College news
• The following South Londonderry students have been selected for inclusion on the Dean's List for academic achievement during the fall 2019 semester at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.: Samuel Cowles, a member of the Class of 2022; Hanako Kusumi, a member of the Class of 2023; and Mikayla Lathrop, a member of the Class of 2021 who is majoring in environmental studies/mathematics.
Obituaries
• Bruce Everett Anderson, 77, of West Wardsboro. Died suddenly at his home on March 24, 2020, after a long, but resilient battle with prostate cancer. He was born in Worcester, Mass., on May 28, 1942, to Donald and Rae MacCulloch Anderson. His stories of 77 years of accomplishments and adventures could fill a book. Chapters included: parachuting out of planes in Vietnam, rescuing skiers as a ski patrolman, teaching golfers during his career at Mount Snow, as well as many hunting tales and lore about the fish that got away. Bruce's hobbies included archery, duck carving, building model ships and painting landscapes and, to his children's delight, video games. But above all, he was a loving father to his three children, although his wife insisted he was the fourth. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Bruce enlisted in the Army in 1964 and was an Airborne Military Police sergeant. He earned two Bronze Stars in Vietnam while serving with the 173rd Airborne Division. He was part of the first major ground unit deployment to Vietnam in 1965. Having completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts before enlisting, Bruce went on to complete his MBA at Clark University when he returned from Vietnam. He worked as an auditor for the U.S. Department of Defense in Boston, and then found his own slice of paradise in southern Vermont. Bruce was appointed as the first Police Chief of Dover in December 1971. After that, the majority of his career was spent pursuing his passion of golf and skiing as part of the Mount Snow team. Bruce could be found on the slopes as a ski patrolman in the winter, or teaching golf in the summer, where he was aptly known as “Longball.” Bruce and Andi first met at Mount Snow. One morning, he asked her to ride with him on the snowmobile to the top of the mountain to check the conditions and watch the sunrise. This date led to their marriage in 1981 and nearly 39 more years of adventures. Bruce was also a Selectboard member in Wardsboro for many years. He was a steadfast and caring family man, teaching through wisdom and showing his love by his actions. He was a man of deep thought and intellect. While the kids may not have enjoyed his “extra” after-school math lessons at the time, he fostered a spirit of inquisitiveness and creativity that has had a lasting impact on all. Bruce was a warm and generous soul to all. He enjoyed the nature, quiet, and solitude of Vermont. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Rae Anderson, and by his brother, Brian. He is survived by his wife Andi (Gassman), sons Cody and his wife, Kristin, of Boylston, Mass., Colton of Brattleboro, and daughter Cassidy of Lebanon, N.H. Memorial information: His life will be celebrated at a later time as Bruce would certainly wish everyone to remain happy and healthy, keep a strong resolve, and hold family close. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353, or the veterans organization, Ruck-Up Inc., 42 Upper Knight St., Keene, NH 03431 (ruck-up.org).
