System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!Harold "Benny" Benjamin, Jr.
Harold “Benny” Benjamin Jr, 53, of Holland, passed away on May 12, 2014 at home with his loving family by his side. He is finally at peace after a long, courageous, battle with cancer.
Benny was born on December 17, 1960 in Newport; a son of Father, Harold Benjamin Sr., and Mother, who predeceased him, Bettie (Taylor) Benjamin.
He was a loving husband of Cara (Guillette) Benjamin, who were wed on January 28, 1989. Benny was also an amazing father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and acquaintance to anyone he met. He took great pride in his work for the Town of Derby during the winter (road maintenance) and the Derby Center Cemetery during the summer. He will be laid to rest at the same cemetery he worked. He began working there with his father, in high school, where he took gratification in its appearance, and had great respect for the deceased and their families.
When he wasn’t working hard, Benny enjoyed hunting, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, playing poker, cooking, gardening, puttering around the house, going to camp on Long Pond, and most of all, spending precious time with his family and friends. Benny’s son was the pride and joy of his life. He was very proud of every accomplishment and achievement he made.
Benny is survived by his wife, Cara; son, Harold “Ben” Benjamin III and girlfriend Desiree Charron; father, Harold Sr.; sisters: Vicki Martin and husband Bill and their son Tim, Katie Morissette and husband Harvey and her son Jordan, Toni Benjamin and fiancé David Guillette, and Tara Benjamin and Fiancé Kenny Greene. Benny is also survived by his loving father and mother-in-laws, Louis Sr. and Gail Guillette; brother-in-laws: Alan and wife Christina Guillette, Louis Jr. and wife Tracy Guillette, Jerry and wife Madonna Guillette, and Ted and wife Amy Guillette; and all of his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, who brought him great joy.
He was predeceased by his mother, Bettie Benjamin; grandparents: Donald and Gwen Benjamin, Ralph and Mable Taylor, Perry and Phostine Austin, and John and Lucille Guillette; sister, Edie Benjamin; and nephews: Benjamin Martin and David Benjamin.
His entire family will miss him greatly, and are incredibly proud of his outlook on life, even after being diagnosed with cancer. Benny never gave up, and Cara never gave up on him. Though he has now left us, his indomitable spirit still lives. Benny beat his cancer.
In lieu of flowers, people may donate to the Mary Wright Halo Foundation (1071 Upper Quarry Rd. Newport, VT 05855) in Benny’s memory.
Funeral services will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Friday May 16, 2014 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday May 16, 2014 from 5:00 P.M. until the hour of the funeral. Interment will take place at a later date in Derby Center Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.
Adrien R. Patenaude
April 10, 1950 - May 13, 2014
NEWPORT -- Adrien Rufus Patenaude of Newport, VT, passed away on May 13, 2014, at age 64. He died peacefully at the Fletcher Allen Health Center after a brief and courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He is now gone to his heavenly Father.
Adrien was born in Newport, VT on April 10, 1950 to Joseph and Lucille (Fontaine) Patenaude and grew up on their farm in Holland, VT. Adrien attended Holland Central Schools and North Country Union High School and graduated in the class of 1970. He attended the Swain School of Design in New Bedford, MA and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in graphic design. He had various jobs (and later had his own company) in the Burlington area, worked in Maine and finally returned to run a business in his home town area of Newport, Vermont. Adrien was a very talented artist with many wonderful paintings and also produced many local signs. He had a passion for nature and landscape scenes and sold paintings locally and internationally. His paintings have been displayed in many different galleries all over New England and are also on display at Jay Peak and many other places. His art work will live on in all of his paintings. He was a long time member of the Saco Bay Artists in Maine.
Adrien was very generous with donations of his paintings to many local worthy causes. He was well known in the Newport and the surrounding area. His signature name was Adrien “Yellow” Patenaude because he loved yellow so much and put it in all of his paintings. He recently finished illustrating a book for the famous poet and author, Jerry Johnson. The name of the book is “Noah’s Song” and will soon have a special edition coming out in Adrien’s memory. There is also a CD with the book with “Noah’s Song” sung by Jon Gailmor.
