College news
• Sydney Henry of Brattleboro, Ava Cutler of Brattleboro, Christina Czechel of Londonderry, and Abigail Towle of Newfane were all named to the Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester at Stonehill College in Easton, Massaschusetts.
• Jaden Conkling of Brattleboro was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester at Nazareth University in Rochester, New York.
Obituaries
• Norton "Norty" Garber, 86, of Westminster West. Died at home of pancreatic cancer on Jan. 13, 2024. Born in 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio, Norty graduated from Harvard College, and, after earning his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine, went on to do post-graduate work at the Yale Department of Psychiatry and the Yale Child Study Center. He trained as well at the Western New England Psychoanalytic Institute. Music was integral to Norty's life. He was a gifted, classically trained violinist. In the early 1960s, he became intrigued, inspired and, ultimately, profoundly influenced by the work of the avant-garde musician John Cage. As the era progressed, he embraced experimental music in all its aspects, including amplification and the use of electronic devices, and devoted himself to making music that was original, unorthodox, interdisciplinary, and freely improvisational. In 1964, Norton Garber married Barbara Rosen, a visual artist studying at the New York Studio School. Their marriage signaled the beginning of a long creative collaboration. They settled first in New Haven, where their daughter, Rachel, was born. When Norty finished his formal training, the Garbers decided to leave New Haven and move to southern Vermont. Norty then proceeded to set up a clinical practice and soon, in Brattleboro, working under the aegis of the Winston-Prouty Center, he started the Children and Parents Project, a therapeutic pre-school-through-first-grade program designed to identify and help special needs children from low-income families before they were mainstreamed into local schools. He also became a consultant at Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where, for 10 years, he evaluated the neurodevelopment of children and assessed the effectiveness of treatments. He served, too, over the next 25 years, as a psychiatric consultant for the Putney and Greenwood schools. Two years after coming to Vermont, the Garbers bought and renovated an old barn in Westminster West. The multi-level structure was spacious enough to accommodate a painting studio and a music studio, replete with an eclectic assortment of instruments and electronic equipment. Working separately and together, the couple catalyzed each other's work, collaborating on a series of multimedia installations for galleries in Vermont, New York, and Boston. When Norty retired in 2006 from clinical work with children, he dedicated his time to music, playing regularly with a rotating group of local musicians. These improvisational collaborations, which he called "grown-ups at play," remained at the heart of his artistic work as it evolved and he branched out from playing free-form music to working with pure sound and video. The Garbers shared an insatiable appetite for art in all its forms, and went frequently to New York, where they would spend a few days going to museums, galleries, and concerts. Norty's last video installations, Ways to Strength and Beauty, The Person You are Trying to Reach, and The Closet, elicited this comment by the digital artist Michel Moyse: "Norton combines contemporary techniques of media installations and performance through sensibilities that engage-as all good work does-the heart and mind in delightful, mysterious and profound ways." Norty is survived by his wife, Barbara; their daughter, Rachel; Rachel's husband, Leo Burd; and their two sons, Noah and Gabriel. He will be missed by a wide array of loving relatives and close family friends. Memorial information: Donations in Norty's name can be made to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Robert W. "Bob" Perkins, 91, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Dec. 29, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, following a brief illness. Mr. Perkins was born in Chester, Vermont on June 14, 1932, the son of Carroll Alton and Mildred Elizabeth (Duby) Perkins. He was raised and educated in Bellows Falls, graduating from Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1948. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant on July 17, 1952. Bob worked as a printer at The Book Press in Brattleboro, retiring in 1997 following many years of faithful service with the company. Active civically, he was co-founder of Boy Scout Troop 496 in Hinsdale, where he also served as troop leader. Bob was active with the Boy Scouts for well over 60 years and thoroughly enjoyed working with the youth in Hinsdale. Bob was a life member of both American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro and Hinsdale VFW Post 4234, and was a 32nd Degree Mason, Brattleboro Lodge #102, F&AM. Of his hobbies and interests, he built and flew radio-controlled airplanes, enjoyed square dancing with his wife, both of whom were active members of the Green Mountain Squares Club, enjoyed the outdoors, and cherished time spent with his family. On April 4, 1953, at First Baptist Church in Bellows Falls, he married Wilma Dudley, who predeceased him. Survivors include a son, Donald Perkins of Erving, Massachusetts; a daughter, Donna Serviss of Vernon; a sister, Jeanne Ann Bedi of Springfield, Vermont; and eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two daughters, Diane Dempsey and Debbie Andrews; a sister, Pauline Chartier; and three brothers, Carroll, James, and Hugh Perkins. Memorial information: A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, February 3rd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at VFW Post 1034 in Brattleboro. A short memorial service in his honor will be conducted by Boy Scout Troop 496, starting at 11:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale. Donations to the Boy Scouts, Hinsdale Troop 496, in care of Hinsdale Lions Club, Robert Perkins Memorial, P.O. Box 32, Hinsdale, NH 03451. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Dwight Alan Slayton Jr., 32, of Brattleboro. Died on Jan. 9, 2024. He was a loving son and father. Dwight is survived by his father, Dwight Slayton Sr., and wife Connie; sisters Christina and Jennifer; and his children, Jakobe, Cadence, Cameron, and Callie, who were his world. He was predeceased by his mother, Debbie Slayton (Cram), and his daughter Aubree. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held on Jan. 21 at the American Legion in Brandon, Vermont.