• Kevin Michael Behan, 67, of Newfane. Died at home on Jan 31, 2020 after a long illness. He spent his final hours at home with his wife, children, and granddaughter, over-looking the fields, gardens and barns that had filled his days. An author and renowned dog trainer, he was born on June 20, 1952 in Redding, Conn., the son of John and Elizabeth Behan. Kevin was a quiet and deeply observant child, a trait he carried through life and career. He was most at ease in the wilderness behind his father's kennel, Canine College, or at the family's camps in Franklin, Maine, and along Canada's Miramichi River. Through his high school years, Kevin would be the first to admit that he was a mediocre player for the John Barlow football team. He was, however, a stand-out protector of his three sisters and their friends, ensuring no harm befell them on his watch. He graduated St. Anselm College with a degree in history and forever remained a student. He filled his bookshelves with everything from philosophy to Tecumseh and Kissinger biographies. In the 1980s, Kevin founded the Natural Dog Training method, a revolutionary approach to understanding the evolution of man's best friend, focused on the true essence of their nature for obedience and police and rescue work. Kevin and his wife Agi settled in Ridgefield, Conn., where they started a family and built a practice, Canine Arts. Kevin would become the country's leading expert in rehabilitating aggressive dogs and write his first book, Natural Dog Training. Their family relocated to Newfane, VT in 1997, where Kevin could be closer to the wildness that informed his understanding of the natural order and his place within it. He continued his groundbreaking work, lectured across the country, and published Your Dog Is Your Mirror. In the community, Kevin was quickly identifiable in a wide-brimmed hat, leather vest and easy smile. He was a constant fixture at his kids' sports and music events throughout high school. He served as Town Constable for a time. On his homestead, he found profound joy in the daily work with his animals, tractors and the land. He was an avid reader, from physics to mystics, and was quick to let you know when the world's greatest minds got it right, or got it wrong. Kevin was a storyteller, prankster, behaviorist, inherent scientist, mentor, father, husband, and grandfather. He was above all private, modest, kind and humble. He would be overwhelmed at the emotional response from those who have shown a deep connection to his methods of canine education. Kevin's dog training legacy lives on through the hearts and practice of those who spent time with him, in person and through his writings. His family is deeply grateful for the generosity of all those who have provided support and shared their memories. Kevin is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Agi; his three children, Cara, Sean and Sondra; his granddaughter Delfina; and son-in-law Alex. He also leaves behind his sisters, Sheila, Eileen, and Sharon; and several beloved nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial service celebrating Kevin's life will be held at a future date at his farm in Newfane. For more information, email [email protected]. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Gerald “Gerry” Cohen, 85, of West Brattleboro. died unexpectedly on March 27, 2020 at the Jack Byrne Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Gerry was born in Bronx, N.Y., on May 3, 1934, the son of Irving and Betty (Fox) Cohen. He was raised and educated in the Bronx, where he attended public schools. He proudly served his country during the Korean War, enlisting in 1953. He was honorably discharged from active service in 1955 and then attended Hofstra University. Gerry worked most of his career as a licensed real estate broker employed by the Douglas Elliman Real Estate firm in New York. Following his retirement, he relocated to southern Vermont and worked for Mount Snow Realty before becoming principal broker at American Eagle Realtors in West Brattleboro. American Eagle Realtors was later sold to Century 21. For several years, on a part-time basis, he was a courtesy driver for both the former Austine School and the Brattleboro Retreat. Of his leisure time activities, Gerry enjoyed taking day trips on the back roads of New England and would invariably wind up at a good place to eat. He was always on the lookout for the next dining opportunity. Many of his excursions were expressly for this purpose and took him all around the world. He was first married to Carla Ellowis in New York City. He met Shirley McKenzie Anderson in 2006 and they were married on the Common in Brattleboro on April 1, 2010. Besides his loving and faithful wife, he leaves one son, Jeffrey Cohen of Seattle, Wash.; a daughter, Beth Cohen of Belchertown, Mass.; four grandchildren, several nieces and nephews including a special nephew, Marnan Cohen of Long Island, and his close personal friend, Dwight Zeager of Brattleboro. He was predeceased by his first wife, Carla; and two brothers, Warren and Edward Cohen. Memorial information: In keeping with Gerry's final wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or a charity of one's choice. To send massages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Mary Monette Garland, 87, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died March 24, 2020 at Buckley Nursing Home in Greenfield, Mass., where she was a resident for the past two years. Born Nov. 25, 1932 in Brattleboro, the daughter of Leo and Edith (Nolin) Monette, she grew up in Vernon and Brattleboro, and Hadley, Mass. She graduated from St. Michael's Catholic School in Brattleboro in 1950. She was a resident of Hinsdale for 59 years before moving to Greenfield, Mass., with her son, Christopher. She was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Hinsdale; and a longtime member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. In 1952, she married David S. Garland, who predeceased her in 2004. Together they had four children. She loved the days when all of her family would gather for the holidays and times full of laughter, games, and love. She loved reading books, baking her homemade whoopie pies and doughnuts, playing cards and games with her family, watching Jeopardy and Judge Judy, going on peaceful walks around Hinsdale, and taking long rides with her husband listening to the Red Sox and caring for him until his last days. She took pride in watching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren playing sports and in concerts. She took great joy in playing pranks on her family and trying to outsmart them all with her quick wit. Mary had a very strong faith and it showed in every aspect of her life, she treasured her time in church. She was always caring for others and doing her part to help her family and community. She welcomed all into her home with loving arms and support. She gave her unconditional love to all, had the kindest heart and was the best role model as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother anyone could ask for. She is survived by three sons, Christopher Garland (Chip Breuer) of Greenfield, Mass., Michael Garland of Fairview, N.C., Matthew Garland (Jody Garland) of Hinsdale, N.H.; a daughter, Melinda Buteau of Brattleboro; 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Memorial information: Services will be held at a later time. Donations to Buckley Health Care Center, 95 Laurel St., Greenfield, MA 01301, or Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W Swanzey Rd., Swanzey, NH 03446. Ker-Phaneuf Funeral Home of Brattleboro is in charge of arrangements.
