Obituaries
• Richard Aaron “Rich” Aldrich, 49, of Brattleboro. Died suddenly and unexpectedly from natural causes at home on July 31, 2021. Rich was born on Feb. 27, 1972 in Brattleboro, the son of Mary Lunge “Cook” and Robert Aldrich. Rich, although born in Brattleboro, grew up and lived most of his teenage life in Hinsdale, N.H. Rich attended Bellows Falls High School for a time before deciding to get his GED. He was also thoroughly trained in auto mechanics. Rich worked several different jobs in the area before his disability became too great. He then turned his attention and energy towards creating a safe and habitable place to raise his children; a home for those he loved. Tinkering around in a garage, finding new toys to fix up, snowmobiling and cranking up the volume to any and all classic rock songs were just a few ways Rich spent most of his time. There's a joke within his household about a “revolving door” because of how often a multitude of Rich's friends came over throughout the day. If there wasn't a pot of coffee already brewing when he woke up, there would be one by the time everyone started coming, but he'd have downed 2-3 cups by then. He enjoyed online gaming with his son and buds, smoking marijuana, and being surrounded by those he cared for. In 1999, Rich began a relationship with the woman who became his wife, Heather Jean Leclaire-Aldrich. Within three years, they had three out of their four children: Makayla Mae Aldrich, Evelyn “Ashley” Aldrich, and Jared James Normand Aldrich. In 2010, Rich and Heather added one final child to their family; Abbigail Marie Aldrich. After 13 years together, Rich and Heather got married, surrounded by all of their loved ones, in 2012. They spent 22 years loving each other and bettering one another. Rich was a devoted and loving father, husband, son, son-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend. In addition to his loving wife and his four children, he is survived by his mother, Mary Lunge of Brattleboro, and several nieces and nephews as well as cousins and friends who were more like the siblings he never had, all of whom miss him beyond words can describe. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. To share a memory or send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Dennis Roy Brooks, 86, the former “Newfane Poet” and guitarist, died peacefully in his home in Taos, N.M, on July 24, 2021. Dennis was born on June 20, 1935 in Brattleboro, the son of Roy I. and Margaret Higgins Brooks. He was raised in several Vermont towns, as well as Fort Benning, Ga., and Japan. Dennis graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend in 1953, and attended Lyndon State College. Dennis was a free spirit in his younger years, often traveling by Yugoslavian freighter to Spain to winter on the island of Formentera to practice classical guitar. He hitchhiked or rode his bike across country with his guitar on his back. Dennis often dropped in, unannounced, for dinner at his parent's house in Newfane, as he traveled about. He was well-known for his home brewing ability. Dennis first moved to Taos in 1959. In 1965, he married Lee Brigit Harley, and they moved to Taos, where their daughter Tequila Jane was born. While in New Mexico, Dennis worked for the state forestry department as a carpenter, stonemason, and a surveyor's assistant. Dennis is survived by his daughter and son-law, Tequila Jane Brooks and Eugene Brown of Alexandria, Va.; sisters Nancy Brooks of Brattleboro and Margaret Shine Bills of Townshend; sister-in-law Patricia Brooks of Brattleboro; nephews Thaddeus Brooks of Pittsfield, Mass., Stephen Brooks of Ripton , Vt., Nick Shine of Townshend, and Travis Shine of Newfane; nieces, Kelly Darwell of Bennington, Tracy Kerylow of Brattleboro, and Vickilee Rorabaugh of Wichita Falls, Texas; and ex-wife Lee Harley of Los Lunas, N.M. He is predeceased by his parents and his brothers Stephen, Bruce, Mortimer, and Michael. Memorial information: Dennis, like most of his family, was always an avid reader and lover of books, so donations in his memory may be made to Moore Free Library, P.O. Box 208, Newfane, VT 05345.
