U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy's first chief of staff devoted his life to preserving Vermont
On September 19, 2019, Paul Alan Bruhn of South Burlington died of having too much fun. It was his heart that finally couldn’t keep up with him. He was born March 27, 1947, in Burlington, the son of Marion and Elmer Bruhn. His father died when Paul was just 5 months old, and his mother was left to run the family business, Bruhn Office Equipment on Church Street in downtown Burlington, as well as raise three young children. The first two were probably easier than the last one. Paul is survived by his very special friend Colleen O’Neill of Cornish, N.H.; his former partner Christine Graham of Burlington and North Bennington and her two sons, Finnegan Calabro and his wife, Clare Beams, and their daughters Tess and Joanna of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Max Calabro of Portland, Ore.; his sisters Janet Lum of Orcas, Wash., and Beverly Major and her husband, Randolph, of Westminster West, Vt.; his former wife Kathleen Stankevich of Springfield; numerous nieces and nephews; his "brother" Pat Robins and Lisa Schamberg, who didn't know she was getting a package deal; his colleagues and board members at the Preservation Trust of Vermont; and lots of special friends. The high point of his academic career was at the Tom Thumb Nursery School. He later graduated (barely) from Burlington High School in 1965, where playing basketball was his biggest interest, and he briefly attended the University of Vermont. In spite of an uninspiring academic record, he was lucky enough to have three very special careers. In 1966, Proctor and Ruth Page took him under their wings and provided him with an education in journalism and the newspaper business. Later they supported his effort to edit and publish a monthly magazine for Chittenden County. Chittenden Magazine operated for four years, ending publication in 1973. Paul often said those years working for Proc and Ruth were his "college" education. After a brief stint in the Chittenden County State’s Attorney's Office, he ran Patrick Leahy's first campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1974. He then served as Sen. Leahy's chief of staff in Washington, D.C., until returning to Vermont in 1978. (That was his second college education.) He operated a consulting business for several years and became the first executive director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont in 1980, a position he held until his death. He had great passion for his work…
U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy's first chief of staff devoted his life to preserving Vermont
On September 19, 2019, Paul Alan Bruhn of South Burlington died of having too much fun. It was his heart that finally couldn’t keep up with him. He was born March 27, 1947, in Burlington, the son of Marion and Elmer Bruhn. His father died when Paul was just 5 months old, and his mother was left to run the family business, Bruhn Office Equipment on Church Street in downtown Burlington, as well as raise three young children. The first two were probably easier than the last one. Paul is survived by his very special friend Colleen O’Neill of Cornish, N.H.; his former partner Christine Graham of Burlington and North Bennington and her two sons, Finnegan Calabro and his wife, Clare Beams, and their daughters Tess and Joanna of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Max Calabro of Portland, Ore.; his sisters Janet Lum of Orcas, Wash., and Beverly Major and her husband, Randolph, of Westminster West, Vt.; his former wife Kathleen Stankevich of Springfield; numerous nieces and nephews; his "brother" Pat Robins and Lisa Schamberg, who didn't know she was getting a package deal; his colleagues and board members at the Preservation Trust of Vermont; and lots of special friends. The high point of his academic career was at the Tom Thumb Nursery School. He later graduated (barely) from Burlington High School in 1965, where playing basketball was his biggest interest, and he briefly attended the University of Vermont. In spite of an uninspiring academic record, he was lucky enough to have three very special careers. In 1966, Proctor and Ruth Page took him under their wings and provided him with an education in journalism and the newspaper business. Later they supported his effort to edit and publish a monthly magazine for Chittenden County. Chittenden Magazine operated for four years, ending publication in 1973. Paul often said those years working for Proc and Ruth were his "college" education. After a brief stint in the Chittenden County State’s Attorney's Office, he ran Patrick Leahy's first campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1974. He then served as Sen. Leahy's chief of staff in Washington, D.C., until returning to Vermont in 1978. (That was his second college education.) He operated a consulting business for several years and became the first executive director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont in 1980, a position he held until his death. He had great passion for his work…
