College news
• One hundred percent of Colby-Sawyer College's 2018 undergraduate nursing class passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on their first attempt, including Anna Mary Gaskill of Brattleboro. This is Colby-Sawyer's third straight year of achieving a perfect pass rate.
• The following local students received degrees or certificates at Johnson State College's 151st, and final, commencement ceremony on May 19: Ian Mckeen of Bellows Falls, B.A. in psychology; Madison Garfield of Brattleboro, B.A. in psychology; Jake Harnish of Brattleboro, B.F.A. in studio arts; Maia Struthers Friedman of Brattleboro, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies; Adrienne Derry of Brookline, B.A. in business; Hunter Buffum of Jamaica, B.A. in outdoor education; Evadney Taylor of Londonderry, B.A. in psychology; and Ellen Boles of Wilmington, B.A. in music education.
• These local students received degrees at Lyndon State College's 106th, and final, Commencement ceremony on May 20: Morgan Vaudrien of Bellows Falls received a B.S. in electronic journalism arts, and Chayse Jarvis of Newfane received a B.S. in music and performing arts. Effective July 1, Johnson State merged with Lyndon State College to form Northern Vermont University.
• Ashley R. Meyer of Brookline received an M.S. in kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island in May.
• Caitlin McCloskey-Meyer of Brattleboro graduated magna cum laude, earning a B.F.A. in dance from Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y.
• Nevada McOwen of Brattleboro, a junior majoring in international studies, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2018 semester at Endicott College in Beverly, Mass.
Transitions
• Brattleboro Memorial Hospital recently welcomed Melinda Connors, M.S., PA-C at Brattleboro Internal Medicine. She has more than 10 years of experience in primary care, where she has seen patients of all ages and health backgrounds. She also has an extensive background in Emergency Medicine and outpatient urgent care. She comes most recently from Connecticut River Internists in Turners Falls, Mass., and had previous experience as a PA in BMH's own Emergency Department several years ago. In addition to her work as a Physician Assistant, Connors teaches clinical medicine at Springfield College, and teaches Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant students from several local colleges.
Obituaries
• Albert J. Bernier Jr., 76, of Brattleboro. Died July 17, 2018. He was born May 25, 1942., son of the late Rita (Calway) and Albert Bernier Sr. He served in the Army, and was honorably discharged in 1965. In 1980, he married Penny Ann Bernier, who survives him. He enjoyed playing pool, muzzleloading rifles, walking, and playing one-person games online. In addition to his spouse, he is survived by brothers Paul and Gary Bernier; daughters Amy Bernier Singleton and Carolyn Bernier and her son, Michael Bernier; sister-in-law Carol Bernier and son-in-law William S. Singleton; grandchildren Samantha Singleton and Lord William Singleton; nieces Lisa Bernier and Kim Bernier and nephew Paul Bernier Jr. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held Aug. 11, at 1 p.m., at the Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro, followed by a reception at the VFW in Brattleboro.
• Natalie Esther Sargent Bruce, 98. Died July 16, 2018, at the Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, N.H. She was born in Bolton, Mass. on Jan. 26, 1920, the daughter of the late Lester J. and Lura E. (Day) Sargent. She was the author of her published book of childhood memories in Dover, Vermont. A copy of the book is at the Dover Historical Society. She enjoyed traveling, completing travels in almost the entire world, by way of east to Israel and to the west in Papua, New Guinea, as well as Bolivia, Australia, and Hawaii. Her mission during her travels was to spread the love of God to everyone. Natalie enjoyed working for her friend on Martha's Vineyard for several summers, enjoying her many walks on the beach there. Her winters were spent at her home in Ocoee, Fla., after she retired. There, she was very active in church and clubs where she did monologues, plays and was always the life of the party. She loved her family and was a great Christian influence on them. She always enjoyed having grandchildren come over, and she always had a project of some sort to do with them. She enjoyed sewing quilts, pottery, and especially working with wood, making a variety of lawn ornaments. She also had a special fondness for ice cream. Natalie is survived by her sons, Eugene (Alice) Bruce of Houston, Texas, and Irvin (Nancy) Bruce of West Chesterfield, N.H.; her daughters, Virginia (Earl) Cabana of West Marlboro and Sally Bruce of Eliot, Maine; 21 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Everett Bruce; a son, Ellis Bruce; a daughter, Shirley Sanville; five brothers, Stephen, Herman, Freeman, Marshall and Raymond Sargent; and five sisters, Grace Carl, Hazel Sargent, Nancy Sargent, Maxine Thayer and Mynie Mullen. Memorial information: A memorial ice cream celebration was held July 21st at the Davis Shelter at Townshend Dam, at the Sargent-Bruce Reunion. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations in her memory to the South Newfane Baptist Church, Dover Road, South Newfane, VT 05351; or to the East Dover Baptist Church, 34 Dover Hill Road, East Dover, VT 05341.
