, 91, of Essex Junction died on August 22, 2013, at the Green Mountain Nursing Home in Colchester. He was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on October 29, 1921, the son of Floyd and Helen (Coldren) Bechtel. He graduated from Reading High School.  He enlisted in the army during World War II and served in the First Special Service Force and then the 82nd Airborne.  He met his wife, Theresa Bessette, when he was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen for training, and they married in 1946 and moved to Essex Junction in 1950.  He retired from the John Hancock Insurance Company. He loved barbershop singing and was a longtime member of the Green Mountain Chorus and many barbershop quartets.  He was also a proud member of the VFW. He is survived by his children:  Kathryn Converse and husband, David, of Newport, Carol Hathaway and her husband, Donald, of Essex Junction, Christina Gonillo and her husband, Joe, of Essex Junction, and Henry Bechtel and his wife, Sandy, of Colchester; his daughter-in-law Randy-Kay Lavalley of Burlington; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and by eight nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Theresa, his wife of 65 years; his son Charles Edward Bechtel; and his sister Mary Gallagher of Philadelphia, Pennsylvnia. A Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Essex Junction. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holy Family/St. Lawrence Parish Hall Rebuilding Fund, 4 Prospect Street, Essex Junction, Vermont 05452; or to Essex Rescue Inc., 1 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, Vermont 05452.

, 67, of Craftsbury died on September 20, 2013, in St. Albans. She was born on August 24, 1946, in Hardwick, a daughter of Emile and Jeanne d’ Arc (Bellavance) Dufresne. She was raised in Glover and graduated from Craftsbury Academy in 1964.  In her earlier years, she worked for National Life.  On April 1, 1967, she married her high school sweetheart, Ross Davis, after he returned from Vietnam.  Mr. and Mrs. Davis have resided in Craftsbury since 1968, where she was a stay-at-home mom and babysitter for many youngsters until being elected town treasurer in 1977.  She was also elected the Craftsbury town clerk in 1983, and held those positions until 1987, when she went to work for the Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union, retiring from there in 2011 as their business manager.  Mrs. Davis held several positions as alumni association treasurer, Craftsbury trustee of public funds, Craftsbury Academy trustee and treasurer, Craftsbury selectman, and secretary and treasurer of the Salvation Army.  In 2004, she was honored by receiving the Craftsbury Academy Alumni Award.  She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #7 and an honorary member of the Craftsbury Academy National Honor Society. Her hobbies included knitting, her flower gardens, watching and feeding hummingbirds, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived her husband Ross Davis of Craftsbury; her two children:  Lynn Paradis and her husband, Ronald, of Franklin, and LTC Stephen Davis and his wife, Michele, currently stationed in Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania; her grandchildren:  Cody Paradis, Brian Paradis, Catherine Paradis, Brandi Paradis, Andrew Davis, Madison Davis, Sydney Durbin and her husband, Chris, and their daughters, Harlynn and Cecelia; her sisters:  Lorraine Tolman and her husband, Harold, Doris Voyer and her husband, Roland, Jeannine Young and her husband, Joseph, and Diane Leslie and her husband, Wallace; her brothers:  Leonel and his wife, Debbie, Lucien and his wife, Sandy, and Roger and his wife, Michelle; and by extended aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by her loving parents as well as by her in-laws:  Malcolm and Catherine Davis; her sister Pauline Smith; and by her sister-in-law Paula Dufresne. Funeral services were held on September 24, in Hardwick, with the Reverend Francis Prive celebrating a Mass of Christian burial.  Interment followed at the Craftsbury Village Cemetery in Craftsbury. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Rita Davis Scholarship Fund, Craftsbury Schools, P.O. Box 73, Craftsbury Common, Vermont 05827.

of Island Pond died on September 20, 2013. She was born on May 13, 1922. She leaves a sister, Virginia; her children:  Gregory, Bonnie, Robert, Bruce and Tim; and her grandchildren:  Heather, Kevin and Katherine. Her family and friends mourn because they miss her, but they rejoice that she is now at home with Jesus.

, 76, of Barton died peacefully on September 20, 2013, in Barton. He was born on September 14, 1937, in Glover, to Floyd and Myrtle (Ticehurst) Montminy. He was a veteran of the Korean War.  He worked throughout his life at various plumbing businesses in the Northeast Kingdom. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching NASCAR on television, and attending races at Loudon, New Hampshire. He was a member of the American Legion Post #76 of Barton. He is survived by his children:  Kathy Mensalvas and her husband, Andy, of Oahu, Hawaii, Terri Gay and her husband, Ronnie, of Woodbine, Georgia, Forrest Montminy Jr. and his wife, Sandra, of Oregon City, Oregon, Carol Krohn of Sandy, Oregon, and Randy Montminy and his wife, Shelley, of Tuscon, Arizona; his grandchildren:  Leegabe, Kala, Alyssa, Travis, Brandon, Brittany, Alex, and Nicholas; his four great-grandchildren; his siblings:  Roy Montminy of Enfield, Connecticut, Joseph Montminy and his wife, Sandy, of Windsor, Connecticut, Cecile Brown and her husband, Dick, of Hardyville, Virginia, and Bruce Montminy of Brandon; and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Ralph Montminy. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Thursday, September 26, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Barton, with the Reverend Evelyn Coupe officiating.  Friends may call at the funeral home on September 26, from 1 p.m. until the hour of the funeral. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Legion Post #76, P.O. Box 92, Barton, Vermont 05822; or to Meals on Wheels, 17 Village Square, Barton, Vermont 05822; or to Maple Lane Nursing Home, 60 Maple Lane, Barton, Vermont 05822.