Larry R. Michaels died on October 4, 2019, at his home at the age of 55 from a gastrinoma (neuroendocrine tumor, or NET). He was born on March 3, 1964, in East Chicago, Ind. He grew up in Tinley Park, a suburb of Chicago. His early years included spending time with his cousins in Chicago and Indiana. He graduated from Providence High School, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His service took him to Germany, then to Site R in Fort Ritchie, Md., and finally Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he served in the Signal Corps with top-secret security clearance during the Gulf War. After an honorable discharge, he attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor in science and, later, from Aurora University with a master’s in recreation administration. He returned to Alaska, where he worked in outdoor education for many years. He spent much of his time climbing and camping in the great outdoors of Alaska with now lifelong friends. After the darkness of Alaska became too much, he took a cross-country trip in the lower 48 states. Fate found Larry in Vermont, where he made his home and found his chosen family in Cabot. During this time, he spearheaded the creation of the Hardwick Trails, a multiuse system of hiking, biking and cross-country trails. He moved to Boston to work for Outward Bound in Boston Harbor and, later, for the Carroll School. Larry met Gretchen Gaida Michaels in Massachusetts, and they wed in 2007 in Vermont with Camel’s Hump as the backdrop. They made their home in Concord, Mass., for several years, enjoying the history and beauty of this area. During this time, Larry worked in real estate management in the Boston area. Larry and Gretchen moved to Vermont, where they lived first in Lincoln and then in South Burlington. Larry worked in real estate development at O’Brien Brothers Agency and then as a Realtor at Hickok and Boardman Realty. Larry became very engaged in community and civic life, helping manage the dump and Burnham Hall in Lincoln before helping to establish the South Burlington Business Association and serving on the South Burlington Affordable Housing Committee. He was involved with the South Burlington Rotary and served on the Queen City Park Audit Committee. He was committed to Mercy Connections, where he was a board member and…
Todd A. Ploof passed away in Burlington, Vt., on October 2, 2019, at the University of Vermont Medical Center. He was cared for patiently and lovingly by his partner, Nikki Bove; his family; and the staff at UVM. He was born in Winooski in 1966 at DeGoesbriand Hospital and lived a tumultuous life of health struggles, treatment and homelessness. His childhood was shaped by horrible experiences at the St. Joseph’s & Don Bosco Orphanage in Burlington, where he lived from age 5 to age 10. He was dropped off at the orphanage by a family member who trusted the orphanage to take good care of him. They did not. The abuse he was subjected to deformed his life. It did not kill his spirit, however, which remained undiminished by these difficulties. He was a very funny guy — well skilled at charming authority figures. He was probably best known for his signature look of wearing three pairs of dollar-store reading glasses at the same time — in lieu of prescription lenses. Being friends with Todd was a wild and largely joyous ride. There were so many people who cared for Todd and supported his growth and life, from the staff at Pathways to the staff at the Washington County Diversion Program and so many, many more. He often expressed his gratitude for those who helped him along. These social services are part of his story, too, and they supported his work of overcoming and of living his own life with its own happiness in his own way. After Todd died, a friend texted, “I hope that he has finally found peace.” And she meant what she wrote: It wasn’t just an obituarism. She truly hoped that he has finally found genuine peace. All of us who knew and loved him feel the same. RIP, Todd.…
John Emil Novotny — biomechanical engineer, educator and saber fencer — died at home on September 24, 2019. A longtime resident of Burlington, John taught mechanical engineering at the University of Vermont and was known for his supportive teaching and mentoring of students. John grew up in Kennebunk, Maine. He attended Yale University and graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering. At Yale, he served as captain of the fencing team and was an All-American saber fencer. After a fellowship in Switzerland, John attended the University of Vermont, earning an MS in biomedical engineering in 1992 and a PhD in mechanical engineering in 1997. He married his college sweetheart, Dawn Ellis, in 1999. He was an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Delaware, then returned to UVM, where he made substantial contributions to the engineering curriculum. A voracious reader, John also coached Little League, helped start the Vermont Fencing Alliance and spent many hours volunteering. John is survived by his wife, Dawn, and their two sons, Miles and Theo. John was preceded in death by his sister, Jayme Novotny. He is also survived by his parents, Marilyn and James Novotny; his brother, Jim; and his sisters Lynanne and Laura and their families. A remembrance space will be hosted on Friday, October 25, 2019, from 2 to 8:30 p.m. at the UVM Interfaith Center, 400 S. Prospect St., Burlington. For more information, visit the John Novotny Remembrance Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, cards or donations may be sent to support his family’s transition to D. Ellis at P.O. Box 8245, Burlington, VT 05402, or to the John Novotny Memorial Fund at UVM at go.uvm.edu/novotny.…
‘Lifetime member’ of Lyric Theatre managed ticket sales for 40 years
