Milestones

Obituaries

• Carol P. Bryant, 92, of Putney. Died on Feb. 25, 2024. She was born June 19, 1931, to Arthur and Lillian (Russell) Poynton in New Rochelle, New York. She graduated from Mamaroneck High School and attended the University of Vermont, where she was a proud sorority member and met her future husband, Lawrence E. Bryant. They were married in Shelburne on Sept. 6, 1952, and made their home in Putney until his death in 2003, a year after their 50th anniversary. Together, they owned and operated both the Putney Nursery (formerly Aiken Nursery) for 32 years and Linden Gardens in Brattleboro from 1971 to 1989. They traveled extensively in the U.S., and wintered at Fort Myers Beach, Florida, starting in 1982. Travel also included trips to Mexico, Canada, and Ireland. Carol was always very active in the community. She was a member of the Homemakers' Club and the original Putney Pool planning and building committee (later ensuring her five grandchildren attended swimming lessons). She was on the board of Putney Community Center, board president of the Windham County Extension and, most recently, a member of the Fortnightly Club. She volunteered teaching square dancing and cross-country skiing to local school youth, and at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital coffee shop for 15 years. She was also a member of the Windham County and Senior Center clogging clubs. In Florida, she was a member of both the Socialites club and a clogger with the Kookie Band, as well as volunteering by reading the newspaper on the radio for vision-impaired. She was a member of the Putney Federated Church, Dummerston Congregational Church (participating in their annual Apple Pie Festival), and the Chapel by the Sea in Fort Myers Beach. Carol was well known for her deep love of all family and friends, letter writing, card sending, the color blue, joke telling, brownie making, and chocolate carrying. She possessed endless generosity, ceaseless optimism, and a strong will. She also spent her life supporting family and friends in all their adventures and aspirations which gave her enormous pride. She is survived by her brother Brian; daughters Susan and Patricia; daughters-in-law Andrea and Rosemary; and grandchildren Kathleen, Christopher (Alexandra), and Ashley. She was predeceased by her husband, sons Bruce and Robert, and grandsons Ian and Ryan. Memorial information: A graveside service was conducted March 3 in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Richard J. "Dick" Corey, 89, of Brattleboro, husband of Mary Ann Corey, died on Feb. 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Littleton, New Hampshire on Jan. 7, 1935, son of the late Alexander and Martha Corey. Dick was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. Growing up in Littleton as one of 11 children in his family, he worked to develop Corey's Mobile Home Park in Littleton, co-owned with his brother Raymond, and later with nephews John and Steve Simon. In 1965, Dick moved to Brattleboro, where he worked at Henry's Fruitland, a mid-sized grocery store originally owned by Henry & Louise John, then by Dick's brother, Joe, then later owned by his brother Raymond. He married Mary Ann John on May 14, 1966, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. They built their own house on Wantastiquet Drive in Brattleboro and moved there in 1969. He then built and ran Corey's Market on Canal Street in Brattleboro for nearly a decade. Dick and Mary Ann also sold Christmas trees from there every winter for several years. During their biggest season, they sold more than 1,000 trees. From 1974 to 1995, Dick worked for AmTote servicing the betting machines at Hinsdale Raceway. He retired from AmTote in 1995, yet they still called him back into service when they needed someone to travel to Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas to help with operations there. Dick was at Oaklawn for months at a time over a period of two years and still talked about these trips to this day. Dick was a handyman his whole life. His neighbors would regularly call him with "projects," which included cleaning their gutters, trimming bushes, repairing decks and fencing, painting entire houses…you name it, he could do it. Over the years, he gained the affectionate nicknames of "Superman" and "The Human Wrench" (for his incredible grip strength). In retirement, he enjoyed his daily morning drives to McDonald's for their "senior coffee" ("they give free refills, Dunkin' doesn't do that!"). His voice and spirit always perked up when his children would call to say "Hi." The conversations never lasted long, but these were truly cherished moments that will be missed. Those left to cherish his memories include his devoted wife of nearly 58 years and his three sons: John (Kimberly) Corey of Farmington, Connecticut, Brian Corey (and Erin Vilay) of Newark, Delaware, and Michael (Stephanie, and granddaughter Delaney) Corey of Marlton, New Jersey. He was predeceased by his parents and all 10 of his brothers and sisters. Memorial information: There will be calling hours at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., on Saturday, March 16, at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11:30 a.m. Donations to either St. Brigid's Kitchen and Pantry (47 Walnut St, Brattleboro VT 05301, stbrigidskitchenandpantry.org) or Bayada Hospice (1222 Putney Rd., Brattleboro VT 05301, bayada.com). To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• George S. Haynes, 80, died Feb. 27, 2024, surrounded by his wife Rose and his children, following a brief illness. Born in Brooklyn, New York on May 8, 1943, and raised in Bay Ridge, he forever carried fond memories of his childhood days growing up near Fort Hamilton and watching the ships sailing by the bay and soldiers marching in step. His family moved to North Bennington in December 1946, where they remained and where George and his brother Rick were raised. In 1961, he began what would become a lifelong banking career, working in the bookkeeping department at Vermont Bank and Trust Company (now TD Bank). He quickly rose through the ranks, and by the age of 21 was named assistant manager. In 1967, at age 24, he became a branch manager and assistant treasurer, becoming the youngest to achieve an officer's position in the bank's history. In 1977, George embarked on an endeavor that would define his style and compassion for the rest of his life, helping people financially by establishing an office of Consumer Credit Counseling, a nonprofit whose only concern was to help people manage debt without family or personal disaster. He initially served as Advisory Board Chairman and later was elected to serve on the board of directors. In 1985, he became president of the organization and remained in this position until 2008. In 1982, George was asked to cover the retail credit department in Brattleboro. While this was intended to be a short term assignment, he remained for 10 years, moving to Brattleboro and making it his forever home. During these 10 years, he rose through the ranks once again, eventually becoming Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Vermont Mortgage Group, and Senior Vice President of First Vermont Bank, both part of what is now TD Bank. In 1991, George was approached by the search committee of Brattleboro Savings & Loan and, on Jan. 27, 1992, he became its President and Chief Executive Officer, serving until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2007. Under his stewardship, BS&L experienced unprecedented growth and received numerous honors, including two Community Bank Awards (in 2006 in recognition of its Community Person of the Month program, and in 2007 in recognition of Project Feed the Thousands), and was the 2007 recipient of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility's Small Business of the Year. George was very proud of the programs that he instituted during his tenure at BS&L, including Community Appreciation Day, the Community People Award, the establishment of a living wage policy for all employees, the commitment to donate 10% of net profits to local organizations, and first and foremost the establishment of Project Feed the Thousands in 1994. A stalwart of the Brattleboro community, George served on numerous boards and donated his time to a number of community organizations and services. George's retirement was predicated by a trip to China in April 2007, sponsored by the UVM Asian Studies Outreach Program. George was invited to join educators and students to learn more about education in China, and to share his insights based on his commitment and experience with the bank branch at BUHS and Windham Regional Career Center. He suddenly gained new perspective and realized that there was a whole world out there waiting to be explored and he wanted to be a part of it. A lifelong baseball and sports fan, George played semi-pro ball as a teenager and then became the power-hitter for the BS&L softball team where he helped the team win two championships. One of the main joys of his life was traveling around the country and Canada visiting ball fields with his son George Jr. Although they did not make it to all 32 parks, they shared some special memories in the quest. He was, of course, thrilled to see his beloved Red Sox win the World Championship in 2004, and several more times thereafter. On March 9, 2010, in St Augustine, Florida, George married Rose (Robertson) Cavanagh, the love of his life and forever soulmate. Together, they traveled the world and shared many wonderful adventures. His 70th birthday was spent in Bora Bora in an overwater bungalow in the lagoon. In addition to their international travels, George and Rose were proud to say that they had visited every state, taking two extended cross-country road trips in 2012 and 2015. Rose was his companion and partner and they built a beautiful life together. They made a point to spend time with family, including with his daughter Tiffany Finck-Haynes in Washington, D.C., and his son George and family in Cambridge, New York. He embraced Rose's entire family, becoming a father to Rose's four children, and was a beloved Pop-Pop and Grampa George to his