, 70, of Barton died peacefully on September 21, 2013, in Glover. He was born on October 12, 1942, in Stowe, to Howard and Eliza (Patch) Stevens.  On July 26, 2003, he married Marion Hilliker, who survives him. He was a veteran of the United States Army.  He worked as a crane operator for Winterset and has been disabled for the past 18 years.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #21 of Newport. He enjoyed hunting at his camp in Craftsbury for many years.  He also enjoyed fishing, bowling, and he liked the Yankees and Cowboys, and Mark Martin was his favorite NASCAR driver.  His hobbies also included playing cards, camping with his camper, and clown ministry.  He loved spending time with his family and he was loved by all. He is survived by his wife Marion Stevens of Barton; his children:  Wendy Stevens of Pennsylvania, Cindy Morris and her husband, Bryan, of Virginia, Clinton J. Stevens of Lyndonville, Josiah Stevens of Lyndonville, Bradley Urie and his wife, Chastety, of West Glover, Amy Giroux and her husband, Mark, of Newport, Amanda Aiken and her husband, Tim, of Glover, Michael Hooper and his wife, Kimberly, of Johnson, Steven Hooper of New York, and Jason Hooper of Burlington; his many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; his brother Bertram Stevens of Texas; his nieces and nephews, and a special niece, Nancy Hale, and her husband, Dave, of Essex; and by his mother-in-law Gabrielle Hilliker of Newport. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, September 25, at the Church of God in Derby, with the Reverend Laurence Wall officiating.  Friends may call at the church on September 25, from 11 a.m. until the hour of the funeral.  Interment will take place at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to Project Matter, 25:40, Church of God, P.O. Box 245, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 81, of Newport died on September 12, 2013, in Newport, a day after her birthday.  Her death comes after a few months of failing health following hip replacement surgery. She was born in Irasburg on September 11, 1932, to Earl and Molly (Howell) Simino.  In her early years, she worked at Jay’s Snack Bar in Derby.  Memories created there lasted her a lifetime.  One of her most endearing memories that arose out of time at the snack bar was meeting a Newport boy named Wayne Wheeler in 1958.  They married on June 20, 1959.  Together they raised three sons and operated the Antenna Man, installing thousands of rooftop and satellite antennas during more than half a century of business. Mrs. Wheeler took great pride in her role of wife and mother, but her greatest and most cherished role was that of grandmother — to both two-legged and four-legged grandchildren.  She gave her husband, her children and their spouses, and her grandchildren, unconditional love.  She and her husband traveled near and far to attend their school and sporting events.  They also enjoyed numerous trips with Community Circle. Gifted with a dry, Vermont wit and a quiet wisdom, she raised three sons, seldom raising her voice. Although she never had a daughter of her own, she always treated her sons’ wives or partners as if they were her own daughters.  She found a daughter in her only granddaughter, Emily, her partner in mischief and misadventures. Having been dealt a bad hand at a young age, she had every reason to be a bitter woman, but she wasn’t.  She found the best in everything and everybody. While working in Massachusetts, her father met, fell in love, and married a young woman named Molly.  She was working there to send money back to her family in Newfoundland.  After Earl and Molly married, they moved back to Earl’s hometown of Irasburg.  The couple had three children:  John, Elizabeth (Scott), and Pauline,the youngest.  However, the love affair between this young Vermonter and the young woman from Newfoundland was short-lived.  Molly died on June 2, 1937, during a tuberculosis outbreak.  Pauline, who was four years old at the time, was left with no memories of her mother.  Her father never remarried.  John and Elizabeth, who are no longer with us, helped their father raise Pauline into the kind and compassionate soul we all knew and loved.  She was a 1950 graduate of Orleans High School. She is survived by her husband Wayne, and their sons:  Jeffrey of Newport Center, Scott and his wife, Penny, of Derby, and Kevin and his wife, Tammy, of Orleans.  She loved her husband and sons, but the sun rose and set over her grandchildren:  Curtis Wheeler and his wife, Gabrielle, of Presque Isle, Maine, Nicholas Wheeler and his partner, Abby Iselborn, of Bangor, Maine, Emily Wheeler of Essex, Jordan and Aaron Wheeler of Orleans, and Jeffrey Hensley of Meriden, Connecticut.  She is also survived by a former daughter-in-law, April Wheeler.  In addition, she is survived by her cat, Mittens, and by the many wild birds, especially her cardinals, that she fed throughout the decades. As we now have to say good-bye to our wife, mother, and grandmother, it’s unimaginable to think that we are going to walk the remainder of our lives without her, but without a doubt her quiet teachings are forever rooted in us.  And we have little doubt her spirit will forever gently guide us on our journey, the same way she guided us when she was with us. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 37 Lake Road in Newport.  A celebration of her life will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 20, at 10 a.m.  Internment will follow at the Lake Road Cemetery in Newport Center. Being a lover of all animals, domestic and wild, people are encouraged to donate in her memory to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, at 4473 Barton-Orleans Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860.