Joann Moulton Stanfield passed away at her home on October 22, 2019, to join her beloved Bob. Joann was born on November 22, 1940, in Marietta, Ohio, the daughter of David and Grace (Morrison) Moulton, who were officers in the Salvation Army, and the younger sister of her much-adored brothers Arthur and Alan. As officers, her parents moved often with their family to various ministries. Joann and her brothers would eventually work as camp counselors at Ashford Hills Salvation Army Camp. In 1955, at the age of 15, Joann met a fellow counselor and friend of her brothers who would become the love of her life. They were married on June 11, 1960, at the Brooklyn SA Citadel by her father, David Moulton. They would build a life and support each other unconditionally over the next 55 years, until his passing on September 28, 2015. After marrying, Joann and Bob moved to Cambridge, Mass., where Joann supported them by typing papers for students while Bob pursued his PhD from Harvard University. Upon graduation in 1963, Bob accepted a position at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where they expanded their family. In 1969, they moved to Vermont with their three children when Bob accepted a position at the University of Vermont. Vermont would become their forever home. Joann worked as a full-time mother and part-time nursery school teacher at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Burlington, where the family had begun going to church every Sunday. In 1974, Bob and Joann went to see a live performance of How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying at the Flynn Theater by a newly started theater group called Lyric Theatre. They were two of only 200 people enjoying the show in a 1,500-seat theater. Sitting there in the theater, they had no idea how important this theater group and the Flynn would become to them. After Bob was cast in the second show, Gypsy, by Lyric, Joann decided that she wanted to have as much fun as he was having and was cast in their third show, Pajama Game. They would continue to perform in numerous shows over the years. Upon joining Lyric in 1975, they made new friends whom, 44 years later, they still called friends … and many joined them in 2010 to help them celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They opened their home over the years to the cast…
Opioid crisis claims Rutland native
Alexa Lynn Williams, born February 25, 1986, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of October 26, 2019, from an apparent overdose. She is survived by her loving husband, James Matthew Clement; their son, Ethan Matthew Clement; her mother, April Kovolick Williams, and her partner, Peter Hayden; aunt and uncle Amanda and Ariel Miranda; cousin Ariel Miranda; aunt Kate Kovolick Cook; great-aunt Barbara Poeter Salls and her husband, Derick; her father, Jeffrey Warren Williams, and his wife, Carol Ann Williams; her brother, Jason Warren Williams, and his wife, Kiersten Lea Williams; her nephew, August Warren Williams; her stepsister Harmony and her husband, Kurt Shangraw; niece and nephew Zuzu and Cash Rooney; her grandfather Thomas Warren Williams and his wife, Helen Williams; great-aunt and -uncle Lorraine and John R. Williams; cousin Stacy Lee and her husband, Michael; aunt and uncle Missy and Tim Williams; cousins Bret, Zakk and Hannah Williams; her mother- and father-in-law Barbara and Jeff Clement; brother-in-law John Clement and his daughter, Sofie; brother-in-law Timothy Clement; sister-in-law Sarah Clement; and many other loving family members and close friends. Alexa was born in Rutland, Vt., and grew up in Sudbury and Underhill, Vt., attending Sudbury Country School, Browns River Middle School and graduating from Mount Mansfield Union High School. After graduation, she moved to Johnson City, Tenn., to attend East Tennessee State University. Alexa excelled at everything she did and was particularly gifted in math. We had many a road trip with flash cards to keep her entertained. Alexa and James were married on July 10, 2013. On January 15, 2015, she gave birth to the joy of her life, her son Ethan. She loved being a mother and, in many ways, excelled at being a mother more than anything else. Alexa was incredibly empathetic and sought to befriend people who were in need of friendship and companionship. With remarkably large eyes and a big, beautiful smile, Alexa warmed up every room she was in. Due to her sharp sense of humor and her kind and generous heart, everyone who met Alexa felt an immediate and close connection. Alexa was known for doing everything spectacularly — whether that was school, high school basketball or motherhood. Unfortunately, she was prescribed her first opioid prescription as a teenager, before the true extent and addictive nature of the substance was known. Those early prescriptions altered her life permanently. She regretted her addiction and…
Professional horseman started his long ride on Rose Street in Burlington