He is survived by a son, Aaron Patenaude, who is stationed in Fort Drum, NY and Aaron’s mother, Carol Forbes, of Leland, NC. He is also survived by his loving girlfriend of 11 years, Patricia Warner of Newport, her two children Steve (and Jean) Warner with 3 children of Springfield, VT and her daughter Loraine (and Gene) with two children of MA. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Lucille (Fontaine) Patenaude and 3 brothers and 5 sisters. They are George (and Gale) Patenaude of Richmond, Diane (and John) Forcier, of Colchester, Susan (and Bertrand) Letourneau, of Holland, Marcel (and Gaetane) Patenaude, of Holland, Joanne (and Michael) Aulis, of Franklin, NH, Christine (and Gary) Sykes, of Norton, Alan Patenaude, of Rutland, and Anna (and Jeff) Hutchins, of Westford. He is also survived by many Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his twin sisters, Faith and Hope, who died at birth in 1949.
Pat Warner and Adrien’s family wish to express their appreciation and gratitude for all the care that Adrien has received for the last 4 and ½ years during his kidney dialysis, both in the hospital and home dialysis teams and doctors, both at North Country Hospital and at Fletcher Allen Health Care. Also a heartfelt thank you to all the doctors and nurses and other staff at the Fletcher Allen Health Care who helped Adrien in the last 2 extremely difficult weeks of his esophageal cancer. He knew most of you by name and was always sharing his passion for his art with all of you.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church on Elm St. in Derby Line, Vermont. There will be no calling hours, per Adrien’s request. The burial will follow at St. Edward’s Cemetery on Elm St. in Derby Line. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: FAHC Renal Home Program, 35 Joy Drive, So. Burlington, VT 05403 (In memory of Adrien Patenaude). Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.
Carolyn Barbara Swenson
(March 25, 1916 - February 28, 2012)
Carolyn Barbara Swenson (95) passed away Tuesday, February 28th, in Newport, VT. She was born March 25, 1916 to Lee Allen and Alice (Carlson) Allen. She attended Shrewsbury, MA, schools and continued her education at Wheelock College in Boston, MA. She operated her own kindergarten until she married Arthur Swenson on June 14, 1941. She was a school crossing guard for several years and also taught in the Head Start Program. Carolyn had a special love for children. She leaves her two sons, Clifford, and his wife, Joan, of Barton, VT and Alan of Shrewsbury, MA; two daughter-in-laws Dorothy of Salisbury, NH and Linda of Worcester, MA. She leaves six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. David and his wife, Tonya, and their two daughters, Annika and McKinley of S. Whitley, IN, Paul and his wife, Ellen, and their three sons, Samuel, Hazen, and Noah of Newport Center, VT, MyLinda Murray and her husband, Rob, of Grafton, MA, Thuri Swenson of Spencer, MA, Melissa Underhill and her three children, Brittany, Bryan, and Bradyn of Belmont, NH, and William Jr. and his two children, Michael and Jacoby of Salisbury, NH. She also leaves one nephew, Howard Allen of Shrewsbury, MA and one niece, Elizabeth Waterhouse of Windsor, CT. Carolyn was predeceased by her husband of 63 years in 2004, her son, William Sr. in 1993, her grandson, Eric in 1997 and two brothers, Dr. Roger Allen and Howard Allen. Her hobbies were knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, jig saw puzzles, word finds and reading. She enjoyed time with her family and especially her great-grandchildren. During Arthur and Carolyn’s retirement years, they lived in Eastham on Cape Cod in a home that Arthur had built. She enjoyed walking the beach and watching the birds. She was a member of a knitting club. After Arthur’s death, she moved to Kingsbury Village in Derby, VT, to be closer to family. She had some “special friends” in the 4 1/2 years in VT. There will be a private celebration of her life with family and close friends. In her memory, contributions maybe made to the Irasburg Grace Brethren Church Youth Ministries, P.O. Box 41, Coventry, VT 05825 or Eric T. Swenson Scholarship c/o Merrimack Valley High School, 106 Village St., Penacook, NH 03303 or The American Heart Association, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT 05495.