, 67, of Derby died on September 13, 2013, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born on January 5, 1946, to Anna (Lucas) Tice and Maurice Tice Sr. He was a truck driver and had been since the young age of 17.  He had been driving truck for Pike Industries for the past 34 years.  His hobbies included spending time on Gore Mountain, fishing, hiking, hunting, snowshoeing, gas and steam engines, antiques, restoring late model trucks, driving his John Deere tractor, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandsons. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marion (Percy) Tice; his children:  daughter Tina (Percy) Miller and her husband, David, of Littleton, New Hampshire, daughter Angela Tice of Derby, and son Daniel Tice of New York City, New York; his grandsons:  Michael Miller and Matthew Miller of Littleton, and Akuei Tice of Derby; his mother Anna (Lucas) Tice of Derby Line; his brother Terrance Tice and his wife, Lorraine, of Holland; his sisters:  Nancy and her husband, John Pelletier, of North Troy, Diane Kenney of Derby Line, Gloria Willis of Newport Center, Sally Tice of Derby, Debra and her husband, Craig Shepard, of Holland, and Lorriane and her husband, Randy Griffin, of Morgan; and by many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Maurice Tice Sr.; as well as by his grandsons, Albert Lyon and Benjamin Lyon. In honor of Mr. Tice’s request, there shall be no funeral.  There will be a celebration of his life held at The East Side Restaurant in Newport, on Sunday, September 22, at 2 p.m., with Kevin Deslauriers officiating for those that wish to celebrate his life with his family. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Vermont Lung Association, 372 Hurricane Lane, Suite 101, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, 96, of Barton, formerly of Brownington, died peacefully on September 9, 2013, in Barton. She was born on June 7, 1917, in Evansville, a daughter of William and Adelaide (Boydon) Labor. She attended Evansville Graded School for eight years and then cared for her mother and baby sister.  In 1932 she attended high school in Orleans, graduating in 1936.  She then attended Burlington Business College, for a six month course. She married Harold Shover of Westmore on June 7, 1938.  They had 53 years plus together before he died on October 29, 1992.  They purchased a home in Brownington Center in 1945 and two sons were born to this union:  Ronald James and Harry Clayton. She was auditor for the town of Brownington, substitute and voted in from 1947 to 1968, when she assumed the position of treasurer, holding this office until 1983.  She was assistant town clerk for 23 years, retiring in 1991.  She was a former member of the Orleans Country Club where she enjoyed golfing, and she was also a member of the Brownington Center Church where she played the organ for many years.  She enjoyed cooking and reading. She is survived by her sons:  Ronald Shover and his wife, Maria, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and Harry Shover and his wife, Julie, of Brownington; her grandchildren:  Veronica Ellis and her husband, Allen, of Front Royal, Virginia, Harold Shover and his wife, Gwen, of DeFuniak Springs, Harry Shover of DeFuniak Springs, and Danyelle Shover of Barton; and by her four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.  She is also survived by her brother Maurice Labor and his wife, Almeria, of Island Pond; her sister Beverly Royer of Newport; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers:  Harry, Harold, and Fred; and by her sisters:  Bessie, Alice, Marjorie, and Anna. A graveside service was held on September 14, at the Brownington Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Brownington Center Church, 9 A Spirit Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860.

of Island Pond died peacefully on September 13, 2013, in Newport. She was born in 1922 in Saint-Valere, Quebec, to Georges Geoffroy and Mary Anne (Mastha) Geoffroy.  At six weeks old, her family moved to Morgan, where the family farmed.  She attended graded school in Morgan and Stanstead, Quebec, and attended high school in Orleans for a time. She married Maurice Labor of Evansville in 1943, and they began their married life in Derby Line, later moving to Beebe. Mrs. Labor was an active member of St. Edward’s church, and a member of the Altar Society.  She and her husband moved to Auburn, Massachusetts, in early 1967, where her husband found further work in the tool and die industry.  While there, she continued with her love of homemaking, crafts, and gardening.  After retirement, she and her husband lived seasonally in Morgan and North Fort Myers, Florida, for 20 years.  Her most recent residence was at the Sunrise Manor in Island Pond. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 70 years, Maurice; her children:  Larry Labor and his wife, Pauline, of Morgan, and Cynthia Manning and her husband, George, of Campbellton, Florida; her grandchildren:  Mark and Anne Labor, Sarah and Roger Start, Steve Labor and Jeannie Labor, Laura and Christopher Comtois, Tim Weeks, and Dawn Veilhauer, and their families; her ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings:  Valeda, George, Armand, Oscar, Mary, Antoinette, Mary Jeanne, John, and Cecile. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, September 19, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Derby Line, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated.  Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 19, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport.  Internment will take place in St. Edward’s Cemetery in Derby Line. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Committal services for

will be held on Sunday, September 22, at 2 p.m., at the Newport Center Cemetery.