many grandchildren and step-grandchildren. George is survived by his wife Rose; his children Robin Haynes Gardner, George Spencer Haynes Jr. (Eileen), Tiffany Finck-Haynes (Jorge Aguilar), and Spencer Haynes; and Melissa Cavanagh, Stephanie Cavanagh, Jessica Doleszny (John), and Gregory Cavanagh (Starr Bruce), along with many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Rick Haynes (Sue); and by George Jr., and Robin's mother, Leona Center. A man that truly embraced his extended family, he is also survived by his mother-in-law, Irma Robertson, along with many, many members of both the Robertson and Cavanagh families. He was predeceased by his father Spencer Haynes and his treasured mother Roberta Stultz Haynes. George was confident, courageous, intelligent, generous, and funny. He had nicknames for everyone. He could be very firm in his opinions and he loved a good debate. Even until his death, he lived his life on his own terms. His family, his dear friends, and the entire Brattleboro Community mourn his loss but will cherish many fond memories forever. Memorial information: A celebration of George's life will be held at the VFW on Black Mountain Road in Brattleboro on Saturday, March 23, beginning at 2 p.m. His family invites everyone who knew and loved George to join them for light refreshments, fellowship, and the sharing of stories and memories. Donations to Project Feed the Thousands, a nonprofit whose sole goal is to provide food for local families. Along with Rose, George remained active in Project Feed from its inception in 1994 until 2024. He was very proud that, through his efforts and the efforts of the board and staff, they were able to serve (and continue to serve) thousands upon thousands of families. Checks can be mailed to Project Feed the Thousands, in care of 802 Credit Union, P.O. Box 8366, Brattleboro, VT 05304; or gofundme/f/project-feed-the-thousands-2023.

• Alexander W. Hiam, 66, of Putney. Died on Feb. 26, 2024. Born in Evanston, Illinois on August 1, 1957, Alex spent much of his childhood in Needham and Falmouth, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Edwin W. Hiam and Katharine C. Hiam. A brilliant student, Alex overcame dyslexia as a child and went on to graduate from Harvard College in 1980 with a bachelor's degree, and from the Haas School of Business, University of Calfornia at Berkeley, in 1986 with an MBA. He leaves behind his beloved spouse and soulmate, Deirdre Hiam. Alex taught business classes at Western New England University, American International College, and the Isenberg School of Business at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He wrote countless business books and training materials, often with a uniquely creative approach. More recently, he wrote, illustrated, and published a number of children's books and young adult fiction books. Inspired by nature, Alex was an artist in several media and also a collector and a teacher. He led art workshops and readily gave tours of his paintings, books and antiques for friends and children. He also loved music and enjoyed playing the piano, flute, dulcimer, harmonica, and ukulele with his family. From his father, Alex developed a love of birding and had a deep interest in ornithology throughout high school and college, organizing many trips and working with the Audubon Society. He was often seen birding on the side of the road with his binoculars or hiking in the woods with Einstein, the family pup. Alex loved sailing, skiing, racket sports, and renovating houses. He had boundless energy, a beloved sense of humor, and unflappable creativity and kindness. He served on boards, and supported local and philanthropic organizations. Alex viewed raising a family and becoming a grandfather as his proudest accomplishments. He was happiest sharing his many gifts with his family and being involved in his children's lives, taking on roles like coaching and substitute teaching. A deeply devoted parent and husband, Alex loved his children, Eliot, Paul, Noelle, Sadie, and Eisa beyond measure. Alex is survived by his wife Deirdre, his five children, and two grandchildren. He leaves behind his sons Eliot Hiam of New Rochelle, New York and his spouse, Jessica; Paul Hiam and his partner Mary Claire Abbot of Staatsburg, New York, and their son Paul Edwin; his daughter Noelle Hiam and her partner Nick Aives of Bolinas, California and their daughter Mona; and his youngest two, Sadie and Eisa Hiam of Putney. Alex also leaves behind two sisters, Claire Telford of California and Joan Hiam of New Rochelle, and a twin brother, Jerry Hiam of Putney, extended family, and many dear friends. Memorial information: A service was held March 2 at the Friends Meeting House in Putney. Donations to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (whoi.edu/give-now, select "Honor or Memorial Gift'"on the third page of the donation form and type in "Alex Hiam"). To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Gavin Rea Holloway, 16, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on Feb. 25, 2024, surrounded by his parents, family, and loved ones. To know Gavin was to know one of the gentlest and brightest souls. His kindness, curiosity, wit, creativity, and analytical mind delighted all who knew him. Born on April 15, 2007, he was lost far too soon, but he left an indelible impression on so many lives that he touched. Despite the magnitude of this unbearable loss, his family is deeply thankful for the outpouring of love and support they have received from the community during this time of immense grief. Many have reached out to share their experiences with and memories of Gavin: his warm friendship, his infectious laugh, his love of learning, his quirky sense of fun, his artistic and theatrical abilities, and his intellect. To his family, Gavin was a sweet, compassionate and thoughtful young man, often beyond his years. He was an avid learner and explorer from birth, and an astoundingly shrewd observer. At the age of 7, he was politely correcting the Montshire Museum staff for misidentifying a dinosaur in their diorama. He used the word "precocious" when it was precocious for him to do so. Gavin was a voracious reader of fantasy fiction, digesting books like The Hobbit and Watership Down - sometimes twice - before he was in middle school. Gavin read so many books that he would max out the local library and need to get library cards from neighboring towns so he could rotate. Even at age 5, he knew immediately if you took a wrong U-turn while driving. Virtually nothing got past him. He enjoyed camping and traveling with his parents to see family and friends in Massachusetts, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Georgia, the Maine coast, New York City, Niagara Falls and Canada. Gavin was also a trickster who loved playing practical jokes on his parents and friends, such as the time he made a plastic-wrap wall to ensnare his dad. Involved in his school and community, Gavin's talents and charisma were known both on stage and off. In his younger years, he brought characters to life in a number of productions for the Vermont Theatre Company and for school, playing roles in productions such as A Christmas Carol and Macbeth, and perhaps most memorably as "Donkey" in the Green Street School's production of Shrek The Musical. Gavin performed with the Brattleboro School of Dance where he dazzled audiences with his "popping" skills as a hip-hop dancer. Gavin was known for his creative and unique Halloween costumes, creations which he would dream up (and enlist his mom to put together): a fallen angel, a creepy baby with a massive head, Godzilla, and a Plague Doctor. Gavin was also a young visual artist: One of his paintings is still on display in the Green Street School. More recently, Gavin was interested in robotics, gaming, movies, and music. As a student at Brattleboro Union High School, Gavin especially enjoyed science and social studies. When he was a freshman, he was accepted to the Governor's Institute in Technology and Design, where he engineered an electronic alarm that threw water on your face if you didn't get up. Gavin was a notorious over-sleeper. Gavin loved gaming with friends. He was also becoming something of a music and movie critic: His favorite directors included Wes Anderson and Christopher Nolan. His last school project was to produce and star in an informative and entertaining short documentary about conspiracy theories. Gavin loved music: The Beatles, The Ramones, Brian Wilson, and hip hop artists like MF Doom, Kendrick Lamar, and the Beastie Boys. More recently, he had a hunger for discovering new music and genres from classic rock (King Crimson) to experimental (Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine). He loved making Top Ten lists, but they changed almost daily. Gavin loved food and cooking things like chicken tikka masala, pulled pork and chili, and lately baking yeast breads like French baguettes. He was also addicted to peanut butter and jelly. Gavin would have turned 17 next month. He is survived by his father, Bruce Holloway and his mother, Cassandra Holloway, both of Brattleboro. He also leaves behind an extended and loving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. To his family, Gavin will always be their most brilliant light. He left a void that will never be filled, and the thoughts of how he has enriched the lives of so many in his world will stay with them always. His essence, his spirit, his person - every part of him - is carried in all who knew him. Memorial information: For those wishing to celebrate Gavin's life with his family, a service will be held Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m., at the Walpole Unitarian Church, 14 Union St., Walpole, New Hampshire. They welcome anyone wishing to honor Gavin to join them. You may also watch the livestream at evt.live/gavin-holloway. Donations to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee, one of his favorite animal charities. Gavin's love of dinosaurs extended to their modern progeny, the birds of prey. For anyone wishing to leave a story about Gavin and receive updates, go to his CaringBridge page at caringbridge.org/visit/gavinholloway.

