Obituaries
• David Michael "Dave" Austin, 72, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family, on Nov. 22, 2024, following a period of declining health. Dave was born in Brattleboro on March 24, 1952, the son of Richard "Tink" and Dorothy (Ratte) Austin. He was raised in Brattleboro, attending public schools, and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1970. Dave attended New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. For 20 years, he worked at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant site as an MP&C clerk prior to retiring in 2015. A gifted woodworker, he previously worked as a master carpenter for several area general contractors as well as being self-employed with his own business. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of the Brattleboro Country Club as well as the Brattleboro Outing Club. He was one of the local ski jumpers that competed both regionally and at Harris Hill. Dave started ski jumping at age 11 and went on to have a solid 24-year jumping career. Like his father, he won the Vermont high school state championship and finished third in the New England championships in 1969. He went on to compete in the Junior Nationals in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in 1970, and in 1972, was an alternate with the U.S. Ski Team. In 1984, Dave placed third in the Masters Championship in Lake Placid; and, in 1985, finished first in the New England Jumping Championship in Salisbury, Connecticut. Dave won many of the competitions at Bear Mountain and flew 165 feet in one contest. Fraternally, Dave was a member of the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499, and was a life member of both American Legion Post 5 and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034. In conjunction with his love of sports, he was a family man who cherished time spent with his family and many friends. On Jan. 1, 2001, in Guilford, at a small ceremony for immediate family and friends, he was married to Joan M. Richardson Jr., who survives. Besides his loving wife of 23 years, he leaves daughters Jessica Gilly (Chris) of Pennsylvania, Kristin Smith and fiancé PJ of Brattleboro, and Jennifer Ogden (Matthew) of Guilford; sisters Judi Schmidt of Colorado, Andrea Austin of Brattleboro, and Deborah Austin of Maine; grandchildren Allison Benedict (Taran), Ben Ogden, Jessika Ogden (Danny Vaine), John Therieau (Kenzie Pollins), and Emily and Cassidy Gilly; and great-grandchildren Lillian Benedict and DeLaney Vaine. Additionally, he is survived by his beloved in-laws, the Richardson family; special extended family, the Benedicts, and Wayne and Lynn Holden, all of Hinsdale; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A memorial gathering took place on Nov. 30 at the Elks Home in Brattleboro. Donations to Harris Hill Ski Jump, P.O. Box 8284, Brattleboro, VT 05304. To offer condolences to the family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Steven M. Brown Sr., 78, of Brattleboro. Died on Feb. 6, 2024, after a brief illness, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Steven was born in Lewiston, Maine, on Feb. 7, 1945, to the late Susan (Webber) and Gardner L. Brown. He grew up on the coast of Maine, sailing Lightnings with his father and brother, winning many races throughout the Northeast. Steven graduated from Lenox School for boys in 1964. For many years during the summer he worked for Blue Rock Industries, a construction company based in Maine. Steven had countless stories that he told and retold about driving a cement truck, to the love and amusement of his family. During the winters, he and his family skied at Mount Snow where he developed a love of alpine skiing. Steven regularly could be found at Mount Snow holding many jobs. During the winter of 1974, Steven met his wife Lynda while working at the Sitzmark. After meeting, Lynda joined him in Ellsworth, Maine, where Steven continued to spend his summers working for an engineering firm. However, they returned to the Deerfield Valley where they eventually settled down in Wilmington, purchasing their first home in 1977 on Castle Hill. Over the years he was on the ski patrol, tended bar, and worked as an ambassador. Of all the jobs Steven held at Mount Snow, his favorite was his work with the Alpine Racing Program as a coach. He coached dozens of young ski racers in their formative years, leading 15 passenger vans loaded with ski racers and their equipment to mountains all over southern Vermont. He was a talented carpenter and ran a successful business for over 30 years. Steven worked with many clients who became lifelong friends. During the week when Steven couldn't be found on a job site, he was likely at WW Building Supply in Wilmington, a place he visited at least daily (he was a master of buying just one short of whatever he needed to finish the job). He enjoyed his work as a house builder and never once complained about going to work. Known by many of his friends as Steve Sr. or Big Steve, he was involved in youth sports, coaching his son at a young age in little league and soccer. He went on to become a soccer official in Vermont. Steven was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lynda Brown; his son, Steven Jr. and his wife, Lauren; and his two grandchildren, Huxley and Eloise. Memorial information: The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Lynda Peltz Copeland, 98, died in Augusta, West