• Rupert A. “Goody” Goodenough, Jr., 85, of Brattleboro. Died July 30, 2021, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Rupert was born at home in Brattleboro on Sept. 2, 1935, the son of Rupert and Natalie (LaValley) Goodenough. He was raised in Brattleboro, attending public school until the eighth-grade. At age 16, he left school and went to work full-time. He served in the Vermont National Guard during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Rupert worked most of his career as an oil burner technician and, for several years, owned and operated his own heating & electrical contracting business, Goody's Heating, based in Hinsdale, N.H. He later was employed by Barrows & Fisher in Brattleboro, from which he retired in 2006 following many years of dedicated service with the company. During his earlier years, he worked as a truck driver for Cersosimo Lumber in Vernon. He enjoyed his trucks and Jeeps, collecting firearms, listening to country music, and spending time with his family. In 1957, he married Lee Ann Weatherhead, who predeceased him in 2009. Survivors include a son, Craig Goodenough and his wife, Deborah, of Guilford; a daughter, Sharon Roberge and her husband, George, of Brattleboro; two sisters, Linda Boudreau and Judith Ebbighausen, both of Guilford; his special companion, Betty Putnam of Brattleboro; and three grandchildren, Jacqueline LaFlam and her husband, Nicholas, of Guilford, Rachel O'Connell and husband, Charles, also of Guilford, and Gerard Roberge of Boston. Additionally, he leaves four great-grandchildren, Cooper LaFlam, Cody LaFlam, Chloe O'Connell and Charles O'Connell, Jr., and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Malcolm Goodenough; sisters Dorothy Weaver and Vivian LaValley; and a step-brother, Burton Tucker. Memorial information: Private graveside services for the immediate family were conducted in Locust Ridge Cemetery, where he was laid to rest next to his beloved wife. Donations to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Yvonne Elaine Kilhart, 96, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died peacefully Aug. 1, 2021 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, N.H., where she had been a resident for the past 18 years. Ms. Kilhart was born in Hinsdale on June 12, 1925, the daughter of Ernest and Aurore (Bergeron) Kilhart. She was raised and educated in Hinsdale, graduating from Hinsdale High School. A devout Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Hinsdale and was also a member of the Catholic Daughters. Yvonne enjoyed shopping, gardening, socializing with her friends, and had a love for animals; she especially adored her cats. She was a kind and gentle soul who was much loved by anyone that met her. Survivors include a niece, Anne Davenport of Hinsdale and her husband, Dick; nephews Matthew and Peter Edson, both of Hinsdale; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Irene Edson. Memorial information: Graveside committal rites and burial were held Aug. 7 in the family lot in St. Joseph's Parish Cemetery in Hinsdale. Donation to Maplewood Nursing Home Activities Fund, 201 River Rd., Westmoreland, NH 03467. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Claudia Renee Knutson, 75, of Brattleboro. Died July 21, 2021 after a long and well-battled struggle with COPD. Claudia was born Aug. 27, 1945, to Herman and Virginia [Westberg] Knutson in Warren, Minn. Her early arrival was a surprise, but not as much of a surprise as what happened 23 minutes later with the arrival of her twin sister, Clarice. Claudia received her RN degree with a specialty in psychiatric nursing at St. Mary's in St. Paul, Minn., and later an associate's degree in accounting from Community College of Vermont. She was a dedicated employee to all the places she worked. She moved to Vermont in 1974. Family and friends attest to Claudia's sewing skills, being the benefactors of her beautiful handmade quilts, wall hangings, tiny teddy bears, and the custom blankets and other items for the players and fans of the Monadnock Marauders football team. She was proudly boisterous while watching football games, in person or televised, sometimes causing family members to discreetly change seats by distancing themselves from her, even avoiding the living room during New England Patriots games. Claudia was an avid and committed supporter of Brattleboro sports, especially BUHS football or any sport involving her son,Teddy. She never missed any of his games, home or away. Claudia was unconditionally devoted to her family; son Teddy, his partner Aly, grandchildren Alayna and Lukas; sister Clarice and son Daniel and his daughter Natalie; sister Jeanette White, husband Bill, their children Laurie and Joshua, and many extended