Florence J. Clifford
(January 1, 1926 - February 29, 2012)
Florence J. Clifford, 86, beloved mother and grandmother died peacefully in her home in Lowell, VT, on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. She was born January 1, 1926 in Greenwich, CT. She is survived by her daughter Cheryl Clarke of Lowell, by her granddaughters: Erin Dutton and her husband David of Irasburg, VT, Tara Clarke of Bennington, VT, and Keri Willey and her husband Ben of Lowell, VT, and by several great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband George and by her three sons James, George and Richard Clifford. Florence was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Parish in Lowell, VT, and the Vermont Cursillo. She enjoyed a variety of crafts, particularly making Christmas ornaments and miniatures. She loved to watch birds and wildlife and reminisce of her days growing up on her island in CT. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 2, 2012 at St. Ignatius Catholic Parish in Lowell, VT, with the Rev. Ladislaus Mwelinde celebrating a mass of Christian burial. Spring interment in St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell, VT. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, VT 05495. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.
Gary Alexander Hand
(October 21, 1950 - February 25, 2012)
U.S. Veteran
Gary Alexander Hand, 61, of West Charleston passed away suddenly on February 25, 2012 in Newport. VT. He was born October 21, 1950 in Norwich, CT, a son of Arnold and Esther (Hemel) Beaudoin. On November 15, 1984 he married Shirley Baker who survives him. He enlisted in the U. S. Army and was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. While in Korea he was a personal driver for the Post Commander. He also was in the color guard and was a pallbearer for President Lyndon B. Johnson’s funeral service. Mr. Hand was a maintenance man for Ethan Allen MFG in Orleans, VT and by Pine Knoll Nursing Home in Lyndonville, VT. He was also a mechanic for small engine repairs. His hobbies included camping, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved his Kubota Tractor and working on small engines. He is survived by his wife Shirley Hand of West Charleston, by his children: Tammy Hand and Arnold Hand both of Montreal, Quebec, by his step children: Allen Marsh and his companion Hope of Island Pond, VT, Mark Marsh Sr and his wife Linda of West Charleston, VT, Todd Marsh and his companion Patty Sargent of North Troy, VT, Christopher Marsh and his wife Ashley of Island Pond, VT, and by his daughter-in-laws Sherry Marsh of Newport, VT and Kristi Powers of Orleans, VT. He is survived by 19 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He had a special nickname for all his grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Cynthia Ashcroft and her husband Ralph of Johnstown, NY, Leroy Hand of Cincinnati, Ohio, Claire Hand of Columbia, CT, Nancy Paradis of Willimantic, CT, Paula McMannus and her husband Tom of Columbia, CT, and Kevin Hand of Lebanon, CT and by several nieces and nephews and special friends Denis and Cathy LaCourse of Wheelock, VT, Tammy and Jim Wilkins and family of Waterford, VT, David, Jr, and Rebecca Massey and family of Brandford, CT, Bob and Sheryl Devaney of West Charleston, VT, Raymond and Connie Lindall of Westmore, VT and other friends too numerous to mention. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. On Wednesday February 29, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church in Island Pond, VT. Friends may call on Wednesday February 29, 2012 from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 1199 Railroad Street, Island Pond. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, Inc, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT 05495. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.
Ruth Hilton Hale
August 25, 1948 - May 12, 2014
Ruth Hilton Hale, 65, of Albany, VT, passed away on May 12, 2014 at her home . She was born August 25, 1948 in Bath, Maine to Fred and Marjorie (Quinn) Soule. On June 22, 1968 she married Stuart W. Hale, Sr who survives her. She graduated from Morse High School in Bath, Maine.
While a student at Johnson State College, she was awarded the Truman Scholarship which enabled her to pursue her master’s degree in social work at Smith College in N. Hampton, Mass.
She started as a social worker at Casey Family Services in Waterbury, VT and later established her own family therapy practice in her home.