• Hubert Larkin “Hughie” Crowell, 78, of Winchester, N.H. Died unexpectedly June 20, 2018 at his home. Born in Chesterfield, N.H., on June 3, 1940, the son of Lawrence and Mildred (Ingalls) Crowell, he was raised and educated in Hinsdale, N.H., and was a graduate of Hinsdale High School, Class of 1958. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Air Force and, following his honorable discharge from active service, returned home to Hinsdale. He was employed by the town of Winchester, N.H., for the water department and retired as Water Department Commissioner in 1991. He also owned and operated Linn Electric based in Ashuelot. Previously, he had worked as an electrician for both Dompier Electric and Tyler Electric in Brattleboro. He served on the Winchester Zoning Board and Winchester Planning Board each for 16 years and on the Winchester Budget & Sewer Committee for eight years. He was a member of both the Winchester American Legion and Winchester VFW. He enjoyed taking day trips throughout the area with his wife, liked hunting, fishing and gardening and was a gentleman farmer. He was known for his spirit of friendship and generosity, willing to assist anyone in need. On Oct. 27, 1967, he married Linda E. Hatfield, who predeceased him in Feb. 6, 2018. Survivors include one sister, Lorraine Burdo of Hinsdale, brother-in-law Gordon Hatfield, Jr and his wife Phyllis of Winchester, sister-in-law Carole Vogeley and her husband William of Chesterfield, several cousins and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Clifford Crowell and Almon Crowell, and a sister, Rose Domina. Memorial information: Graveside committal services for both Hubert and his wife, Linda, will be conducted July 25 in Ashuelot Cemetery. A reception will follow the service at the Winchester VFW Hall. Donations to the Oncology Department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to the Winchester Volunteer EMS/Ambulance Service, 6 Parker St., Winchester, NH. 03470. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Brett Gauthier, 60, of West Chesterfield, N.H., and longtime resident of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Died July 12, 2018, from a hemorrhagic stroke at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. Born in Brattleboro on August 4, 1957, the son of Bruce and Avis (Slade) Gauthier, he was raised and educated in West Chesterfield and was a graduate of Keene High School, Class of 1975. He was a retired veteran of the Navy, where he received numerous decorations and awards including the Navy Commendation Medal for heroism and meritorious service, Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Marksmanship Medal, Gold Star Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was a free spirit who loved his family, traveling the world, exploring life, and keeping in touch with his many friends from all walks of life. If you were lucky enough to have crossed paths, you undoubtedly walked away with a friend for life. He was someone who made keeping in touch a priority and made sure you knew you had someone out there who cared about you. He taught those around him the value of friendship, memories, and being present in the moment while creating them. Most importantly, he passed along the gift of never being judged and loving others exactly how they are. Family and friends were the only things that really mattered to him, whether you were related by blood or brotherhood, spending time creating memories is what gave him the most joy. He loved spending time at his family home where he grew up, down by the brook, reading ,and in his workshop. He most cherished his three daughters and two granddaughters, whom he thought the world of and often spoke about how proud he was of the women they had become and how much joy they all brought into his life. He immensely enjoyed reading and often read multiple books at the same time. He also spent his time writing, listening to music, woodworking, fishing, playing cards and dice. He loved being creative which he expressed through creating experiences for those around him and expressing himself through his writing. He always looked forward to his weekly dinners with his nephew Dillon Gauthier, as well spending time with his other nephews Jake, Taylor and Nate Gauthier, and his great-nieces and nephews. His friendship to others was evident by the many people who visited him before his death, from childhood friends to military buddies and townspeople. He transitioned to his next adventure in the universe with his daughter Danielle and his childhood friend Jeff Coleman by his side. Brett most loved creating memories and kept those memories alive for the next generation by retelling those moments with the same joy and enthusiasm as if they had just happened. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445. Survivors include three daughters, Danielle Gauthier-Graveline, Kelly Gauthier, and Carrie Gauthier; two granddaughters Morgan Graveline and Taylor Graveline; his life-long friends Peter Beane and Robin Meyers; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as both of his brothers, Phillip and Louis Gauthier. Memorial information: Committal services with full military honors will be held on Aug. 4, at 11 a.m., at the Gauthier residence, 101 Brook St., West Chesterfield, followed by a celebration of life at noon with a release of ashes ceremony.