family. Claudia's definition of family also included Teddy's friends, who were always welcome at her home whether he was there or not. She was especially proud to provide care for Alayna and Lukas in her home and watch them grow. Claudia's loving care extended to her father, mother, aunt, and uncle as they grew frail. Memorial information: Per Claudia's wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. A celebration of her life is planned for Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021 at the Vernon Rec. Pavilion, from 1 to 4 pm. Donations to the BUHS Booster Club, P.O. Box 6383, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Doris June (Fletcher) Magoon, 92, of Marshall, Minn., formerly of the Vermont/New Hampshire area. Died July 13, 2021 at Avera Granite Falls Health Center in Granite Falls, Minn. Born on Sept. 9, 1928, in Dummerston, she was the daughter of Charles Edward and Beatrice Irabelle (Pratt) Fletcher. Doris attended Brattleboro area schools, and in her youth, Doris's favorite hobbies were dressing up and dancing. While she liked all kinds of dancing styles, her favorites were the Jitterbug and the Twist. Doris ended up winning a trophy at one of these dancing competitions. At one of these dances, Doris met Bernard Harry Magoon, and, in October 1949, Doris and Bernard were united in marriage. They had four children together: Dennis, Randy, Tami, and Shawn. The family then settled down in Connecticut. Family was the most important part of Doris's life. As stubborn as she was, Doris's caretaking tendencies became apparent when it came to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She often enjoyed sharing her love by baking cookies and cakes and trying out different ethnic recipes. One of Tami's favorite dishes Doris made was stuffed cabbage. Her other enjoyments in life included knitting and animals. While Doris spent most of her life on the East Coast, in 2018, her daughter brought her to Marshall to live with her. While the change was hard on both Doris and Tami, they thrived together and created a lot of lasting memories. Doris is survived by her three children, Randy (Cindi) Sides-Magoon of Old Lyme, Conn., Tami Doucette of Marshall, and Shawn Magoon of Leyden, Mass.; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; her beloved four-legged companion, Dogge; and many nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Beatrice Fletcher; husband, Bernard Magoon; son, Dennis Magoon; 3 sisters; and 1 brother. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Aug. 8 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls. A guest book and tribute wall are at www.hamiltonfh.com.
• Irene Eva (Bartlett) Sherman, 88, of East Dover. Died Aug. 2, 2021 at home, surrounded by her family, following a hard-fought battle with cancer. Irene was born May 4, 1933 in Wilmington to Halbert and Gertrude Bartlett of West Dover, the second of eight children. She married Calvin L. Sherman in 1950. She was a lifelong member of East Dover Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and was active in the Ladies Aid. Irene was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed trips to the ocean and camping with her husband. She always loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irene was predeceased by her eldest son, Calvin Timothy Sherman and siblings Howard Bartlett, and Sandra Johnson. She is survived by Calvin, her husband of 71 years, and her siblings Carrie Wheeler, Julia Fox, Reginald Bartlett, James Bartlett, and Terry Brissette, as well as her remaining four children, David Sherman (Linda) of East Dover, Pamela Syms of Concord, N.H., Judith Barlow (William) of Dummerston, and Andrew Sherman (Lisa) of East Dover. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Noah Sherman, Seth Sherman, Caleb Sherman, Jeffery Syms, Eric Syms, Angela Syms, Trevor Sherman, Josiah Sherman, Kirstie Williams, and Logan Sherman, and 13 great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A small family graveside celebration of Irene's life will be held at a future date. Donations to East Dover Baptist Church.
Services
• A celebration of life for David William Edson, who died on May 17, 2020, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 1 p.m., at the Brattleboro VFW on Black Mountain Road. Pastor Duffy Johnson will lead a service, followed by time for family and friends to remember David and the life he shared with those he loved.
• Graveside services for Frederick W. “Fred” Kendall Jr. will be conducted Saturday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m., in West Brattleboro Cemetery on Mather Road. Mr. Kendall, 66, a former resident of Brattleboro, died April 13, 2021 in Southaven, Miss. To view his full obituary, visit www.atamaniuk.com.