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Walter “Dick” Melcher
Walter "Dick" Melcher, 88, of Littleton, New Hampshire, died on Thursday, July 1, 2010, after a brief illness.
He was born May 27, 1922, in Island Pond, a son of Violet (Leather) and stepfather George Bishop.
Mr. Melcher enlisted in the Navy in 1942. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He served two tours of duty, one on the USS Hobson, another on the USS Oriskany as a first class petty officer, marine boiler maintainer. During his tours of duty, he worked for the Canadian National Railroad as an engine dispatcher.
For several years after the Navy, he drove trucks out of Massachusetts before moving back to Island Pond where he owned and operated the Chevron filling station. When the station sold, he drove truck for Caledonia Sand and Gravel and later became one of the first employees of McLure's Honey and Maple Products in Littleton, where he worked until his retirement.
He is survived by his granddaughter Kimberly (Ash) King and her husband, Chris; their two daughters Brianna Ash and Macayla King of Bethlehem, New Hampshire; by Kim's mother, Judy Ash, of Littleton; his Lakeside camping buddies Bruce and Nancy, David, Maynard, Pam, and Maurice of Colchester and Island Pond; and by his son Ric Melcher and family of Maine.
"Grampie" will be remembered for his sense of humor, his loving smile, and his ability to fix or rig anything!
A service of full military honors, provided by the Brighton American Legion Post #80, was held on July 10 at the Catholic cemetery in Island Pond.
Eugeniusz Milewski Sr.
Eugeniusz Milewski Sr., 79, of Barton died suddenly July 11, 2010, at his home.
He was born June 16, 1931, in Poland, a son of Joseph and Stephania (Siwiacka) Milewski.
He married
Nina Kuderska, who predeceased him in 2009.
Mr. Milewski was a cabinet maker in Poland. He moved here in 1995 from Poland to be near his son and family. He loved growing his own vegetable and flower gardens.
He is survived by his son Eugene Milewski and his wife, Linda, of Barton; by seven grandchildren; by two brothers and two sisters, all living in Poland. He was predeceased by one brother.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, at St. Paul’s cemetery in Barton with the Reverend Sixmund Nyabenda officiating.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Cecil Ray O’Keefe
Cecil Ray O’Keefe, 74, of Island Pond died suddenly July 8, 2010, in Newport.
He was born December 6, 1935, in Island Pond, a son of Leon and Annie (Langmaid) O’Keefe.
He married
Diane Sylvester who predeceased him.
Mr. O’Keefe was a lineman for the CNN Railroad and St. Lawrence Atlantic Railroad for many years. He enjoyed fishing and coaching basketball, baseball, and softball. He kept very active, and he would pick up metal all over the Northeast Kingdom.
He is survived by his son William Robert O’Keefe and his wife, Ma. Stefanella, of Island Pond, and by three grandchildren: Timothy Robert O’Keefe, Aleasha Lynn O’Keefe, and Clairiane Stefanelle; by a sister-in-law Bertha O’Keefe of Island Pond; and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by the following brothers and sisters: Vera Groupe, Doris Lafoe, Lawrence O’Keefe, Ruby Dowland, Leariche Jackson, Charolotte Hall, and David O’Keefe.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 14, at St. James Catholic Church in Island Pond with the Reverend Frank O’Connor celebrating a Mass. Interment will follow at Lakeside cemetery in Island Pond.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.
Roger B. Putnam
Roger B. Putnam, 83, formerly of Westmore, died on April 8, 2010.
He was born in Arlington, Massachusetts. The first of two children, (his sister Barbara was born 20 months later) he was quite precocious and curious about the world. This attitude led him to hitchhike across the country to California with an older friend in 1943 when he was 16. Along with these exploits, Mr. Putnam was avid about challenging himself in the outdoors, several times climbing Mt. Washington to ski Tuckerman's ravine.
His interests included art, and he attended Pratt University in Brooklyn, New York, with a focus on fashion. Upon graduating, he moved to Newport to work designing stretch ski pants for the company that would eventually become Slalom Skiwear.
He enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. After he was discharged, he attended Colorado University where he studied art education and would meet Kathryn Gebhard. The two would find many commonalities and would eventually marry in February 1956.
A year later they would welcome their first child, John, into their lives. In June 1957, Mr. and Mrs. Putnam would be involved in a major auto accident while traveling from Denver to New Hampshire to teach at a summer camp. Mr. Putnam’s leg was broken and during his hospitalization was infected, leading to multiple operations over the next three years.
Their second child, William, was born in 1958 and shortly thereafter Mr. Putnam turned to the teachings of Christ and wanted to share these with others. Attending SF Theological Seminary he would follow his beliefs and graduate in 1965 after doing a 16 month externship in northern Montana.
The Putnams next moved to Watertown, New York, to be closer to Mr. Putnam’s ailing mother. He had two small congregations, in Watertown and in the nearby village of Evan's Mills. In addition, he was instrumental in organizing the first Meals on Wheels program in the area for the benefit of the senior population and was active in bringing ministry to inmates at Jefferson County jail.
In 1970, Mr. Putnam would again return to school, this time earning a master’s degree in psychology from Boston University. Before moving to Vermont full time in 1972, the Putnams had purchased property in Westmore which they used as a vacation home. While employed at Northeast Kingdom Mental Health, Mr. Putnam would also be quite involved with designing the renovation of the 1860s farmhouse they owned, one of his ongoing passions.
For many years, Mr. Putnam worked with the school districts throughout the Northeast Kingdom, providing guidance to school staff, students, and parents. Eventually he established a private psychology practice and had offices in Derby and Westmore.
Mr. and Mrs. Putnam loved to travel. Among their favorite adventures were spending time on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, during summer vacations. They also enjoyed traveling to Europe, the Caribbean during the winters, and visiting friends and historical sites in New England and northern New York. Mr. Putnam’s interest in art continued and evolved throughout his life, and spanned from oil painting, line drawings, and sculpture to photography and textiles. History, and in particular the influence of the Putnam family on the evolution of American history, was also an interest. Throughout his life, Mr. Putnam had a keen interest in current events, often following stories on local, national, and international levels.
In 2007, as health issues became a major concern, Mr. and Mrs. Putnam accepted Will's invitation to move to Bend, Oregon, to be closer to medical care, their son and his wife. They adapted to their new environment gracefully and met the challenges of starting a new chapter in their lives. Following Mrs. Putnam’s death on August 6, 2009, Mr. Putnam chose to move into an assisted living facility.
There will be a memorial service at 7:30 p.m on Wednesday, July 21, in the Fellowship Hall of the Westmore church to celebrate Mr. and Mrs. Putnam’s lives. All are welcome to attend. If you are unable to attend but would like to share an anecdotal story please send a brief account to Will Putnam, care of John Alexander, P.O. Box 247, West Burke, Vermont 05871.
Mr. Putnam will be remembered for his humor, concern for the welfare of others, passion for art and design, and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
Ruth Myrtle Trefethen
Ruth Myrtle Trefethen, 87, of Barton died on July 12, 2010, in Whitefield, New Hampshire.
She was born October 4, 1922, in Barton, a daughter of Samuel and Myra (Leonard) Paul.
She married
Loren Trefethen who predeceased her in 1987.
Mrs. Trefethen was a member of the Barton Baptist Church and volunteered at the Orleans Senior Center. She was an avid reader. She enjoyed cooking, writing poetry, and the company of animals and nature.
She is survived by her children: Paul Trefethen and his wife, Linda, of Loudon, New Hampshire, Lorna Hodgman and her husband, Ralph, of Littleton, New Hampshire, and Joyce Hansen of Haverhill, New Hampshire; by eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Ethel Basford of Glover, Edith DeGreenia of Webster, New Hampshire, and Rita French of Contoocook, New Hampshire; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother William Paul; two sisters: Rosa Champagne and Elsie Davis; and by one grandchild.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 15, with the Reverend Gary Ashton officiating. Interment will follow in the Irasburg cemetery.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Lake Region Senior Center, Orleans, Vermont 05860, or to the Barton Baptist Church, Barton, Vermont 05822.
Britta Y. Whitehouse
Britta Y. Whitehouse, 81, of Derby Line died on July 7, 2010, in Newport.
She was born April 15, 1929, in Viby, Denmark, a daughter of Folmar and Anna Poulsen.
In 1951 she married
James W. Whitehouse who survives her.
Mrs. Whitehouse spent her early years in Denmark. She and her husband came to the U.S. in 1951.
Her hobbies included crocheting, cooking, and knitting, and she enjoyed the company of animals. She and her husband were extensive world travelers. Mrs. Whitehouse always enjoyed visits from her family and gatherings on Sundays over the years. She was a loving, devoted wife and mother.
She is survived by her husband, James Whitehouse, of Derby Line; her children: Annabella Wakefield of England, Gail Martin of West Charleston, James A. Whitehouse and his wife, Maria, of Huntington, and Eric Whitehouse and his wife, Joanne, of Rocky Hill, Connecticut; by15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers and one sister.
Funeral services were held on July 10 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home with the Reverend Richard Whitehill officiating. Interment will take place at a later date in Denmark.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Newport Health Care Center Activities Fund, Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Lawrence E. Baker Jr.
Lawrence E. Baker Jr., 56, formerly of Laconia, New Hampshire, died on September 6, 2010, in Franklin, New Hampshire.
He was born December 26, 1953, in Newport, a son of Lawrence Edward Baker Sr. and Laura Jean (Nelson) Baker.
Mr. Baker worked for Bob’s Flooring, restoring hardwood floors for many years.
He is survived by his children: Barbara (Sissy) Reynolds, Eric Baker, Jessie Baker, Loretta Baker, Michael Baker, and Andrew Baker; stepchildren Donald Bouchard, Suzanne Stevens, and Marie Claire Garcia; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Blaine and Kerry Baker; and three sisters, Penny Paquette, Sandy McCormick, and Cindy Frazer. He was predeceased by Doris Mason, his wife of 17 years, and Audrey Haddock, his wife of one year.
A graveside service was held on September 16 at the Oakland cemetery in Meredith Center.
Bette Ann Biron
Bette Ann Biron, 56, of Arlington, Texas, died on October 1, 2010, in Burlington.
She was born December 30, 1953, in Newport, a daughter of Hanford Biron and the late Nina (Bates) Biron.
Mrs. Biron worked in human services and then as a ticket agent for American Airlines for over 31 years. She enjoyed traveling, sewing, attending ice-skating events, and watching skating on television.
She is survived by her father, Hanford Biron, of Derby; her brother Dale Biron and his wife, Debbie, of Newport; her sister Bonnie Birchard and her husband, Dean, of Newport Center; her nephews Devan Biron of Newport, and Matthew and Adam Birchard, both of Newport Center; by her aunts Betty Biron, Polly Wolf, and her husband, Gil, Pearl Brissette and her husband, Bernard; her uncle Clifford Biron; by numerous cousins; and by special friends Daren Chastain, Maureen Norris, and Elise Bannon all of Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 6, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 37 Lake Road in Newport with the Reverend Fred Barker officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on October 6 from 10 a.m. until the hour of the funeral. Interment will take place in Norton at the convenience of the family.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Ron Holland Dialysis Unit, North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855, or to the U.S. Figure Skating Association, 20 First Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906.
James Charles Huntington
James Charles Huntington, 71, of Barton died suddenly on September 29, 2010, at his home on Burton Hill.
He was born in Troy, New York, a son of Alvin and Iola Huntington. He was employed by E & C Perron of Orleans for the past 13 years. He spent most of life driving truck and logging.
He was an avid lover of nature and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a special appreciation for sunsets. He took great interest in marksmanship and was a member of the National Rifle Association. He took great pride in his family and friends and loved to spend time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving, dedicated wife, Sharon Huntington, of 33 years and his many children: Pamela Lizotte and her husband, Michael Sargeant, of Essex, Tina Bowen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kimberley Small and her husband, Gary, of Newport Center, Debbie Bianchi and her husband, Sean, of Derby Line, Tammy Goad and her husband, Timothy, of Barton, Carrie Helfant and her husband, John, of Brookfield, Naomi Bryant and her husband, Jerry, of Barton, Darla Kunsman and her husband, Wayne, Lisa Kazantzis and her husband, Doug, Laura Howard, Linda Arrow and her husband, Jonathan, and Brenda Keen and her husband, Chris; by his brother Bill Huntington of Texas; his sister Mary Prindle and her husband, Jack, of Glen Aubrey, New York; several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; by Cassidy Villeneuve and her husband, “Duffer, ” Natosha, Bianca, and Cody Villeneuve, Skyler Lizotte, Ashley and Kristen Bowen, Jeremy Lucas, Amber Huntington, Megan Lagasse, Alishia and Tyler Goad, Brandon Huntington, Nikia, Kylie, Grace, James, and Caleb Helfant, Courtney, Chelsea, and Garrett Bianchi, Rebecca, Hannah, Alec, and Charlie Bryant, Timothy and Rachel Kunsman, Ryan and Leah Kazantzis, Emily, Lacey, Michael, and Jonathan Arrow, and Zachary Keen and Brandon Royer and many special friends.
He is predeceased by his father and mother, Alvin and Iola Huntington, of Mechanicsville, New York; his son Timothy James; son-in-law Denniss Lizotte; and grandson Michael Lizotte.
Mr. Huntington’s greatest ambition in life was to serve the Lord and witness to others. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services were held at the Barton Baptist Church in Barton on October 2. Graveside service will be private.