• David N. “Dave” Goyette, 77, of Grafton. Died March 29, 2020, after a long battle against Lewy Body Dementia. Dave was born on March 12, 1943 in Burlington, the son of Clarence B. and Clara M. (Fisher) Goyette of Saxtons River. Dave graduated from Bellows Falls High School and then joined the Air Force Reserve. Dave worked several years at Vermont Research Corp. until they closed, and then worked at Markem until retiring in 2013. In 1965, Dave married his beloved wife, Annie (Lockerby) Goyette in Gulfport, Miss. The couple returned to Vermont and built their home in Grafton where, together, they raised their family. Dave loved the adventure of travel, but would say time with family was what made him complete. Dave liked doing things his own way, often reminding his loved ones that “we only get one life, live it without regrets.” His energy and zest for life were infectious and he will be greatly missed. Dave is survived by his children, Melaney (Paul) Stevens and Melisa Beaulieu; grandchildren, Jeremiah (Kate) Goyette, Clarrissa Stevens, Hannah Beaulieu, and Abigail Beaulieu; a great granddaughter, Eleanor Goyette; a brother Kenneth Goyette; sister-in-law Irene Rice; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: The family is having a private burial, with a celebration of David's life to be scheduled at a later date. Donations to The Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.
• Leslie F. Sherman, 91, of Dummerston. Died March 28, 2020 at his home. He was born in Brattleboro on March 21, 1929, the son of Floyd and Ethel (Robbins) Sherman. He was raised in West Brattleboro, attending Academy School, and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1947. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he served his country while stationed in Germany from 1950 to 1952 with the 7th Transportation Truck Company and the 7th Army Motor Pool. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home to East Dover and resumed work in the automotive field. Later, he worked at the Brattleboro Post Office and transferred to Jamaica as a rural carrier, retiring in 1990. Following retirement, he still maintained his interest and love for old classic cars and trucks. Mr. Sherman was a past member of the West Dummerston Fire Department and a life member of the Brattleboro Stamp Club, collecting U.S. and German stamps. He was also a longtime member and past president of the Brattleboro Camera Club. His interests included Vermont scenes and New England covered bridges. In his early years he was an avid skier, camera in hand. Additionally, he was on the Building Committee and had been a longtime member of the Community Bible Chapel. Mr. Sherman was a member of the Social Lodge, #38 in Wilmington, Vt., belonged to the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Brattleboro, and was a member of the Vermont Consistory in Burlington. In 1957, he married Arlene Graham and they enjoyed 62 years together. Besides his loving wife, he leaves: a daughter, Teri of Brattleboro; a son, Duane and his wife, Neina, of Manchester Center; two granddaughters, Jennifer (Francois) and Abby, both of Manchester Center; and two great-grandsons, Cameron and Dominic, both of Manchester Center. Additionally, he leaves two brothers, Calvin (Irene) and Sidney (Eva), both of Dover; and a sister, Sylvia, of Lynchburg, Va. Memorial information: At a later date, there will be a private burial for family members only. Per Leslie's wishes, the family asks that no flowers or donations be given. His request is that everyone pay it forward with a kind deed. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.