Carl William Bessette has ridden off into the sunset. He died at age 89, after a short bout of pneumonia, on October 20, 2019, in Wellington, Fla. A professional horseman, he led a life well-lived, doing what he loved doing the most: sharing his love of people and horses. Carl was born on Rose Street in Burlington, Vt., in 1930 to Arthur and Blanche (Levee) Bessette. Arthur and his brother Paul owned a trucking company and a stable where they rented horses. Carl followed in his father’s footsteps, driving a bread truck to support his horse business. That evolved from the Bessette Brother’s Riding Stable to a stable in Shelburne to Champlain Riding School in Williston in 1964. He served in the Marines from 1948 to 1951. He married Virginia Donaldson in 1951. In 1968, Carl started a series of moves in his equestrian career. He headed the equitation program at St. Lawrence University and then moved to New Jersey to Tewksbury Farms. In 1977, he was appointed director of riding at Southern Seminary Junior College in Virginia. In 1983, he began his life in Florida, including at Little Place Farm and Done Bobbin Farm. Carl is survived by son Eric Bessette, daughter-in-law Jennifer Baker and grandson Noah Bessette; as well as his son David Bessette and grandson Ethan Bessette. He was predeceased by his daughter, Cathy Lynn. The family would like to offer thanks for the extraordinary care Carl was given by his “angels,” who allowed him to maintain his life with horses to the very end: Patti Roberts Blank, Angela Green, M. Douglas Mutch, Kelly Hamshaw, Margaret Bidgood and "super angel" Jill Soderqvist. A celebration of life will be held at the Lakeview House on Route 7 in South Burlington on November 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Casual attire.)…
Underhill engineer and Navy vet worked for Oscar Meyer, Frito-Lay and Wyeth Nutrition
Melvin W. Litchfield Jr., 80, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on October 15 in Underhill, Vt. He was surrounded by love and his favorite music. He is survived by his wife, Cathryn Litchfield; children, Daniel (Laura) Litchfield and Teri Litchfield; and grandchildren, Isaiah and Kira Litchfield. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary, Cheryl and Lawrence (Mary); as well as many nieces and nephews. Mel was well loved and appreciated for his kind, supportive ways and quick wit. He enjoyed building and fixing almost anything, airplanes, skiing, horses, corny jokes, football, music, and spending time with family. He was born in Madison, Wis., on May 10, 1939. He graduated from Madison East High School and the University of Wisconsin with degrees in mechanical and agricultural engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation mechanic patrolling the Pacific Ocean from Midway Island to Alaska and loved to recount memories from this time of his life. Mel worked as an engineer with Oscar Meyer, American Potato Company, Frito Lay and Wyeth Nutritionals. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 16, at Underhill ID School, 10 River Rd., Jericho, VT. Friends are invited to stop by and celebrate between 4 and 7 p.m. The family would like to thank the Bayada Hospice team for their wonderful care during Mel's last days.…
Rutland-born educator became a trailblazer for the Northeast Kingdom Section of the Green Mountain Club
Jean Crossley Haigh (formerly Rogers and Cotroneo), 84, of South Albany Road in Craftsbury, Vt., passed away unexpectedly but peacefully while leading a hike with her good friends from the Northeast Kingdom Section of the Green Mountain Club. She was doing what she loved most in her favorite part of the state, right up until the last moment. Born on March 21, 1935, to Ernest and Etta (Morris) Haigh, Jean grew up in Rutland, Vt., where she developed a love for Morgan horses at Mr. Hendy’s barn and for skiing at Pico. After graduating from Rutland High School, she studied microbiology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, the rugged home of her ancestors. After returning to the States, she married and had two daughters, Nancy and Jackie, and, in 1965, resettled in Sudbury, Vt., on an old farm, which she quickly filled with Morgan horses and a pony. She rekindled her love of skiing at High Pond Ski Area. Jean completed her BS and master's degrees in education at Castleton State College. Later, she moved to Craftsbury, Vt. Over a long, vigorous and valued career, Jean enriched a variety of educational institutions, serving as a fifth grade teacher at Lothrop Elementary School; an administrator at the Brandon Training School, where she assisted in the deinstitutionalization and closure of the facility; as special education director at Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union and Lamoille South Supervisory Union; and as an adjunct professor at Castleton and Johnson State colleges. At the time of her death, she was still working for the University of Vermont, consulting to schools on the implementation of Positive Behavioral Intervention Support programs. As an educator and a teacher of teachers, Jean transformed innumerable lives. Jean’s unbounded energy, her commitment and dedication, her kindness and generosity, her compassion and care, and the brilliance and clarity of the light she brought to everything provided an example and an inspiration not only to all the young lives she touched and transformed, but to all the teachers she mentored and guided and who continue to spread her invaluable influence. To be anywhere with Jean in public was to be routinely astonished that she always seemed to know — and remember — everyone, and everyone loved her. The stream of people who stopped to say hello and chat, to be remembered, and to draw energy and warmth from Jean’s limitless stores was a…
Former Addison County educator and volunteer was a mixtape master
