 05495.

– Yvonne Marion passed away at her home on Monday, October 15, 2012 with her loving family around her. There will be no visiting hours. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington. Interment will follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vermont Cares, 187 St. Paul St., Burlington, VT 05401.

– Audrey J., 71, passed away on October 15, 2012 at her home in Orleans, VT, surrounded by her loving family. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to Orleans/Essex VNA and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Rd., Newport, VT 05855.

– Ramona A., 72, passed away October 12, 2012 at her home in Brownington, VT surrounded by her loving family. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at the Brownington Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Special Olympics of Vermont, 16 Gregory Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403.

– Jeannine M., 80, of Derby Line passed away on October 7, 2012 in Newport, VT. Friends may call on Thursday, October 11, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Rd., Newport, VT. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 12, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the St. Edward’s Church in Derby Line, VT where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow at the St. Edward’s Cemetery in Derby Line, VT. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Edward’s Ladies Alter Society, 191 Claremont Terrace, Newport, VT 05855 or to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, VT 05855.

– Philip D., 82, of Derby Line died peacefully Saturday, October 6, 2012 in Newport. Friends may call from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport, VT. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at the St. Edward’s Cemetery in Derby Line where a Christian burial will be celebrated. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Derby Line Ambulance Service, PO Box 105, Derby Line, VT 05830.

– James P., 69, died peacefully at his home in Derby Vermont with his family by his side on Thursday, October 4, 2012. Visiting hours will be held at the Knight Funeral Home, 903 Hartford Ave., White River Jct. VT from 12-2 p.m. on Saturday, October 20,2012. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 2 p.m. with burial and military honors in the Hartford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Patient Services at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, 215 North Main Street, White River Jct., VT 05009.

– William C. (Willie), 63, lifelong resident of Craftsbury Common, VT, beloved husband of Carolyn, died peacefully Friday, October 5, 2012 at the Fletcher-Allen Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont with his wife and daughters at his side. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, October 8, 2012 at the Craftsbury United Church, in the fellowship hall, Craftsbury Common, VT, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 with the Rev. Alan Parker officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Orleans County Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund, in care of Marjorie Urie, 2420 Shadow Lake Road, Craftsbury Common, VT 05827 or to the Craftsbury Academy Athletic Fund, for Team seating in Memory of Willie Ryan, in care of Craftsbury Schools, Attn: Jane Linck, PO Box 73, Craftsbury Common, VT 05827.

- William (Bill) Sackett passed away suddenly of natural causes on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at his home in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada). Originally from Island Pond, Vermont, Bill attended Lyndon State College before heading to Panama for military service in 1968. He graduated from Castleton State in the early 70’s and continued his life in Canada as a successful journalist and senior editor for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and then ran his own successful business as a media consultant in Ottawa, Canada. Bill is survived by his brother, Donald Sackett of Island Pond Vermont, his children: Sydney Sackett-Williams (Dubai, UAE), Sandra Inutiq (Iqaluit, Canada) and Lawrence Inutiq-Sackett (Ottawa, Canada), his grandchildren: Micah, Wee Walter, Grace; his nieces: Sonya and Jessi and nephews: Luke and Craig. He will also be sadly missed by his sister-in-law Allison Sackett and his sons-in-law Jeffrey Williams and Walter Oliver. Services will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Island Pond, Vermont, with graveside services to follow. Visiting hours will be announced during the service.

– Madeleine (Metras), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, peacefully passed away at the Kingston General Hospital on Friday, August 31, 2012 with family by her side. Her funeral service was held at St. Paul's United Church in Harrowsmith, Ontario on September 3, 2012. There will be a committal service the morning of Saturday, October 6, 2012 at St. Mary's Cemetery in Newport, VT at 11 o'clock.

– James Maurice, 73, of West Charleston, VT passed away September 30, 2012 in Orleans, VT. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 5, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport with the Rev. Richard Whitehill officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, October 5, 2012 from 1 p.m. until the hour of the funeral. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Orleans Country Club, c/o Peter Lanoue, Water Street, Orleans, VT 05860.

– Margareta Elisabeth, 87, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and formerly of Newport, VT, passed away on September 27, 2012 in Derby, VT. Church services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 8, 2012 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport, VT where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Newport, VT. Memorials may be given to Orleans Essex Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, VT 05855 or to North Country Hospital Oncology Department, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, VT 05855.