Obituaries
• James J. Boyd, 71, of Guilford. Died peacefully, under hospice care, on Dec. 4, 2021 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. James was surrounded by his wife, Brenda, and his daughters Gina, Jessica, Jennifer, and Lisa. Born in Brattleboro, Jim was the son of the late Carroll Leon and Mildred Boyd of Guilford and attended Brattleboro Union High School. Over the years, Jim was employed at Pepsi, Agway, Brattleboro Bowl, Rice Oil, and Circle K. He also was a driver for Brattleboro Subaru, Auto Mall, and Transcend Carriers. Jim's favorite hobbies included bowling, camping, spending time with family, and watching pro wrestling and westerns. He will be remembered by family and loved ones for his generosity, kindness, big heart, his smile, warm hugs, and a coffee cup in his hand. Anyone that knew Jim knows Brenda, “his girls,” his son Bryan, and his grandchildren were his entire world. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Brenda Boyd (Scherlin); daughters Gina Carrier (Richard Rousseau) of Belchertown, Mass., Jessica Boyd (David Rando) of Fort Mill, S.C., Jennifer Boyd-Fournier (Mandi Fournier) of Randolph, Vt., and Lisa Boyd-Giallella (Bob Giallella) of Dummerston. His son, Bryan James Boyd, died in 2011. He is also survived by his sister Eleanor Powers of Florida, his brother Kenneth Boyd Sr. of New Hampshire, and his lifelong best friend and brother by heart, Bryan Wood, who James and previous wife Wendy Barber named their son Bryan after; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by siblings Leon Boyd, Kathleen Powers, and Linda Amidon, and his beloved dog, Oscar. Memorial information: Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the family is planning a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. A memorial fund has been set up in his honor. Checks may be sent to James Boyd Memorial Fund, in care of Gina Carrier, 240A Hamilton St., Belchertown, MA 01007, or on Venmo @J-Boyd-MemorialFund.
• Ivan Carrasquillo, 85, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 27, 2021 in Orlando, Fla. Ivan was a giving and compassionate person who cared deeply about family and those in need. He grew up in a modest environment, was a hard worker, and was grateful to find a career that allowed him to care for people and give back to his community. Ivan was born on Nov. 28, 1935 in New York City to John and Regina Carrasquillo. His mother Regina passed away when Ivan was a small child and his father John was determined to keep his family together and worked hard to raise his two boys as a single father. John later married Herminia (Minnie) Carrasquillo and together they raised their family of three sons in New York City. As a child, Ivan was diagnosed with asthma and treated at numerous New York hospitals, which sparked his early interest in the medical profession. He later attended the University of Puerto Rico for his bachelor and medical degrees. After completing his medical residency in obstetrics and gynecology and while working as a young physician, Ivan met Edith (Edie) Carol Bergh, a nurse at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn. Edie was the love of Ivan's life and they eventually married. Ivan was never one to embrace elaborate ceremonies, so the couple “went crazy in Chazy,” eloping in the small town of Chazy, N.Y., before crossing the Canadian border to a snowy winter honeymoon in the late 1960s. In an effort to escape city life, Ivan and Edie moved to Brattleboro to start a family and join a small OB-GYN practice. They later had two daughters, Ann Marie and Debbie. As a family, they especially loved adventurous vacations including motor home RV trips and exploring Europe by train, long summer days in Vermont, and keeping warm near the wood stove in the winters. In Vermont, Ivan practiced obstetrics and gynecology at Windham OB-GYN with Edie by his side as a nurse practitioner and office manager. He was later joined by his brother Artie Carrasquillo and Cheri Ann Broadhurst. Ivan was passionate about medicine, his patients and growing his medical practice. He especially enjoyed helping many women overcome infertility challenges and delivering thousands of babies in Southern Vermont. Ivan also loved technology and computer programming. He was always excited about the latest gadget, from purchasing one of the first radar ranges (microwave) to acquiring an iPod years before his daughters knew what one was. In his free time, Ivan enjoyed listening to classical music and opera, gardening, spending time with family, drinking boxed red wine, and holding Edie's hand. Generous and compassionate, Ivan was known to accept farm produce or meat in exchange for medical services, loan cars to total strangers, and invite people or even patients into his home when they were faced with less fortunate circumstances. He is survived by his daughters Ann Marie Renucci of Grand Rapids, Mich., Debbie Carrasquillo Hedges of Medfield, Mass., son-in-law John Renucci, sister-in-law Phyllis Carrasquillo, five grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his second wife, Sonia Perez Carrasquillo of Orlando, Fla. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Edie, mothers Regina and Herminia (Minnie) Carrasquillo, brothers John and Hector (Artie) Carrasquillo, and son-in-law Derek Hedges. Memorial information: A memorial service is tentatively planned for the spring in Brattleboro. Donations to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, info@brattleborohospice.org.
• Judith Irene “Judy” Clement, 66, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 1, 2021 at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center, following a period of declining health. Judy was born in Townshend on June 23, 1955, the daughter of Arthur and Irene (Hescock) Styles. She was raised and educated in South Newfane and attended Leland & