College news
• Allison V. Stamler of Brattleboro, a member of the Class of 2020, has been selected for inclusion on St. Lawrence University's Dean's List for academic achievement during the fall 2017 semester.
• Noah Sampson-Frank of Putney, who is in the software engineering program, made the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology.
• Starr M Gutierrez and Shealine Marie Rivera Caraballo of Brattleboro and Chayse Jarvis of Newfane all were named to the Dean's List at Lyndon State College for the fall 2017 semester.
• Celia Feal-Staub of Putney, an art and visual culture and anthropology major, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
Obituaries
• Charles F. “Ace” Adams, 72, of Brattleboro. Died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 at Vibra Hospital in Leicester, Mass., following a lengthy illness. He was born in Brattleboro on June 13, 1945, the son of Francis R. and Ruth (Miner) Adams. He attended Brattleboro public schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1964. He proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge in 1969. With the passing of his father, Mr. Adams was raised by the late Henry Angell, whom he went to work for at Angell's Automotive, later becoming Tri-State Automotive, on Flat Street. He served as a sales representative for the company for many years. More recently, he worked as a courier driver for Summit Chrysler Dodge & Jeep. Active fraternally, he was a member of Brattleboro Masonic Lodge #102 F&AM, the Brattleboro Shrine Club and Cairo Shrine Temple in Rutland. In the Shriners, he served as a special aide for the Potentate and was a Divan member and a member of the Shriner's snowmobile parade unit. He enjoyed riding his Harley, spending time at Lynde Motorcycle Repair Shop on Flat Street, Country & Western music, dancing and bowling. He enjoyed his involvement in the Shrine and loved living life. Survivors include one son, James Adams of Boston; a daughter, Melissa Adams of Dumerston, one brother, two stepsisters. several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of close friends. Memorial information: Burial with full military honors in Morningside Cemetery will take place in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to Shriner's Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, Mass 01104. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Constantine M. “Deeko” Broustas, 92, of Brattleboro. Died February 17, 2018, at his home. The first 20 years of his life were spent in Brattleboro, and the last 20 were in Brattleboro and Walpole, N.H. In between, he worked many years for the U.S. Government in Switzerland, Germany, and Washington, D.C. When Deeko was two years old, his father found himself the single parent of four young children. Upon starting the Academy School at age five, he spoke no English. He recalled wandering around the classroom, prompting his teacher to remove her scarf and gently tie him to his desk. He went on to become valedictorian at Brattleboro High School, and a high honors graduate of Middlebury College, majoring in math and literature, with fluency in French and German. His college years coincided with World War II, and he left college for a period of time to join the military, following his brother John who was in the Navy, and brother George who was a decorated Air Force Colonel. He was stationed in Germany, where he had a role in the critical Berlin Airlift, and the opening of Hitler's Eagle's Nest. After the war, he was married for 10 years to his first love, Jane Bleau. His analytical mind, excellent writing skills, and proficiency in foreign languages soon attracted the attention of the Office of Strategic Services (predecessor agency to the CIA), which recruited him as an intelligence officer. For the next twenty-five years his position as a CIA officer required all of his skills as a negotiator, analyst, and writer. He was occasionally called upon to retrieve information from Russian collaborators, sometimes at night in the Black Forest of Germany. He firmly believed that accurate, properly analyzed intelligence lessened the chance of conflict between the U.S. and Soviet Union. At the end of his service, the CIA invited his Brattleboro family to a ceremony in Washington, where Deeko was presented with the Career Intelligence Medal for exceptional achievement. Following his career in government, Deeko turned his research and analytical talents to a second career appraising and purchasing art, antiques, and rare books. In Washington, D.C., he and his friend Willis Van Devanter appraised many books and manuscripts including Sigmund Freud's letters and Dwight D. Eisenhower's papers at the National Archives. Upon moving back to the Brattleboro area, he purchased an historical building in West Chesterfield and started Stone House Antiques. He had a fabulous time running the business with Rose Soghomonian, the love of his life, and his older brother John. He valued the many friends he made in the course of his antiques business. He was a man of many interests. He was a fine photographer who had his own darkroom. He was a car buff, acquiring classic German cars and helping his nieces and nephews pick out rust free, quality used cars in the DC area. He loved dogs and brought some beautiful Dachshunds back from Germany. Deeko was a gourmet cook who hosted many dinner parties in Washington. He enjoyed making his signature drink, bourbon old fashioned, for his nieces and nephews. Deeko read everything, from Rilke to Forbes magazine, as he was passionate about both poetry and investing. He shared his love of poetry and art, with special friend Sarah Batschelet of Switzerland, through correspondence over 40 years. He leaves his sister, Esta B. Smith, his anchor for 92 years, her children, Diana Lange, Houghton Smith, Prentiss Smith, and Deborah Burrows, and their families; Dan Santino who, among other things, was vital in operating the Stone House; Doug Stagner, to whom Deeko was a big brother in Washington; Peter Desmond, his lifelong friend and college roommate; and his dear friends Eleanor McMillan and Pickett Randolph. Memorial information: There will be a gathering on March 31 from 4 to 6 p.m., at the home of Prentiss and Elizabeth Smith on 563 South St., Brattleboro, to remember Deeko and share stories. Donations can be made to the BHS Class of 1942, in care of Kathy Venice, 131 Fairground Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Thomas C. “Tom” Rand, 90, of Waterloo, Ontario, father of Susan Rand (Ian Schrauf) and formerly of Pt. Claire, Quebec, Canada, died Feb. 17, 2018, 3 months shy of his 90th birthday. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Joanne C. Woodard in 1999. Besides Susan, he is survived by three sons - Brian of Oakville, Ontario, Stephen (Sheila Ward) of Cornwall, Ontario and Alan of Kitchener, Ontario; his sister, Kathleen Rand Sheppard of Mississauga, Ontario,,his cherished partner of 18 years, Enid Maize of Aurora, Ontario, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. As a child, Tom experienced the death of his younger brother, Kenneth to rheumatic fever and, as an adult, his youngest brother Eric died at age 49. He was predeceased by his parents, Reginald Clive Rand and Norah Daisy Wareham. Brought up struggling through the Great Depression, he appreciated relationships over possessions, valued living frugally and saving, providing for the family and maintaining that British “stiff upper lip.” He was a natural musician on the harmonica, squeezebox, and spoons. Family gatherings and campfires included many evenings listening to Tom play jazz, blues, boogies, pop, and traditional tunes of the Great American Songbook. In retirement, he entertained as a both as solo act and in bands performing for senior centers and nursing homes. Tom was an optimist, a flirt, a lover of puns. He worked 42 years with Bell Canada and, able to retire at age 58, he and Joanne travelled North America in their Westphalia camper. Tom made one trip to his mother's homeland, England, where he connected with aunts and cousins - relationships he cherished until Alzheimer's took its toll. He was able, however, to play his harmonicas, entertain, and maintain his sense of humor and gratefulness for life right to the end. Memorial information: A family reunion, celebration of life, and burial are being planned for the summer.
• Lorraine M. Schultz, 76, of Brattleboro. Died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following a period of declining health. Born in Claremont, N.H., on April 8, 1941 the daughter of Mederic and Jeanette (Blanche) Paquette, she was raised and educated in Claremont, attending St. Mary's Parochial School. She later moved to Brattleboro and worked as a prep cook at the former Riverview Restaurant, later working at the former Lawton Cleaners on Church Street. Her last position was with G.S. Precision, where she was employed as a parts inspector for 10 years. She was a woman of faith and attended Mountain View Seventh Day Adventist Church in Vernon. She was also a member of the VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 Auxiliary. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, flower gardening, puzzles, and arts & crafts. She was married to Allen Schultz, Jr. in 1971. Her husband predeceased her in 1983. Survivors include four daughters, Carlene Paquette-Davis of Claremont, N.H., Roberta Whitman of Colorado, Debra Crossman of Dummerston and Kim Paquette of Brattleboro; one son, Bert Crossman of California; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves her companion of many years, Robert Billetdeau of Brattleboro. She was predeceased by one son, Marlin Paquette. Memorial information: A memorial service will be conducted at a future date and time at the Mountain View Seventh Day Adventist Church in Vernon to be announced by the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Mary's Parish Cemetery in Claremont, where she will be laid to rest besides her parents. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro is in charge of arrangements.
• Stanley Elliot Thomas, 73, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 19, 2018 at the VA Hospital in White River Junction after a long battle with cancer. His loving wife Barbara was at his side. Born in Brattleboro on July 9, 1944 to Elliot Thomas and Evyonne (Fillian) Thomas, he is survived by his sister, Silvia Goddard; his wife, Barbara A. Thomas; two sons, two stepsons, two stepdaughters, a niece and nephew, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He served proudly in the Coast Guard. After his military service, he was a finishing foreman for Fibermark from which he retired. Stanley was an avid fisherman, and lifelong member of the American Legion. Stanley served as adjutant for the American Legion Post 5 for many years. He had an extremely forgiving and charitable heart and voluteered hours to local Alcoholics Anonymous groups. Memorial information: A celebration of life service will be held at the American Legion Post 5 on March 25; details to follow. A graveside service in Stanley's honor will be held later in the spring of 2018.
• Florence E. (Ring) Warriner, 105, formerly of Southwick, Mass. Died Feb. 27, 2018 at Bradley House in Brattleboro, where she received gracious and loving care for the past year, remarking “this place is like a cruise ship.” She was the beloved wife of 51 years to the late William L. Warriner. She was born on March 19, 1912 in Milwaukee, Wis,, daughter of the late Fred G. and Lydia (Lucht) Ring. At the time of her death, she was the oldest centenarian in the community of Southwick. She was a perennial volunteer and ebullient citizen; well known and well loved by its town folk. As a “super senior” she loved publicity and hoped it would encourage others. She cast her last vote at the age of 104. During the 1930's prior to marriage, her spirit of adventure set in as she and girlfriends drove from Milwaukee to Mexico City and other towns in Mexico on three different occasions. These experiences provided lifelong memories and stories. A resident of Southwick since 1957, she and her husband owned and operated Warriner's Lakeside Cottages for many years on Lake Congamond. She was an active member of Southwick Congregational Church. She served as President of the Southwick Womens' Club from 1966-68 and held other offices for decades. Following the passing of her husband at age 90, she became a fixture at the Samaritan Inn in Westfield, Mass. Over the years, she collected and donated more than 1,000 stuffed animals to homeless residents. Sheis survived by her son and daughter in law, William Warriner and Ruth Wilmot of Brattleboro; a granddaughter, Rachael Warriner, of Philadelphia; also nephew Jon Ring (Anne) of Grafton, Wis. Memorial information: A memorial celebration of her life will take place Friday, March 9, at 1 p.m., in the Southwick Congregational Church, 488 College Highway, Southwick. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in New Cemetery, Southwick. Donations may be made to Bradley House, 65 Harris Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Rodney Jon “Rod” Wells, 63, of Rockingham. Died Feb. 21, 2018, in Port Charlotte, Fla., after a three-year battle with cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer. Born May 6, 1954, in Lebanon, N.H., to Edwin and Marjorie (Neil) Wells, he graduated from Hartford High School in 1972 and held a Master Electrician's License in both Vermont and New Hampshire. He worked in a variety of electrical construction and maintenance positions, most recently as an electrician for Vermont State Parks, which he retired from in 2015. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, geocaching and spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. He'll be remembered for his sense of humor and being the one that family and friends could always rely on to help. He is survived by the love of his life, best friend, and wife of 36 years, Beverly (Burnham) Wells, of Rockingham; his two children, Sadie Wells and her husband, Thomas LaCroix, of Canaan, N.H., and Edwin Wells and his wife, Kimberly, of Rockingham; four grandchildren; his father, Edwin Wells and wife, Elizabeth, of West Hartford, Vt.; four siblings Timothy Wells, of Westminster, Gary Wells and his wife, Colleen, of West Lebanon, N.H., Cheryl Gilbert and her husband, Steve, Lynda Hart and her husband, Randy, all of West Hartford, Vt.; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Marjorie (Neil) Wells, and a sister-in-law, Leslie (Kelton) Wells, who died on Feb. 9. Memorial information: A remembrance will be held in the spring. Donations to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South #510, Herriman, UT 84096, identifying it as in memory of Rodney Wells.