• Dennis Ladd, 71, of Bellows Falls. Died at his home on Feb. 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Dennis was born May 28, 1952, in Walpole, New Hampshire to Neal and Helen (Shabott) Ladd. He graduated from Fall Mountain Regional High School in 1970 and Keene State College in 1974. He spent most of his teaching career at Bellows Falls Middle School. Dennis is survived by his wife, Margery (Nostrand) Ladd, and sons Colin of Bellows Falls and Brendan (Tara) Ladd of Walpole; grandchildren Sabrina, Silas, and Zayne; a sister, Joyce (Ed) McAdams; nieces Lisa Mowry, Kristie (Kevin) George, and Michelle (Thomas) Clancy; and the Nostrand, Offsay, Kinson, Herlihy and Brooks families, including many nieces and nephews. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Nancy, and her husband, Doug Treat. So many people knew Dennis as their teacher, colleague, or mentor. A struggling student in his class didn't struggle for long with his special attention and help. From Room 200 at the Bellows Falls Middle School to bike rides ending at Lake Warren in Alstead or from an Academic trip to Disney World in Florida or a trip to Hannibal, Missouri to visit Mark Twain, he spread his special teaching and student mentoring skills across the map. As a colleague and mentor he was a risk taker. He created a new configuration of classroom teaching. A new curriculum he developed was one that included a before and after slide show of the 100-year-old houses of Bellows Falls, sending families on a Village search. It benefited all levels of students. In fact, they all called him Mr. Bellows Falls. Dennis served well for several years as a Bellows Falls Village Trustee. One of his most important issues was developing a rental housing code. He spent much of his tenure on that project. One of his most important civic endeavors was being a joint founder of the Our Town Civic Organization. This group of citizens began the renaissance of the Village of Bellows Falls that continues today. One of its greatest achievements was the restoration of the Clocktower after decades of silence. Dennis held a position on the Board of the Bellows Falls Historical Society and was a docent at the Adams Grist Mill Museum. He was also an active participant in the development of the Riverfront Park. For many years, he haunted the stage appearing in theatrical productions presented by the District Teachers. The money from these humorous shows went to student academic scholarships. He was the leader of the Union negotiating team through many contract sessions. The teachers felt very at ease with him at the top. Those who ever sat at his dinner table know what an excellent chef he was. Traditional and experimental were his skills but always very, very excellent! However, there was a future of "into the disposal" of any cake or dish with a small divot, a burnt edge or crumbled frosting! He enjoyed nights playing board games…he was hard to beat at trivia, but on occasion he was! Playing charades was beyond control and seeing him acting out Quasimodo, a favorite hunchback, left many people catching their breath. He was the dearest of friends and was always there if you needed him. His dearest friend, however, was the love of his life, his wife, Marge. Married for 44 years, yet knowing each other for 54. All the hours, days, weeks, months, years and decades they spent together were a time of close partnership in parenting, teaching, affection, and friendship but never, ever cooking. He shared his magical teaching skills with new teachers, his hand on the shoulder of a student in need, his vigor in seeing his Village return to its days of beauty and prosperity, his love for the history of this Village and his drive to preserve it his skills and quickness at the negotiation table to achieve an excellent result his infectious smile and humor for friends and strangers, his energy and heart with his sons and grandchildren, his lifetime and loving commitment to his wife. This community and those he touched will miss him very much. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on March 1 at St. Peter's Church in North Walpole, with burial at St. Charles Cemetery in Westminster.