died peacefully on August 30, 2013, at home in Derby, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. She was born on December 28, 1919, in Topeka, Kansas, and grew up mostly in Kansas City.  As a girl, she was the best roller skater in her neighborhood and did not like school or schoolteachers.  Her favorite place was her grandmother’s farm in Burlingame. She did excel, however, as a psychology major in her last two years in college, motivated in part by a desire to help a cousin.  During World War II, she interrupted her work for the war department to learn to fly in hopes of serving in the WASPS (Women Airforce Service Pilots), although as it turned out she was unable to gain enough weight to pass the physical. She had a lifelong love for music, dance, and horses, and a later attachment for dogs (especially three German shepherds), undoubtedly heightened by her own accomplishments with each.  She also loved butterflies, birdcalls, and weaving, and was an expert knitter.  From her college days, she had a deep attachment for the Chesapeake Bay, where her parents kept a small log cabin that remains a gathering place for family to this day.  And her avid interest in architecture contributed to raising her family in an architect-designed house with a flat roof and glass walls in the woods of Connecticut. A person of astonishing strength and gentleness, she always met the world with empathy, compassion, and kindness.  She was a person of great wisdom and extraordinary grace, steadfast and selfless in her central devotion to family and friends. It is difficult to imagine a finer angel in God’s heaven than she was on this earth. She is survived by her oldest son Liston and his wife, Donna, of Orleans, and Liston’s daughter, Shanti, and her family; her middle son Jesse of Derby; her youngest son’s wife, Miriam, and their two sons, Steven and Owen; and by her sister Jane Harrell of Atlantic Beach, Florida, and her four children. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Liston Tatum, on May 5, 2012; and by her youngest son, Dr. Brent W. Tatum, on March 10, 2013. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Vermont Public Radio Classical, a touchstone of beauty for her in both bright and dark hours.

, 91, of Derby Line died peacefully on September 7, 2013, in Newport. She was born on August 27, 1922, in Newport, to Ernest and Malvina (Bernard) Leroux.  On June 2, 1941, she married Victor Royer, who predeceased on August 3, 1989. She was a life member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Newport and the Daughters of Isabella, where she held all of the officers’ positions.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a longtime member of the Forever Young Club and an honorary member of the North Country Swingers Dance Club. She and her late husband, Vic, enjoyed traveling, going to area dances, and playing cards, especially cribbage.  They owned and operated Paul’s Market on Indian Point Street and later owned Royer’s Market on East Main Street for several years. She is survived by her children:  David Royer and his wife, Diane, of Orleans, Jane Flynn and her husband, Urban Jr., of Derby, and Gerard Royer and his wife, Patricia, of Derby; her grandchildren:  Cathy Bell and her husband, Chad, of Orleans, Mark Royer and his wife, Lynn, of Orleans, Paula Hollander and her husband, Peter, of Ludlow, Peter Mason and his wife, Tonya, of Milton, Christopher Royer and his wife, Jamie, of Newport, and Adam Royer of Burlington; and by 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, September 11, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport, with the Reverend Yvon Royer celebrating a Mass of Christian burial.  Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Bel-Aire Activities Fund, 35 Bel-Aire Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 95, died on Thursday, September 5, 2013, at Maple Lane Nursing Home in Barton. She was born on June 6, 1918, in Troy, to Edward and Ada (Place) Field.  On September 2, 1938, she married Francis Murphy, who predeceased her on October 29, 1981. She graduated from North Troy High School and was a licensed nurse assistant at North Country Hospital and also spent many years working for the Orleans County Hospital.  She loved spending her time with her family, knitting, crocheting, gardening, snowshoeing, fishing, completing crossword puzzles, and cooking.  She also enjoyed teaching her grandchildren about life and she adored her pets. She is survived by the following:  her daughter Carolyn Arel of Lowell; her grandchildren:  Patrick Arel and his wife, Gina, of Lowell, Laura Staib and her husband, Lonnie, of Alaska, and Shannon Driver and her husband, Jason, of Jay; her great-grandchildren:  Jill and David Legacy of Lowell, Andrew and Jenna Arel of Swanton, Kylie Gelo of Alaska, Holly Gelo and her fiancé, Jeff, of Pennsylvania, and Kortni and Olivia Driver of Jay; her great-great grandchildren:  Lauren and Rebecca Legacy; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers:  Marshall and James Field; and by her sisters:  Kathryn Squires and Alice Dunn. A funeral service and interment were held at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell on September 9. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vermont, 05495.