• Bernard Luskin, 92, of Brattleboro. Died in the Hospice Suite at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend on July 19, 2018, four days short of his 93rd birthday. He was the son of Jacob Luskin, who emigrated from Russia to New York in 1914, and Dvorah Leah (Farberova) Luskin, who arrived in America with their two sons in 1921. Bernie was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 23, 1925, and spoke Yiddish until age 6, when he entered the New York City public schools. He graduated from Tilden High School before turning 16, and entered City College in 1941 to study engineering. He interrupted his studies in 1943 to enlist in the Army, where he served as an infantry soldier in the 94th Division. He suffered a concussion in action at the Saar-Moselle triangle along the Siegfried Line during the Battle of the Bulge. Sent to England to recover, he was in London on V-E Day (May 8, 1945), when the lights were turned on for the first time in six years. Afterwards, he was stationed with the Army of Occupation in Czechoslovakia before his honorable discharge in 1946. He returned to City College, earning his B.S. in electrical engineering in 1947. After a brief stint working for General Electric, he worked for Columbia University, designing seismographs while earning his master's in electrical engineering. He installed the first seismograph when Columbia established the Lamont Geological Observatory in 1949. While working for Columbia, he sailed on 16 cruises aboard the Research Vessel VEMA, doing geophysical and oceanographic research; from 1951 to 1955, he relocated to the Columbia Geophysical Field Station in Bermuda. In 1951, Bernie invented the Precision Depth Recorder, an instrument that expanded both the precision and accuracy of deep-sea depth recording, collecting data critical to the development of the theory of plate tectonics. The PDR was also used on Polaris submarines. He left Columbia University in 1961 to be a department head of the Westrex Division of Litton Industries for two years, where he discovered he didn't care for corporate life. He spent another two years as founder of Precision Marine, Inc. and as an independent consultant before joining five other independent thinkers and doers at Bolt Associates, where he spent the remainder of his career. Located in Norwalk, Conn., Bolt grew to be a world leader in the manufacture of marine air guns used in offshore exploration for oil and gas. He retired as president in 1990 and as Chairman of the Board in 1995. He was a devoted husband and father. He met Bernice Spikol, the love of his life, on Jan. 2, 1943, corresponded with her while he was overseas, and married her on Aug. 27, 1946, her 21st birthday. Their life together included adventure, hard work, and four children. They began their married life in Brooklyn, moved to Philadelphia, Bermuda, Teaneck, N.J., Weston, and then Westport, Conn. At age 43, Bernie learned to ski, which he enjoyed into his eighties. He and Bernice spent part of every winter in Stowe. They also skied in Europe, Canada and in the American West. Bernie traveled extensively for both business and pleasure, visiting 33 countries on six continents. He believed in education. He taught his children to sail and his grandchildren to ski; in addition, he encouraged and supported the college careers of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. After tenderly attending to Bernice through her final illness, in a remarkable act of courage, he moved to Holton Home in Brattleboro, where he created a new life as a widower. He enjoyed swimming, walking into town, and attending the Met Live in HD. He spent his final years writing the seventh volume of his memoirs, Reflections of an Old Man, in which he documented his life's history and his core values and beliefs. One of his foundational beliefs, based on extensive reading, is that all the major world religions are based on the Golden Rule. He was fond of saying, “Everything else is commentary.” He lived the American Dream of rags to riches and believed in charitable giving. He supported education, conservation and social services for immigrants. He is survived by four children and their spouses: Michael and Judith Luskin (Scarsdale, N.Y.), David Luskin and Claire Bender (Frisco, Colo.), Deborah Luskin and Timothy Shafer (Williamsville), and Jonathan Luskin and Leslie Katz (San Francisco); and by five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at Holton Home at a later date. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, 185 Grafton Rd., Townshend, VT 05353, or Holton Home, 158 Western Ave, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Janet Ellen Magee, 71, of Nantucket, Mass., and Brattleboro. Died peacefully on June 19, 2018, after a long struggle with dementia. Her spirit is carried on by her loving husband of 43 years, Chris Magee; her four children, Lori and Matt Lozowick, Shawn Magee, and Kerry Tilton; as well as five grandchildren and many extended family and friends who were touched by her generosity. Born in 1946 in New Rochelle, N.Y., to John and Jennie Gailhard, Janet learned responsibility early, helping to care for her younger siblings - Judy, Joyce, John, and Jimmy - while her parents worked. She received her nursing degree at Grasslands Nursing School in Valhalla, N.Y. She spent the next 25 years practicing her craft in various states, working in hospitals, hospice and through visiting nurse associations. She loved comforting patients and their families through difficult transitions with grace and compassion. Janet was the glue that made her family prosper. Her selfless nature endeared her to everyone. Through the years, many people passed through her door. Some stayed for years. All were welcome. She was a diligent gardener who loved to have her hands in the dirt. She was a quilter and seamstress and an excellent cook. She was a wealth of nursing advice. She loved to dance and was an enthusiastic sailor. She loved the sun and the sea. Together with her husband, they cruised throughout New England on both Spirit and Zingara. Before dementia began to take her freedom, her greatest joy was caring for her grandchildren. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 28, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, with a reception to follow. Donations to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Philip R. Perkins Sr., 80, of West Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 10, 1938 in West Brattleboro to Esther Thomas. He was raised and attended school in Dummerston Center with his eight siblings. He served in the Air Force and, after his honorable discharge, he drove mail trucks, worked at Bolster Movers and then started his employment as a carpenter for local contractors. He enjoyed camping, family pig roasts, tag sale shopping, card games, his dogs, and hunting. He especially enjoyed being in his workshop wood crafting and sharing all his projects with his family. He took great pride in his work. His grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and wife were the light of his life. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Patricia Petrie Perkins; his three children Kim Perkins Jillson and partner Jason Smith of Cape Coral, Fa., Philip “Rick” Perkins Jr. and wife Denise Perkins of West Brattleboro, and Linda Shippee and husband Shane Shippee of Vernon. Also survived by eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren (he was looking forward to the birth of number 10 in October), his beloved dog Dutch, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, determination, and kindness to all. Memorial information: A memorial service was held at the West Brattleboro Baptist Church on July 20, with a graveside service at Mathers Cemetery. Donations to the West Brattleboro Baptist Church.