Douglas William Hopps died in Portland, Maine, on October 17, 2019 after a long illness. He was born in the hamlet of Garrison in the village of Cold Spring, N.Y., on May 26, 1959. He went to school in West Hartford, Conn., and Westminster West, Vt., and graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School, Vt., in 1977. He earned a certificate from the Franklin School of Business in 1993. Douglas worked at Artech Electronics Ltd. in Burlington, Vt. He later was manager at several retail stores in South Burlington, Vt., and in 1996 moved to Albuquerque, N.M., for nine years. Returning to Bristol, Vt., he was a custodian and a para-educator at Bristol Elementary School. He did volunteer work at the Starksboro food bank. He moved to Maine in 2015 to rejuvenate his life; he lived in Camden and Cumberland and quickly developed new friendships in both communities. In Maine, he worked at local grocery stores and volunteered for Furniture Friends and the Cumberland Wood Bank. Douglas was good-natured and delightful, with an innate sense of humor. He was a kind and gentle soul. Doug loved most all music genres, in particular rock and roll, big band '40s and classical; he was a big fan of artists from Ian Anderson to Antonio Vivaldi. He was a drummer at an early age and played until recently, when he continued tapping out beats on his dashboard. His greatest joy professionally was running his DJ business, Dance Around Sound. Douglas made cassette tapes, and later CDs, for family members that some of us still listen to today because of the great music mixes he created. He was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Jean (Shaw) Foster, in 2017; his stepmother, Ann Hopps, in 2015; and his aunt, Joan Hopps, in 2013. Douglas is survived by his daughter Burdena of Middlebury Vt.; his father, Thomas Hopps, of Camden, Maine; his siblings Robin and her wife Wendy Sue Harper of Monkton, Vt., Frederic and his wife Jette of Beverly, Mass., and Jonathan and his wife Tory Dietel Hopps of Cumberland, Maine; nieces Inge, Kaja, Sara and Carly; and nephew Sawyer. Other family members include Lynn and Bill Cash of Davidson, N.C., and family; Bruce and Sue Millar of Diablo, Calif., and family; Keith Millar of New York City; Leath Allyn Ashley of Yukon, Okla., and family; Craig Hamilton of Glendora, Calif.; Andrew and Christy Shaw…
Former state rep founded central Vermont cancer support group
Frederick Nelson Cook, 90, of Montpelier, died peacefully on November 7 after a short illness. Fred was born on August 24, 1929, to Edward J. and Helen (Foster) Cook. He spent his youth in Cuttingsville and Mount Holly, Vt., and graduated from Rutland High School in 1947. From 1950 to 1954, Fred served in the U.S. Navy. He is a 1959 graduate of the University of Vermont. He was elected a state representative for the Town of Shrewsbury and was appointed by the Vermont Board of Historic Sites in 1959, where he spent three and a half years overseeing programs at several Vermont Historic Sites. In 1960, Fred married Barrie Brundage, and together they had three sons, Christopher, Daniel and Richard. Fred spent most of his working career as the executive director of the Vermont Petroleum Institute, then as a lobbyist on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business/Vermont. He also worked on the campaigns of Barbara Snelling for lieutenant governor and of state senator Susan Sweetser for U.S. representative. After successful cancer treatment in 1996, Fred retired from active lobbying. He then established what became the Central Vermont Prostate Cancer Support Group, affiliated with the American Cancer Society’s Man to Man program. He often remarked that outside of raising his three boys, his most rewarding initiative in his life was working with the cancer survivors who attended the monthly Man to Man meetings. The American Cancer Society recognized his efforts in 1999 and again in 2007 for dedicated service to the Man to Man program. Fred proudly served his community in various capacities throughout his long life. He was a member and former vestryman of Christ Church in Montpelier, the Montpelier Board of Adjustment and the Montpelier City Republican Committee. He served as chair of the City Hall Plaza War Memorial Committee and was master of ceremonies for its dedication. He spent many years as a Montpelier justice of the peace, in which capacity his sons were fortunate to have him officiate at their weddings. A member of Rotary International with 50 years of perfect attendance, Fred was president of the Montpelier Rotary Club in 1980 and 81 and district governor of Rotary District 7850 in 1987 and 88. He was an elected representative to the Rotary International Council on Legislation, a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient and a regular contributor to the Rotary Foundation. He hosted…
Brent Graves Sr., age 47, died at 5:30pm on September 12, 2019 in his favorite park located in New Smyrna, Florida. Brent was born to Betty Plante in 1971, he grew up in Barre, VT, where he received his High school diploma in 1991. He married Lisa A. Westcott in 1992 in Montpelier, VT. After committing their life together, Brent purchased his first home in Northfield, VT and raised 3 children: Brent Graves Jr, Eric Boutin and David Boutin. He was a man of many talents, an avid car collector; when he wasn't working he would restore classic cars and show them at car shows. Brent was known for his great sense of humor and contagious laughter among his family and friends. He managed Interstate Maintenance Cleaning Corp. for 15 years before he became an owner himself. In 2012 Brent honored his wife's wishes to move to Port Orange, Florida to start a new business, Clean-Pro. He enjoyed hunting & fishing at his favorite brooks. He also enjoyed golfing, racing and collecting diecast cars. He enjoyed vacationing in Wells, Maine with his family. Brent is survived by his loving family his mother Betty Plante, his sisters; Samantha Leblanc and her partner Brad Mattson, Krystal Vize and her husband Tim and Ambir Moote And her husband Lewie, his niece Mercedez Vize, his wife, Lisa Graves, his sons; Eric Boutin, David Boutin and Brent Graves Jr, and his extended family members; Susan Westcott, Linda Westcott and Ron Westcott. The Celebration of Life for Brent will be held in Central Vermont at a later date to be announced.…