, 76, of Newport, beloved wife of Brian McNeal of 57 years, died on September 2, 2013, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 24, 1937, in Newport, a daughter of Louis and Arlene (Turner) Rocheleau.  On February 4, 1956, she married Brian McNeal, who survives her. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School. She was a licensed LNA and was employed by Bel-Aire Nursing Home.  She was also a substitute teacher at the Canaan School District in Canaan. She was also a Sunday School teacher and was on the executive board of the Newport United Methodist Church.  Her hobbies included oil and water painting on canvases, playing the piano and taking care of her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Brian McNeal of Newport; her children:  Timothy McNeal and his wife, Brenda, of Mobile, Alabama, Brian C. McNeal and his wife, Vicky, of Theodore, Alabama, Jodi Baker and her husband, Brad, of Newport, and Kelly Meunier and her husband, Andre, of Newport; her grandchildren:  Meghan, Jenna, Chelsey, Britney, and Rianna; and by her great-granddaughter Emma Jane.  She is also survived by her sister Jane Comtois and her husband, Marcel, of Rochester, New Hampshire; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother William Louis “Roach” Rocheleau, and by her sister Juanita Rocheleau. Funeral services were held on September 10, in Derby.  Interment followed in Pine Hill Cemetery in Derby. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Hope Lodge, 237 East Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05401; or to the Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 45, of Brownington died peacefully on September 8, 2013, in Newport. He was born on November 5, 1967, in Newport, to Fleurette (Dupuis) Falconer and the late Geoffrey Falconer Sr. He graduated from Lake Region Union High School in 1986.  He was a sawyer at the Lamarre Sawmill in Evansville for over 25 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his nieces and nephews, and riding on country dirt roads with his chocolate lab Tucker.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family and visiting with numerous neighbors.  He loved his job working side by side with Robert at the sawmill. He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church and a former member of the Knights of Columbus in Orleans. He is survived by his mother Fleurette Falconer of Brownington; his brothers:  Geoff Falconer Jr. and his wife, Renee, and William Falconer and his wife, Angie, all of Brownington; nieces and nephews:  Tyler, Brittany, Michelle, Geoffrey, Kennedy, and Cameron; his paternal grandmother Emily Damon of Rock Island, Quebec; and by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Geoffrey Falconer Sr. on June 20, 2008. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., on Friday, September 13, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Orleans, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Reverend Tim Naples.  Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport, on September 13, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.  Interment will follow in Pleasantview Cemetery in Orleans. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Chris Grenier Scavenger Hunt for cancer, care of Jessie Davignon, 15 Able Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 72, Newport died on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, in his home. He enlisted in the Navy, after graduating from Newport High School.  He specialized in oceanography and received several awards for his accomplishments in this field. Upon discharge, he opened Curt’s Autobody & Guns in Derby, with his father.  In 1978 they separated the business, and he opened Curtis Auto Repair Service in Newport.  In 1987 he migrated to Napa Auto Parts and worked as the outside salesman for several years, finally returning to carpentry and his own business of P.C. Enterprise and working as the superintendent of Pine Grove Cemetery Association. He was an important member of his community.  Over the years, in his spare time, he was a member of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, the Newport City Police Department, the Newport City Volunteer Fire Department, the board of civil authorities, the development review board, and the school board.  He was also a justice of the peace, and a certified diver for the Vermont State Police.  He was also crucial to the following community events:  The International Skate (1984), the Vermont dog sled races (1985 to around 1989), and the Newport Aquafest. He loved the outdoors, and enjoyed such activities as hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.  He was also a member of the Vermont Handgunners Association as a law enforcement marksman, and enjoyed competing in the “shoots.” He was a special man, and very giving of his time.  He gave everything for his family, and always treated his friends like family.  He was a cancer survivor of 20 years from melanoma in his eye. He was one of seven siblings, born to Samuel D. Curtis and Grace T. Curtis. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan Scott Curtis; his two children:  “Pete” Paul Arthur Curtis II and Annie Jane Curtis Christoni and her husband, Thomas J. Christoni; and by one granddaughter, Samantha Jane Christoni. He will be so missed by all his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Dr. Leslie Lockridge’s Let’s Care Lots Foundation, for cancer support services.  Dr. Lockridge was a huge part of Mr. Curtis’ life and he gave the family two years to enjoy life with him.  We are forever grateful. Donations may also be sent to the American Cancer Society, Road to Recovery, in care of Tara Genzlinger, 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, 71, of Newport died on August 26, 2013, at the home of her daughter in Newport Center. She was born on September 2, 1941, in Newport, the daughter of Cleon and Alice (Prevost) Wells. She was interested in arts and crafts, going to church, going for walks, fishing, and she enjoyed the grandchildren and great-grandchildren visits. She is survived by her children:  Linda Wells and her companion, Robert Rivera, of Connecticut, Edward Cyr of Newport, Michael Cyr and his wife, Doris, of Brownington, and Angelina McAlister and her husband, Don, of Newport Center; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; her sister Doris Johnson of Lancaster, New Hampshire; her very special niece Lisa Johnson Brown; and by her dog Lilly.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husbands, Manuel Cruz, and Edward Cyr Sr.; her brothers:  Rene, Gerald, and Don; as well as by several nieces and nephews that she thought a great deal of. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