• Russell J. Smith, 66, of Jamaica. Died on Dec. 15, 2023 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, following a brief illness. He was born on Sept. 7, 1957 in Townshend, the son of Raymond and Irene Smith. He was a graduate of Leland & Gray Union High School, and served in the Vermont National Guard. Russell was an avid hunter, trapper, and fisherman. He loved overnight camping trips on Mount Tabor and Stratton Mountain, and enjoyed spending time boating, shrimping, and fishing in North Carolina with his Aunt Ginny and Uncle Knot. Russell was a true homesteader, building his log cabin from trees he harvested from his property. He was also a talented houndsman, training his dogs to tree bears. Russell was predeceased by his parents and siblings Ramona Coleman, Rhonda Brown, and Norman and Romaine Smith. He is survived by brothers Pete (Pat) Smith and Raymond (Debbie) Smith, all of South Londonderry, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m., at Jamaica Community Church. All are welcome to share memories; light snacks and beverages will be served. Donations to Grace Cottege Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Jane P. Stevens, 93, of Londonderry. Died Dec. 30, 2023 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Jane was born in Jamaica on April 5, 1930, the daughter of the late Clifton J. and Beulah (Duperault) Stone. She was a homemaker who enjoyed bowling, jigsaw puzzles, Bingo, listening to honky-tonk music, and was an avid Boston Red Sox Fan. She is survived by her brother, James C. Stone; daughters Joyce (Foster) Dority and Alice Kelleher; son Michael Stevens; stepdaughters Lydia Hart, Susan Marcotte, Elizabeth Cole, and Carol Briggs; grandchildren Scott Foster, Kevin Kelleher II, Jonathan Kelleher, and McKenzie Stevens; and many step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond W. Stevens; her son, John H. Stevens; sisters Doris Merrow and Jeanette Waite; grandson Glenn Foster, great-grandchildren Logan Foster and Alyson Foster; and her companion of 36 years, Kenneth V. Tifft. Memorial information: Interment will take place in the spring at Danby-Scottsville Cemetery in Danby, Vermont. Donations to the Londonderry Rescue Squad in care of Brewster-Shea Funeral Services, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255. To send condolences, visit sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Jeremy E. "Miah" Thomas, 49, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died unexpectedly at his home on Jan. 12, 2024. Jeremy was born in Brattleboro on July 19, 1974, the son of the late Eugene Paul and Virginia (McCauley) Thomas. He attended Hinsdale public schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1992. At the time of his death, Jeremy was a receiving clerk for Against the Grain Gourmet in Brattleboro. Previously, he had worked at United Natural Foods, Inc. in Chesterfield, New Hampshire for 16 years. Jeremy was a former communicant at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hinsdale, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed spectator sports and was an avid Miami Dolphins fan. He also followed the Boston Red Sox. Most importantly, Jeremy was a faithful and devoted husband and loving father and grandfather whose life centered around his family. On Sept. 18, 2010, in Hinsdale, at the Gazebo, during a wedding ceremony for family and close friends, he married Jennifer Snow, who survives. Besides his wife, he leaves his three children, Matthew C.E. Thomas of Enfield, New Hampshire, Michelle Little (Jesse) of Brattleboro ,and Rebecca Thomas of Weare, New Hampshire; grandchildren Hayden and Autumn; and siblings Jeffrey Thomas (Beverly) of Brookline, Jon Thomas (Patricia) of Apache Junction, Arizona, June Forrett (Martin) of Dummerston, and Jaclyn Flagg (Robert) of Hinsdale. Additionally, he is survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: Graveside services will be held in the springtime in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Hinsdale when the cemetery reopens. Donations to the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department, 13 Depot St., Hinsdale, NH 03451. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Tracie (Goodrich) Tiller, 60, died on Jan. 7, 2024. Born in Hartford, Connecticut on March 19, 1963, she grew up in Jamaica, Vermont. She was predeceased by her father Harvey Goodrich and mother Marie (Nadeau) Goodrich, as well as several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband, Willam Tiller; siblings April Goodrich, Tammie Goodrich, Robin (Goodrich) Dawson, and Kirk Goodrich; stepsons Billy and TJ Tiller, her son Colby Goodrich and daughter Lauren Tiller; as well as several grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Before having children of her own, Tracie did a fair amount of babysitting/nanny work for a family in Long Island, as well as some restaurant work. Later, she volunteered at Parks Place in Bellows Falls, was a part of AmeriCorps/VISTA, and worked for Our Place Drop In Center. She later went on to be self-employed, where she had multiple clients she cleaned for, but primarily worked with a lovely woman where she assisted with cooking, cleaning, gardening, and running errands. She enjoyed being creative and enjoyed hobbies such as sewing, quilting, painting, and woodworking. Tracie was a free spirit and will be missed deeply by everyone she was close with. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held when the weather gets warmer so it can be held outdoors.