Virginia, on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, surrounded by friends and family. An organist, harpsichordist, and music-lover extraordinaire, she known for her vivid personality, love of parties, and sometimes exacting temperament. Lynda was an exceptional musician who performed as harpsichordist with various Baroque ensembles throughout New England and taught scores of keyboard students during her decades at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. She was born on June 19, 1926, in Clinton, Illinois, and was raised by her maternal grandparents, Margaret and Herman Metz, and her aunt, Margaret Peltz, in that small town. Margaret Peltz and her husband Ralph, Lynda's adoptive parents, ran the Clinton Daily Journal and Public, the local newspaper. Lynda had fond memories of working at the Journal office, and liked to tell of being sent, as a very young woman, to cover a Thomas E. Dewey rally. She was unimpressed by Dewey - who, despite the famous headline, did not beat President Harry S Truman in 1948 - and she particularly remembered spying lifts in his shoes. She earned her undergraduate degree in organ performance at the University of Michigan, where she studied with Palmer Christian. She went on to earn a master's in organ performance at the famed New England Conservatory. Lynda and her husband of 71 years, Arthur Copeland (1926-2018), married in 1947. Lynda, as was typical at the time, put her career on hold to raise their three daughters. She continued, however, to work as a church organist and to concertize on both harpsichord and organ. Facing another muggy summer in 1959, she learned of the Marlboro Music Festival, and the Vermont chapter of her life, central to her family's happiness, began. Throughout this period, Lynda was also active in civil rights, equal housing, and literacy projects. She said the 1960s were the most exciting period of her life. Late in that decade, as her children aged out of the house and women were beginning to redefine their societal roles, she took on the much-loved teaching job at Phillips Exeter, where she worked until her retirement, after which she promptly took up percussion, performing in drum circles and orchestras with energy and joy. Lynda is survived by her daughters Julia (Bruce Bransby), Heidi (Tom) Schmitt, and Laurel (John Zeber); grandchildren Kamala, Katrina, Derek, Alyssa, Nikolaus, and Thea; three great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Memorial information: A celebration of Lynda's long and consequential life is planned for summer of 2025.
• Shirley Ann Cutler, 80, died in the care of Bayada Hospice and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on Oct. 30, 2024, surrounded by friends and family. She was born Aug. 25, 1944, to Leroy Winfred and Doris Madelin Cutler in Vernon. She had eight brothers and sisters who were such an important part of her world. Shirley graduated from Pioneer Valley Regional School with the Class of 1963, and while she had an aptitude for science and psychology, she made her career in the legal field. In the early years, she worked with the Vermont State Police and as a legal secretary for several local law firms. She would later graduate from Woodbury College in Vermont as a paralegal, going on to work with many area institutions including the Brattleboro Retreat, New Chapter, the Windham County State's Attorney office as a victim's advocate, and the office of Statewide Prosecution for the state of Florida. After retiring, Shirley volunteered and later worked for Experienced Goods thrift shop. In her life, she would also run her own legal support business, was a mediator, notary public, teacher at Community College of Vermont, and served on the diversion board. She loved to ride horses and volunteered at Miracles in Motion. Shirley was an avid baker (even though she swears she didn't like to eat sweet things) and dreamed of opening a little place called the Chocolate Forest. She was eager to travel, always trying to figure out how she could live out of her car and tour the country. She went skydiving at 75, and every blue sky thereafter would be noted as a perfect day for a dive. Shirley also lived with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis for 40 years. The progressive nature of the disease, and the continued threat of losing her independence made Shirley a determined walker. In a letter to a neighbor, she explained why she would refuse help, and continued to walk through exhaustion and pain. "I need to do as much as possible…even the simplest thing as carrying a glass to the kitchen sink or a bag of groceries into the house. It is an accomplishment for me to manage such tasks, hopefully without dropping the items before they get to where they are going. While I can, I will make every effort to do so." Whatever she did, Shirley did it with an indomitable spirit, sharp mind, and infectious laugh. She is survived by her brother Richard Cutler, son Eric Cutler, many cousins and nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and friends and neighbors, all whom she loved dearly. Memorial information: A celebration of life/dessert party will be held in Shirley's honor on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the River Gallery School of Art, 34 Main St., Brattleboro. Stop by and bring a recipe and/or dessert and memories of Shirley to share. Donations to the pet adoption service Next Stop Forever at nextstopforeverinc.com.