, 54, of Irasburg died on August 27, 2013, at his home. He was born on May 5, 1959, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Janice (Flannery) Buchanan and the late William E. Buchanan. He was a self-employed diesel mechanic.  He enjoyed playing cribbage, fishing, snowmobiling, walking in the woods, riding on country roads, working on cars with his sons, and he loved horses.  He will be missed by his good friend Roy Stevens and his horse Image. He is survived by his children:  Steven Buchanan and his wife, Rachelle, of Irasburg, and Brian Buchanan and his companion, Alicia, of Plymouth, Massachusetts; his two grandchildren:  Shaughn and David; his mother Janice Buchanan of Attelboro, Massachusetts; his life partner Kathleen Johnson of Irasburg and her sons:  Thomas and Andy Foren; his siblings:  Scott Buchanan and his wife, Donna, of Massachusetts, Michael Buchanan of South Dakota, Denise Sawicki and her husband, Edward, of Massachusetts, and Tara Buchanan and Matthew Zunagar of Rhode Island; and by many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his aunts:  Annie Wescom and her family of Vermont, Alice Marckres and her family of Vermont, and Virginia Donovan and her family of Massachusetts; his uncle Michael Flannery and his family of New York; and by his faithful canine companions, Bear and Nellie.

, 66, of Newport died suddenly, at home, on August 21, 2013. He was born on April 12, 1947, to Elwyn J. Daniels Sr. and Bernice (La Rock) Daniels in Hardwick. He graduated in 1965 from Hardwick Academy.  In 1968, he graduated from Champlain College. Most of his life was spent living and working in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.  However, for a time, he did leave, traveling to Wyoming, then Idaho and Washington.  In 1976, he returned to Vermont to work at the Sam Daniels Company for his brother where he stayed for many years.  He went west again for about seven years then returned to live in Brownington for many years, with his sister and family.  He worked in many places in the Northeast Kingdom. As a youth, he was in the Boy Scouts of America.  He continued until he completed the highest rank of Eagle Scout. For the last several years, he had lived in Newport.  He was an active member of the VFW auxiliary and served as president for several years. He is survived by his brother Elwyn James Daniels Jr. and his wife, Lorraine, and their three grown children:  Jayne and her husband, Billy Collins, and Kevin and Michael; his nephew James Daniels and his wife, Donna, and their daughter, Abby; his niece Janice and her husband, John Guilmette; his sister Lesley D. Moore and her husband, Michael Moore, and their two sons:  Robert M. Moore and his wife, Kim M. Moore, and their daughter Michelle and their two sons, Dalton and Michael Moore, and James C. Moore and his three daughters:  Mariah Moore, Kristen Moore and Kayah Moore. He was predeceased by his parents Elwyn and Bernice (La Rock) Daniels. Calling hours will be held at the Holcomb-des Groseilliers Funeral Home, at 97 Church Street in Hardwick, on Wednesday, September 4, from 4 to 7 p.m.  A graveside committal service will be held at the Main Street cemetery in Hardwick, on Thursday, September 5, at 2 p.m. Should friends desire to make contributions in his name, they may be sent to the Newport VFW.

, 89, of Derby died peacefully on August 28, 2013, in Newport. He was born on February 23, 1924, in Holland, the son of Philippe and Merilda (Poulin) Fortin.  On August 3, 1946, he married Colombe Faucher who survives him. During his lifetime he was a dairy farmer. He is survived by his wife Colombe Fortin of Derby; and by his children:  Rosaire Fortin and his wife, Brenda, of Derby, Joseph Fortin and his wife, Lillian, of North Troy, Andre Fortin and his wife, Kathy, of Coventry, Francine Martin and her husband, Earl, of Island Pond, and Gilles Fortin and his wife, Mary, of Chazy, New York.  He is also survived by his son-in-law Reginald Smith of West Charleston; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two children:  Norman and Rolande; and by the following siblings:  Jules, Gerald, Henri, Louis, Albert, and Joseph Fortin, and Jean Marie, Albertine Amyot, and Albina Brodeur Sr., Julienne Fortin and Candide Blais. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Friday, September 6, at the Church of God on Crawford Road in Derby, with the Reverend Laurence Wall officiating.  Friends may call at the church on Friday, September 6, from 1 p.m., until the hour of the funeral.  Interment will follow in St. Edward’s Cemetery in Derby Line. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Church of God, 295 Crawford Road, Derby, Vermont 05829.