• Joseph William “Joe” Pineau, 71, of Brattleboro. Died July 18, 2018 in the comfort of his home with his family at his side following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Wilmington on Sept. 20, 1946, the son of William C. and Lurana (Watson) Pineau. He was raised in Bennington, attending Sacred Heart Parochial School and was a graduate of Bennington Catholic High School, Class of 1965. He went on to attend Paul Smith College in Saranac Lake, N.Y. He worked his entire career in law enforcement. He joined the Brattleboro Police Department in 1968, retiring in 2004 at the rank of detective sergeant following 36 faithful years of service. He later became a U.S. Marshal, working as a guard at the U.S. Federal Court in Brattleboro for five years. He was a graduate of the Vermont Police Academy in Pittsford, a former member of the Brattleboro Kiwanis Club, and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association. A man of faith, he was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. A diehard NASCAR fan he attended several racing events throughout the years in the Poconos, Virginia, and other regional locations. He was also a skilled woodworker, something he inherited from his father. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and time shared with his family, especially his grandson. In 1967, he married Carol Boutin, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 50 years, he leaves two daughters, Kimberly Pineau Degear and her husband, Glenn, of Norwich, N.Y., and Andrea Pineau Allbee and her husband, Jason, of Westminster; one sister, Susan Strosnider of Castleton; his grandson, Nicholson William Degear and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on July 27 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in White Chapel Cemetery in Bennington. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302, Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St. Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to the Brattleboro Fire Department Retirement Fund, 103 Elliot St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Shirley Cole Squiers, 80, of Guilford. Died July 13, 2018 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following a period of declining health. Born in Wilmington on Oct. 22, 1937, the daughter of John and Ellen (Morgan) Cole, she was raised and educated in Wilmington, attending Wilmington High School. She married Stillman “Stib” Squiers, who predeceased her in 2014. She had been employed as a machinist for G.S. Precision, where she retired following over 20 years of service with the company. Previously she worked for over 30 years at the former H. Margolin Pocketbook factory. Shirley was a past member of both the F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445 and the VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post #1034 Auxiliary. She had a deep love for horses and with her husband owned several throughout the years and was active with harness horse racing at the former Hinsdale Raceway. Shirley also enjoyed her home, playing cards, and time shared with her family. She also loved dogs and was known for adopting strays and giving them a good home. Survivors include two sons, Anthony “Tony” Squiers and his wife, Mary, of Guilford and John Squiers and fiancée, Chris Peck, also of Guilford; a sister, Connie Robinson-Knec of Wilmington, four grandchildren, Wallace, Zack, Sarah and Abigail, three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Additionally, she leaves a special son-in-law, Wallace “Skip” Bly. She was predeceased by a daughter, Valerie Bly. Memorial information: A memorial service will take place at a later date to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to the Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept., 108 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301; Rescue Inc. P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05301; or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Byron Mark Watson, Jr., 91, of Vernon. Died July 13, 2018 at Saratoga (N.Y.) Hospital, following a brief illness. Born in Spencer, Mass., on June 20, 1927, the son of Byron Sr. and Ethel (Mills) Watson., he was raised and educated in Washington, N.H., moving to Brattleboro in 1947. He was employed as a truck driver for Suburban Propane in Brattleboro for 28 years, retiring in 1988. Previously, he worked at the former Crosby Milling Company and Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates in Brattleboro. He was a veteran of the Korean War proudly serving in the Army as a mortarman. He was honorably discharged from active service in 1951 and was a member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. He enjoyed the outdoors, as well as continually working to improve his home. He loved gardening, mowing lawns, and time shared with his family. He was known for his strong work ethic, his “Yankee ingenuity,” and ability to fix or repair just about anything. In 1952, he married Marion Elizabeth Martin, who survives. The couple moved to Vernon where they remained for more than 65 years. They attended local churches, making Vernon Union Church their home for many years where their children and grandchildren also attended. Besides his faithful and devoted wife, he leaves two sons, Randall D. Watson of Brewster, Mass., and Eric C. Watson and his wife Lisa (Lascore) of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; one daughter, Dianne E. LaValley and her husband David of Vernon; one sister, Virginia Bragg of East Montpelier; two grandchildren, Erica E. and Lucas R. Watson, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters, Ruth Stark, Dorothy Wilson and Harriett Streeter and his best friend and brother-in-law, Robert Bragg. Memorial information: A memorial service will be conducted July 27 at Vernon Union Church on Ft. Bridgman Road (Rte. 142). A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Donations to The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Rescue Inc., PO Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.