• Geraldine Helen "Gerri" Lopez, 74, of Hinsdale, N.H., beloved wife of Frank Lopez, died peacefully on Feb. 26, 2024 with her loving family by her side, following a brief illness. Gerri was born in Stamford, Connecticut on Oct. 11, 1949, daughter of the late Vincent and Marjorie (Smith) O'Leary. After graduating from Central High School, she was employed as an administrative assistant for the Board of Education in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which she retired from after 29 years of faithful service. She often said how much she loved her job at the Board of Ed and was lucky she found a job she really enjoyed.On April 17, 1993 she married the love of her life, Frank Lopez. The couple married in Connecticut and later moved to Hinsdale in 1995. Gerri's love of her family encompassed all aspects of her life, from daily phone call chats to her daughters and sisters, to hosting holidays where her family would gather and celebrate together. She was loving, funny, and caring, often described as the life of the party and made everyone feel welcome. Gerri enjoyed playing golf, listening to music, trips to Foxwoods, and time spent volunteering and being a member of the Brattleboro Elks Lodge #1499. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband, Alaska and Hawaii were just a few of her favorite trips. They recently vacationed in Iceland just prior to her becoming ill, getting to see the Northern Lights which Gerri always dreamed of seeing one day. One of her greatest joys was watching her grandsons grow up, attending their sporting events as often as she could. Besides her faithful and devoted husband of 30 years, she leaves two daughters, Colleen DeNitto of Bridgeport and Angela Dawley (Tim) of Northford, Connecticut; sisters Kathy Masso, Patricia Liscio, Helen Anderson (Lee), and Maureen Quagon; brothers Patrick O'Leary (Jodi) and Steven O'Leary; and grandchildren Aidan, Jacob and Ryan. Additionally, Gerri is survived by many nieces, nephews, and a host of close friends. Memorial information: Friends are invited to call at Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Terrace Street on Tuesday, March 12, from 10 a.m. until noon. A celebration of her life will follow the calling hours at the Elks Home on Putney Road. Donations to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Timothy Jerald Wells, 72, of Westminster. Died Feb. 27, 2024 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He was born July 26, 1951, in Sherburne, a son of Edwin and Marjorie (Neil) Wells. Tim grew up in West Hartford, Vermont and graduated from Hartford High School before serving in the Navy from 1969 to 1973. While in the Navy he attended Texas A&I College. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Tim earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Castleton State College and his law degree from Vermont Law School. He practiced law at Wells Law Office in Hartford and, later, in Putney until retiring in 2023. Tim continued to honor his country by serving in the Army National Guard's Judge Advocate General's Corps for many years, including deployment to foreign countries, retiring from the Guard as a lieutenant colonel. He was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Leslie, in 2018, as well as his parents and brothers, Rodney and Gary Wells. Tim leaves his daughter, Joddy Wells Mitchell (Doug) of Hollis, New Hampshire; stepdaughter Sarah J. Ballou of Putney; grandchildren Emily Canty (Connor) of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Michael and Adam Mitchell, both of Hollis, and Georgia Ballou of Putney; sisters Cheryl Wells Gilbert and Lynda Wells Hart (Randy), all of West Hartford, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Memorial information: A private family committal with military honors will be held in the Houghtonville Cemetery in the spring. Contributions in his memory may be made to parkinsons.org. Condolences may be made to Tim's family in an online guestbook at knightfuneralhomes.com.

This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.