died on August 26, 2013.
“…these trees shall be my books
And in their barks my thoughts I’ll character;
That every eye which in this forest looks
Shall see thy virtue witness’d everywhere.”
As You Like It,
act 3, scene 2, quoted by Mr. French in Gateway, Northfield Mount Hermon’s yearbook, in 1949. Although born in New York City on May 9, 1929, Mr. French lived much of his life across from a glacial lake in Westmore.  Together with his identical twin brother Wayne, he attended a one-room school, learned to swim and fish in the summer, and ski and skate in the winter.  Living through the Depression, he remembered working lumber mills at Lake Willoughby and when ice was harvested for sale.  He and his brother posed for paintings by regionalist painter Paul Sample and cycled seven miles to Barton each week to participate in Boy Scouts.  He knew many local trails, leading hikes up Wheeler and Mount Pisgah when he worked at Camp Songadeewin near Willoughby’s North Beach.  As a teenager, he attended dances at the Westmore Community Hall and Shadow Lake Dance Hall. In 1945 he left with his brother to attend Mount Hermon School in Northfield, Massachusetts, where he excelled in sports.  Winning letters for skiing, cross-country and track, he was later nominated for the Northfield Mount Hermon Athletic Hall of Fame.  He and his twin brother graduated in 1949 to enter the University of Vermont (UVM), where they continued to be involved in sports.  While on the ski teams at both Mount Hermon and UVM, the twins took pleasure in posing together for team photographs, a Rorschach mirror image with their identical faces and identical black and white reindeer sweaters placed side by side in the center. During summers he worked at the Ethan Allen Furniture Mill in Orleans, where he met Mary Karlene Dawson.  They married in 1952, the same year Mr. French joined the Navy to study electronic communications.  His daughter Katherine was born in 1953 while he was stationed at Treasure Island near San Francisco, California.  Assigned for a two-year tour of duty to Japan, he took advantage of an available darkroom to become a gifted amateur photographer and traveled through the Japanese countryside as a tourist.  Pursuing youthful interests, he went skiing in Honshu and climbed Mount Fuji, purchasing the customary walking stick to obtain wood burned stamps to mark his progress on the way to the summit.  Returning to the United States, he and his family lived on Skaggs Island, California, a former center for top secret radio surveillance before coming back to Vermont. Re-enrolled at UVM, he graduated in 1959 with a degree in agricultural economics and lived in Burlington for the next four years while working at General Electric.  His children Melanie, David and Daniel, were born in 1956, 1959, and 1962, respectively.  In 1963 the family moved to Concord, New Hampshire, where he found work at Sprague Electric and then for the state of New Hampshire in professional positions related to economics and statistical analysis.  However, vacations and many weekends were spent at the house where he’d grown up.  He taught his children to ski and took them on hikes, sometimes tracing locations described by Robert Frost.  Like many Vermonters, he loved the woods and went deer hunting.  His idea of a perfect vacation was to spend two weeks cutting enough wood to feed the cast iron stove that heated his house. After suffering a second heart attack, he returned to Vermont in 1992 where he took retirement seriously as an active member of the Westmore community.  Serving at town lister and member of the zoning committee, he helped chart the exact location of the original county road, completed a geological survey with oversize aerial views, and amazed fellow listers with his ability to locate boundary markers.  As a volunteer at the Old Stone House Museum in Brownington, he would greet visitors to explain about early tools and farm implements.  Interest in genealogy resulted in a well-documented family history that explored lines of immigration from Halstead in southern England during the 1500s, as well as his father’s service in the trenches of France during World War I. Mr. French finished what he started and did so thoroughly.  Picking up a copy of Return of the Native at the Westmore Attic Auction, he regretted not completing the book in high school, and became a diligent Hardy scholar, reading not only the complete works, but also viewing every film inspired by the books.  Remembering a teacher reading aloud from Northwest Passage, he researched every piece of information he could find about Rogers Rangers, convinced that the party beat its retreat from Canada along Vermont Route 5A.  “They must have walked past the house,” he’d remark.  “But we can’t be sure.  I wasn’t home at the time.” However, residents of Westmore observed that Mr. French was often at home, watching the sunset between hanging pots of red geraniums from the front porch of the house where he’d lived as a child. Survived by Mary, his wife of 60 years, as well as his twin brother Wayne and his wife, Nancy, all of Westmore, he is also survived by his children:  Katherine French and Tim Hamilton of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Melanie French of Westmore, David and Jeannie French of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, and Daniel French and Diane Curtin of Concord, New Hampshire; and by his grandchildren:  Mary Hamilton French of Cambridge, England; Leah Hamilton French of Houston, Texas, Ben Kindregan of Boston, Massachusetts, Billy and Matt French of Hopkinton, and Nicholas Curtin French of Concord.  He is also survived by his niece and nephews:  Steve and Kathy French, Tori and Ralph Fletcher, and Mike and Karyn French; and by his grandnieces and nephew:  Jason and Megan Fletcher and Tabitha French. Funeral services were held at the Westmore Community Church on September 1.  Commemorative services and a celebration of his life will be held next summer, dates to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Arthur French may be made to the Westmore Community Church, Hinton Hill Road, Lake Willoughby, Orleans, Vermont 05860.