Longtime activist fought for LGBTQ rights and environmental and economic justice
Jo-Ann Golden — activist and fighter for human rights, civil rights for the LGBTQ community, and environmental and economic justice — passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019, at home in Lake Worth, Fla., after a courageous battle with cancer. Jo-Ann’s commitment to the planet began simply enough as a volunteer firefighter in Westminster, Vt., in the 1970s. She was a founding member of the Women’s Crisis Center in Brattleboro and helped to build institutions and the southern Vermont community in many ways. Once in Burlington, she worked hard to promote greater understanding of the U.S. role in Central America, serving as coordinator of the Burlington, Vt./Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, Sister City Program, joining the first Witness for Peace Delegation to Latin America and producing documentaries to educate the public, including Que Pasa, produced with CCTV. After moving to Florida in 1989, Jo-Ann turned her talent and love for building and carpentry into a fine furniture business. She shared shared her skills and devotion to economic opportunity as program coordinator at Jeff Industries, a job-skills program for individuals with severe mental illness. Ever the social entrepreneur, Jo-Ann also launched Project Women Can and trained many local unemployed women in basic carpentry skills. As project manager for the Lake Worth Community Development Corporation, she oversaw the design and construction of new, affordable homes for first-time home buyers. Jo-Ann was an active board member and president of the Palm Beach Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, secretary of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Palm Beach Chapter, and secretary/treasurer of the Sam and Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts. In an effort to make larger, systemic changes, Jo-Ann won two terms as a commissioner for the City of Lake Worth, Fla. (2007 to 2011). She pushed hard to support immigrants who lived in the city and was outspoken on many environmental issues, including ensuring full public ownership of Lake Worth beach, ending beach dredging and supporting renewable energy programs. Jo-Ann was instrumental in the completion of a reverse-osmosis plant for the city’s water supply. During her tenure, the city improved all its parks and expanded recreation opportunities for children and adults. Jo-Ann loved her home, turning a sandy lot and small cottage into a tropical paradise with gardens, birds and beautiful architecture. Jo-Ann is survived by her longtime companion Tennant Glenn Davitian, as well as her brothers, nephews, nieces,…
Musician and soundman was the first licensed performer on the Church Street Marketplace
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, musician and “Soundman to the Stars” Kevin Healy. Kevin passed away peacefully on the morning of November 14 in the arms of his family after a long battle with a rare cancer. He leaves behind the love of his life, Arlene, and their children: Michael, his wife, Brianne, and their daughter Lydia, aka “Monkey"; and Kaitlin and her partner, Eric Weiss, aka “the Bear.” Kevin is also survived by his brother Michael and his wife, Bitte; his sister Patricia and her husband, John Lazarus; his sister Barbara Joan and her husband, Frank Okonski; and his brother Rob and his wife, Dayna; as well as many nieces and nephews. Kevin also leaves behind his extended Gratton family, all of whom looked forward to his baked beans at every family gathering, most especially his father-in-law Roland. Kevin was predeceased by his parents: Ralph Scott Healy, Nancy Riling and Raymond Riling; as well as his sister Kathleen. Kevin turned an early passion for music into a successful sound-production company, becoming the go-to “soundman” for countless bands and events all over Vermont for nearly 40 years. In addition, many knew Kevin as a friendly face behind the counter at Advance Music. He loved introducing people to music and working with them to find the perfect instrument or piece of gear to bring home. He greeted his clients and customers with a trademark crooked smile and his wickedly dry sense of humor. He had a knack for getting people’s stories and remembering small details about others that helped him to build connections with hundreds of people in the music community and beyond. Kevin was an accomplished musician himself. He was an avid guitarist and played in dozens of bands, contributing his passion and advocacy to the live music community in northern Vermont. He was the first person ever to receive a license to perform on Church Street many years ago, spearheading a movement of live music that continues to this day. We would like to thank all of the medical teams who worked with Kevin over the past few years and with whom he developed close friendships: the many doctors and nurses at the University of Vermont Medical Center, particularly Dr. Littenberg, Dr. Holmes and Kathleen McCarthy, RN; his transplant team at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, especially Dr.…
UVM grad worked for Merrill Lynch in Connecticut