• Avis L. Warren, 91, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Jan. 13, 2024, with her two daughters by her side, at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, where she had been a resident since July. Avis was born in Springfield, Vermont on July 18, 1932, the daughter of Frank and Margaret (Hunter) Wilson. She was raised in Bellows Falls, where she attended public schools. She had been employed as a store clerk at Walmart in Hinsdale for several years and, previously, worked at the former SuperPlace grocery store on Putney Road in Brattleboro. She enjoyed knitting, reading, watching her favorite television shows, and was a lover of dogs. She was the owner of three precious dogs; two poodles and a collie. For many years, Avis went to Village Pizza on Putney Road, eating there so often that the staff became like a second family to her and called her "Mama." Avis was first married to Donald Walsh and, later, married Harry Warren, who predeceased her in 2007. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Austin (Mitchell) of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, and Donice Bissonnette (Kevin) of Brattleboro; and three grandchildren, Kyle Hickey, Brian Austin, and Kelly Asensio. Additionally, she leaves several nieces and nephews. Avis was predeceased by two brothers, Donald and Francis Wilson. Memorial information: In keeping with Avis's final wishes, there are no formal funeral services. She will be laid to rest later in the springtime in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Richard Dennis "Dick" White, 80, of Spofford, New Hampshire. Died peacefully, with his loving wife Beth by his side, on Jan. 4, 2024 at Applewood Rehabilitation Center in Keene, New Hampshire. Dick was born on May 10, 1943 in Flushing, New York to George Stanley and Louise (Fitchett) White, five minutes before his twin sister, Margaret. He attended elementary school in Jacksonville, Vermont, high school at Hampton Dubose Academy in Florida, and Wheaton College in Chicago. He later received an M.Ed. from Keene State College. While he was at Wheaton, he was a member of Army ROTC and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He served at Fort McClellan in Alabama and Fort Jackson in South Carolina as the Post Chemical Officer. After he received his honorable discharge, he returned to Brattleboro and taught science from 1967 to 2005 at Brattleboro Area Middle School. Dick was a man with many varied interests. He was an avid reader and collected signed copies of Archer Mayor's books. He was a meticulous woodworker and made many fine pieces of furniture, as well as a fairy house for his grand-niece and a battery-powered Bugatti replica race car for his step-grandsons. His many collections included antique tin toys and candy dishes, ships in bottles, and various whimsies and miniatures that he artfully displayed in his den. Dick loved to travel, and was fortunate to go to Suriname with EarthWatch while at BAMS, where he ate monkey for the first and last time. He visited England, St. Barts, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Italy; cruised to Bermuda and the Caribbean, and took a river cruise from Zurich to Paris. Cape Cod and Maine were his favorite stateside destinations. Dick was predeceased by a stepdaughter, Jenna Mauthe (Ron). He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Beth; twin sister Margaret Wocell Kingsley, niece Lynne Erhardt (Scott), nephew Chris Wocell (Connie), grand-nephew Spencer Erhardt, grand-nieces Madison Erhardt and Kathyrn Wocell, stepson Brad De Boer, and step-grandsons Callum and Tyler De Boer and Ethan and Joshua Mauthe. Memorial information: In keeping with Dick's wishes, there will be no services. Donations to the Alzheimers Association, MA/NH Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or Hospice at HCS, 312 Marlboro St., Keene, NH 03431.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.