Her hobbies included going for rides with Stuart, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, photography and she was a painter of oil and pastels.
She is survived by her husband Stuart W. Hale, Sr. of Albany, VT, by her children: Stuart Hale, Jr and his wife Cathleen Shattuck of Seattle, WA, Adam Hale and his companion Susan Bedusa of NY, NY Carol Hale Rowell and her husband Tim of Albany, VT, and Jason Hale and his fiancé Sonya Sackett of Albany, VT. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Gratia, Alora, Zac, JJ, Shania, Ramic and Courtney. She is also survived by her sisters: Jeanne Hamlin and her husband John of FL, Jill Hunt and her husband Joseph of Maine, and Carol Oulton of Maine and by her dear friend and men-tee Stephanie Currier of Coventry, VT. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the Albany Methodist Church with the Rev. Nathan Strong officiating. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to NECKA, P. O. Box 346, Newport, VT 05855. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Davis Funeral Home, Craftsbury Common, VT.
Milton Dale Hammond
(July 2, 1924 - March 5, 2012)
Milton Dale Hammond, 87, of Newport Center, VT, passed away on March 5, 2012. He was born on July 2, 1924 in Newport Center, VT a son of Earl and Marion (Colburn) Hammond. He farmed on his family farm for 33 years until 1957 when he married Phyllis Joy Sleeper from Scarsdale, NY. However, before that date, he had been gradually becoming an independent entrepreneur. In 1947, he bought one of the first balers and then traded it for a second and used it until 1952 or 1953, then sold it to Earl Hammond, his dad. In 1956, he bought a self-loading dump truck with which to draw gravel and in the spring of 1957, he bought a ton and half Chevy platform truck to haul milk. In 1957, he started to build a garage and in March of 1958 he bought a new John Deere 420 Bulldozer for $3500. In 1961 Milton leased MacLain sawmill in Derby for one year with the option to buy. In 1962, he bought the sawmill and operated it. After four years, Canadian Lumber began to enter this country at too low a price. He sold it. In 1965-1967, he worked at the Veneer mill as a forklift operator. In 1967-April of 1968, he worked for Herb March on the waterfront. In 1968-April 1970, he worked for C. And O. Oil driving a fuel truck and in 1970, he started to work for Caulkins Cement Company driving a cement truck. In 1972, Milton logged on his own land during the winter and in the summer of 1973, he worked in Gordon Sleeper’s tree nursery. In 1974, he logged on Derby Land in the winter and in March 1974, he worked as a sawyer for Pelletier Lumber in Hardwick, VT. In May of 1976, Milton became a sawyer in Charles Drown Mill, Coventry, and left Pelletier so as not to have to drive so far each day. In 1983, he bought a shingle mill and in 1984 La Branche bought the Drown sawmill and Mr. Hammond continued as a sawyer there. In June of 1986, he retired from the mill but continued to go back to sharpen saw blades and chipper knives until he was over 80 years old. At the time of his retirement Milton and his wife, who was now an established artist, began to travel together in earnest. Milton joined his wife in Iceland for her first painting exhibition in 1990. They drove to Alaska 4 times, Newfoundland 3 times, and everywhere in between. He drove his wife to her exhibitions in Texas, Alberta, Canada, North Dakota, and was active at her many shows. However, the things he most loved were baling hay and making maple syrup every spring for over 40 years on the Lake Road and his friends. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Joy Hammond of Newport Center, VT, by his brothers David A. Hammond of Cleveland, Ohio and Eric Hammond and his wife Barbara of Orleans, and by several nieces and nephews, He was predeceased by a sister Priscilla Plante. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Friday March 9, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 37 Lake Rd. Newport, VT, with the Rev. James MacKellar officiating. Friends may call on Friday, March 9, 2012 at the funeral home from 1 PM until the hour of the funeral. Spring interment will be held at the Lake Road Cemetery, Newport Center, VT. Refreshments will be served immediately following the funeral service at the funeral home. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, VT 05855. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes, locally family owned and operated.