Joshua Cory Thermansen, 44, of 29 Temple Street in Hartford, Conn., died on Thursday, November 14, 2019. He was born on August 8, 1975, in Bloomington, Ill., the son of Mark and Kandi Kelly Thermansen. A graduate of the University of Vermont, class of 1997, Josh enjoyed a career in the financial industry, employed most recently by Merrill Lynch in Hartford. He was married to Kate Aldinger in Newport, R.I., in 2008. Josh is survived by his former wife, Kate, and their children, Finnegan, 7, and Angus, 2, of Simsbury, Conn.; his parents, Mark and Kandi of South Burlington, Vt.; and his sister, Jennifer Thermansen O’Brien, her husband, Kevin, and their son, Graham, of Portland, Ore. A celebration of Josh’s life will be held on Saturday, December 28, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the BCA Center located at 135 Church Street in Burlington, Vt., where we will share stories and experiences honoring his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Champlain Housing Trust, 88 King St., Burlington, VT 05401. Your donation will be used toward our acute affordable housing shortage, as well as CHT’s strong programs addressing addiction throughout the Champlain Valley. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington. Please visit readyfuneral.com to place online condolences.…
'One of Enosburg's great characters' farmed, logged, protested war and practiced yoga
Ralph Egon Rogosch died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home around October 26, 2019. Ralph was born on July 12, 1950, in Lynbrook, Long Island, N.Y., to Lisa and Egon Rogosch. He is survived by two cousins, Catherine Barisic and Ellen Leinhard. He graduated from East Rockaway High School with the class of '68, a spirited and close-knit group that still keeps in touch through their reunions every five years. Voted "most excitable" in his yearbook, Ralph played on his high school football team. It was a serious knee injury from football that kept him from joining up and going off to serve in Vietnam like several of his classmates. Instead, he went to Cortland College in upstate New York. After his freshman year, he took off to see the country, spending time in Oklahoma and California before coming back east. According to legend, he had decided to go back west to Colorado when he stopped off in Vermont to visit a friend ... and never left. Starting off as a farmhand at the George Kane Farm, Ralph gave everyone a smile by doing his yoga in the aisle after chores were done. He began a logging career with his first workhorse, Chico, who taught him how to get logs moving. Later, purchasing a second horse, Tonnerre, allowed him to work at sugaring as well, gathering the old-fashioned way with a team and buckets. Ralph graduated to tractor and winch, and then finally to a skidder, but he never lost the ability to do the careful job in the woods that logging with horses had taught him. Ralph had many interests and was a lifelong learner. When he got his own place on Enosburg Mountain Road in 2009, he went to work to create an organic garden enriched with carefully made compost and planted according to the biodynamic principles he had learned from the Flack Farm. He would often trade his beets, turnips, greens and giant kohlrabis for some of the wonderful goodies at the Montgomery farmers market. He was an avid reader, a regular at the Montgomery Library book-to-movie group, a spirited political debater who could play the devil's advocate — a "Bernie socialist" at heart who could always see the other side, as well. He loved to cook and loved music of all kinds. Nothing pleased him more than going to local concerts, especially when he…
Rutland native remembered for her seamstress skills, 'Turkey Bowl' soup and good advice
Mary Ann “Mania” Rogers, 72, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on December 2, 2019, at Rutland Regional Medical Center. She was born in Rutland on May 22, 1947, daughter of Henry and Viola (Czachor) Sherowski. Mary Ann was a graduate of Mount St. Joseph Academy, attended Castleton State College, and was a longtime resident and business owner in the Rutland area. She will be remembered by many as the creative, outgoing, hardworking tailor for Guido’s Golden Needle and A Stitch in Time. There was nothing she couldn’t do with her hands. She was an amazing cook and host whose door was always open. Her “Turkey Bowl” soup and potato salad will go down in history as the area's best. She was kind, witty, funny and sharp as a tack. The world has lost one who could finish a crossword puzzle in an hour while trimming your hair, fixing a hole in your jeans, making you homemade French fries and, most of all, giving you the best advice. She leaves behind many family members, including her husband, John “Jack” Rogers Sr.; two sons, John “Jack” Rogers Jr. of Rutland, and Garreth Rogers and his wife, Nancy, of Jericho; and two daughters, Stephanie Sherman and her husband, Joe III, of Pittsford, and Rebecca Rogers of San Francisco, Calif. She is also loved by many grandchildren, including Elijah, Hannah and Samuel Rogers and their mother, Hope Rogers; Erik Sherman; Audrey and Henry Rogers; two brothers, Henry Sherowski of Columbus, Ohio, and Edward Sherowski of Hubbardton; two sisters, Irene Carbine of Rutland, and Elizabeth DeBlois, of Saratoga, N.Y.; and nieces, nephews, and many other loving family members and friends who will celebrate her life in memory. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Foley Cancer Center, 160 Allen St., Rutland, VT 05701.…
Longtime Winooski resident spent active retirement working at Shelburne Museum and planting flower gardens