• Glenn Norman Filgate, 75, of Guilford. Died peacefully on Nov. 25, 2024, in the comfort of his home on Sweet Pond Road, following an extended illness. Glenn was born in Brattleboro on March 26, 1949, the son of Norman and Marvorine (Daniell) Filgate. He attended local public schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1967. Glenn was the Filgate family patriarch, scroll saw master of Vermont Fretwork, and caretaker of Sweet Pond State Park, a position he held for 44 years. He also served as digger of Floral Gates Nursery, was an accomplished furniture refurbisher, and green thumb extraordinaire. He was the husband of Mary T. Rinfret, who survives. Glenn leaves his mother, of West Brattleboro; three children, Colby H. Filgate and wife, Sarah, Silas W. Filgate, and Tyson R. Filgate; a sister, Allison F. Barrett and husband, Jim; a brother, Brian Filgate and companion, Darlene; and grandchildren Kali M. Filgate, Leah J. Filgate, and Avin Williams. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, his brother, Darrell Filgate, and his sister, Sandra Filgate. Memorial information: In keeping with Glenn's final wishes, there are no formal funeral services planned. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Clarence Sherman Hosley, 93, of Bellows Falls. Died on Nov. 24, 2024, at the Gill Odd Fellows Home of Vermont in Ludlow. He was born Nov. 23, 1931, in Bellows Falls to Curtis Hosley and Louise Wright Hosley. He attended school in Charlestown, New Hampshire and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 37 in Bellows Falls. Clarence was predeceased by his wife Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Vayo Hosley on Aug. 26, 2005. He was also predeceased by his parents and sister Flora and brother Charles. Clarence is survived by his brother Clifford as well as nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A graveside service was held on Dec. 2 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls.
• Sidney Arthur Johnson, 87, of Newfane, a beloved husband, partner and best friend to Marion Dowling, died peacefully on Oct. 24, 2024, following a period of declining health. He was surrounded by family and friends at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Sidney was born in Washington, D.C., on March 23, 1937, the son of Sidney and Evelyn (Solter) Johnson, and lived in Highland Park, Texas, until his teenage years. His mother and he moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and he graduated high school in that community. Sidney attended Goddard College in Plainfield, and graduated with a B.A. in arts and sciences. He was a brilliant man and held a passion for Goddard for the rest of his life. Sidney went on to Boston College where he received a master's degree and became a teacher and then principal for many years. In later years, he worked as a contractor and builder in New York City and Vermont. Sidney was an avid reader and writer and became a published author. He loved the theater, gardening, and the arts. Sidney devoted his last 20 years volunteering his time to serving people in need of guidance and support in their lives. In February 1960, Sidney married Marion (Reinemann) for the first time. The marriage ended after two years and each moved on in their individual lives. They were reunited in 1998, and spent the rest of their lives together until his death. In addition to his wife, Sidney is survived by his sons, Jed Johnson and Nathan Johnson; his grandsons Cameron Johnson and Chase Johnson; his sister, Denise Johnson; and his bonus daughter, Kerry Dowling. He is also survived by his poodle, Lady Day, who loved Sidney dearly and was always by his side. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Dos Johnson. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2025. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353, in thanks for the wonderful treatment and compassion given to Sidney in his final days there.
• Thomas H. "Tom" Manwell, 83, of Conway, Massachusetts. Died Oct. 18, 2024, due to complications from a long illness. Tom was born in Providence, Rhode Island, but spent much of his early life in Hudson, Ohio, where his father was the superintendent of the Cleveland Boys School and where Tom attended Western Reserve Academy. He graduated from Amherst College in 1963. His postgraduate education included an M.Sc. in physics from Cornell University, graduate work in linguistics at the University of California-San Diego and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He also earned a law degree from Western New England College. He moved full-time to Conway after having purchased land adjacent to his family's property in the early 1970s. During this period, Tom also served as the Conway Town Moderator. Tom was eclectic in his employment. His jobs included leading cultural tours in the former Soviet Union, selling wood stoves and computer software, and distributing maple syrup and honey products. He was a voracious reader, a multilingual traveler, sauna aficionado, and train buff. He leaves a wide variety of friends, many of whom would attend an annual end of summer gathering at his home. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Eleanor Manwell of Conway, and is survived by his close friend and companion Terry A. Carter of Brattleboro, younger brother James (wife Joanne), and nephew Nathaniel. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to organizations concerned with population growth.
• Michael John Shield, 67, of New Iberia, Louisiana, formerly of Brattleboro. Died on Nov. 13, 2024. Michael was born on Dec. 9, 1956, in Burlington, to the late John and Glendyce Johnson Shield. He proudly served his country in the Air Force. Michael worked as an oilfield consultant for several companies, including Baker Oil Tools, DSA Drilling, and EP Energy. He loved the outdoors, traveling all over with his wife, Mary. They would attend rodeos, NASCAR races, and country music festivals throughout the United States. He enjoyed camping, riding horses, motorcycles, four-wheelers and, especially, his golf cart with his beloved dog, Levi. Mike also found great pleasure and peace by spending time at the beach. Survivors include his wife, Mary Vercher Shield, of New Iberia; children Morgan Kenner (Andy) of Seattle, Washington, Taylor Shield of San Diego, California, and Derek Landry of Lake Charles, Louisiana; sister Nancy Guillmette (Freddy) of Naples, Floria; his cousin, who was like a sister, Lori "Bean" Nelson of Brattleboro; and four grandchildren. Memorial information: A memorial service was held in New Iberia on Nov. 16. Interment will be at a later date.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.