, 86, died peacefully on on September 1, 2013, at the Country Village Assisted Living Home in Casco, Maine. He was born in Plainfield in 1926.  He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He married Florence Couture in 1946, and they shared love and life until her death in 2011.  They lived for many years in Orleans, where he operated an auto repair business.  He was active in many local organizations, including scouting and the Lions Club. In the mid-1960s they moved to Ballston Spa, New York, and Mr. Martin started a new career as an auctioneer.  He excelled in that profession working at auto auctions throughout the Northeast.  In 1970 he started, along with his sons, Martin and Sons Auction Sales and Service, Inc.  He continued to auctioneer into his 80s.  He was past president of the New York State Auctioneers Association, a lifetime member of the Vermont Auctioneer’s Association and a member of the New York State Auctioneers Hall of Fame.  He was known for his engaging chant, abundant charm and a bit of a playful mischievous streak.  Mr. and Mrs. Martin retired to their homes in Craftsbury and Port Charlotte, Florida. Mr. Martin loved people, and talking to people.  He loved the woods, especially around their cabin in Craftsbury.  He enjoyed traveling, boating and any activity that involved his family, in particular bonfires at the cabin and venison feeds at camp.  Most of all, he loved Florence. He will be deeply missed by his six children:  Terry and his wife, Ruth, Keeseville, New York, Ronald and his wife, Susan, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Stephen and his companion, Paula Lapham, of Plattsburg, New York, Sharlene and her husband, Robert Spalding, of Casco, Douglas and his wife, Paula, of Sandown, New Hampshire, and Christopher and his wife, Janice, of Buena Vista, Colorado.  He will also be missed by his grandchildren:  Asa, Chase, Renee, Jeffrey, Nicholas, Danielle, Mike, Evan, Arlyss, Ryan, and Hannah; his great grandchildren:  Lindsay, Jasmine, and Starr Lynn; his siblings:  Arlene Nelson, Janet Chadwick, Charles, Robert, and Jackie Jacquis; his nephews:  Bruce, Roger, Paul, and Randy Martin; and by numerous relatives and friends. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 6, at the Curtis-Britch & Davis Funeral Home, 1321 North Craftsbury Road on Craftsbury Common.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, September 7, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Craftsbury, with the Reverend Claverlito Migrino celebrating a Mass of Christian burial.  Interment will follow in the Craftsbury Common Cemetery on Craftsbury Common, with full military honors. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Country Village Assisted Living Home, P.O. Box 600, Casco, Maine 04015.

, 67, well-known journalist of Newport died suddenly on August 26, 2013, in Newport. He was born on December 29, 1945, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Jone Clifford Stokes and Dorothy (Jewell) Stokes.  On August 9, 1967, he married Kateri Anne Laizer, who survives him. He graduated from St. Mary’s College in Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology.  He later entered the United States Air Force. He was an avid amateur astronomer, a passionate photographer and a gifted writer.  He was an adventurer and explorer at heart.  He was a man of faith who sought to guide his children, family, and friends in ways of the Lord. He retired from the Newport Daily Express, where he was employed for many years. He is survived by his wife Kateri Anne Stokes of Newport; and by his children:  Jason C. Stokes and Carolyn J. Stokes Walker.  He is also survived by his five-year-old “grand puppy” Bowser. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

, 99, of Burlington, North Carolina, and formerly of Claremont, New Hampshire, died on August 16, 2013, at Peak Resources Care Facility in Graham, North Carolina, following a period of failing health. She was born on June 30, 1914, in Danville, the daughter of the late Charles F. and Florence D. (Higgins) Burdick.  She had been a Claremont resident since 1940 before moving to North Carolina in 2006. She had been employed as a hostess and front desk cashier in area hotels that include Colonial Hotel, King Arrow Hotel, Moody Inn, and Woodbine Cottages.  She was an active member of the Church of the Nazarene. She was a true Burdick in every way.  She was proud of the fact that three of her father’s brothers (one of them was his namesake) had fought in the Civil War.  She loved her family and loved it when her cousin, Nick Burdick, would tell her of what the “younger” family was doing.  From working with figures to a job with the state, to real estate, reporting, furniture making, computers, and truck driving, she decided the Burdick name was doing well. She loved visiting and loved it when family stopped in.  She would fill her cousin Nick in on the family as she knew it, and would show pictures of long dead family members.  She was a dear, sweet lady who was very easy to talk with. Members of her family include two nephews, one niece, eight grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, as well as many cousins. She was predeceased by three sons:  Jerry C. Willett, Raymond J. Downing, and Robert J. Downing; and by a brother, Marshall E. Burdick. Graveside services were held on August 24, at the family lot in the Mountain View Cemetery in Claremont.