Patricia Estelle Childs Gunther died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at Mansfield Place in Essex Junction on December 9, 2019. She was 95 years old. Pat was born in Waterville, Maine, on September 8, 1924. She was the eldest child of James and Dora (Raymond) Childs. She lived in Springfield, Mass., until age 12, when the family moved to Burlington, Vt. Her father abandoned the family and left her with the task of helping to raise four younger siblings. This she did admirably, with a great deal of help from her aunt, Anita Parizo, and her uncle, Jerome Childs. She graduated from Edmunds High School in 1942. At Edmunds, she was active in chorus and was selected to All State. After high school, she went to work for Bell Telephone. She met Paul Gunther in 1944, and they were married on May 29, 1945, and settled into a house they loved on Lafountain Street in Winooski. They were married for 54 years, the union ending with the death of her husband in 2000. Pat was also predeceased by her mother and father; her brother Raymond, who was killed in the Korean war; her sisters Ailene and Evangilene; and her brother Bobby. Pat spent many years as secretary for the superintendent of the Winooski School District. After she retired from that position, she spent summers working at the Shelburne Museum as a guide. Not content to be idle, she also worked at Champlain Kids in the Champlain Mill in Winooski. After selling her house in 2002, she moved to McCauley Square on Mansfield Avenue in Burlington, where she lived until Alzheimer's required her move to memory care at Mansfield Place in 2016. Both her and her husband were ardent gardeners and created multiple flower gardens on their property. They were spectacular. Pat is survived by her son and daughter-in-law John and Wendy Gunther of Colchester, Vt.; her daughter and son-in-law Shirley and Mark Benjamin of Traverse City, Mich.; her daughter and son-in-law Kay and Greg Cromie of Winooski, Vt.; and her grandchildren Scott Benjamin and his wife, Amy, of Burlington, Mass., Katie Benjamin of Traverse City, Mich., Sarah Cromie of South Burlington, Vt., and Matt Cromie of Quincy, Mass. She is also survived by her three great-grandchildren, Ellie and Summer Benjamin and Carter Voity. She is further survived by her great and constant friend Connie Gill. She loved travel. She…
New York City native found friends in Vermont who became ‘family'"Moving right along." Born and raised in New York City, Anthony L. Wharton graduated from Seward Park High School, and thereafter worked many years setting up stages at fashion houses in Manhattan. "Tony" loved his mother, Shirley, whom he cared for until she passed away. He also loved his nephews and nieces very much. Tony moved to Vermont around 1995 for a slower life and enjoyed friends, Lake Champlain and socializing with his neighbors on North Street. Tony is survived by his cousins, Allen and Constance Jackson, and his local "family," Ben Luna ("Mr. B") and Kim McCrae. A memorial celebration will be held this Saturday at the Olde Northender Pub, 23 North St., Burlington, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.…
Skirack co-owner placed ninth in 1984 Olympic trials
Stephen “Spike” Haskew Clayton — beloved husband, father and Skirack co-owner — passed away at his home in Hinesburg on Friday, December 13, after an “active and outdoor” year-and-a-half-long battle with gastric cancer. Born in Manchester, Vt., on November 27, 1958, as the son of Rev. Robert Leslie Clayton and Ruth Elizabeth Haskew, he grew up skiing Bromley Mountain, racing with the Yankee Pedlars and riding with the Dorset Training Group. He attended high school at Burr and Burton Academy and went on to race with the varsity Alpine ski team at the University of Vermont, where he graduated with a degree in political science and a minor in economics. Following graduation, he pursued a professional cycling career, traveling across North America with his Stowe-Shimano team. Among countless wins, one of his most notable results was being a ninth-place finish in the 1984 Olympic trials. He started working at the Skirack in 1984 and later became co-owner. Spike was passionate about his work; his mission was to introduce outdoor activities to as many as possible, and he contributed to the industry by serving on many national boards. His greatest teammate was his wife, Katherine Kjelleren. The joys of their relationship were training, racing and devoting time to their family. They built their present home together and were married in 1989. Their sons Thomas and Kameron followed shortly after. Spike loved spectating and coaching his children’s sports. Through his quiet and humble presence, he imparted his wisdom: to be positive, work hard and never give up. He will be missed by his wife, Katherine Kjelleren; sons Thomas Clayton and Kameron Clayton and his wife, Grace Zebertavage; brothers Robert and Thomas “Pepper” Clayton; loving mother-in-law Lorelei Palmer Kjelleren; aunt Fran Wurlitzer; sister-in-law Julia Clayton; brothers-in-law Gary and Don Kjelleren; cousin Stephanie Conner; nieces Haley, Danna, M., Kew, Bel and Sarah; nephews Hayden, Ben and Omar; and countless other loving family and friends. A celebration of his life will be held at Sleepy Hollow Inn at 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 22. His family welcomes you to join them for a memorial cross-country ski prior to the service at 8:30 a.m. Memorial gifts may be made to Little Bellas at littlebellas.givingfuel.com/spike-clayton.…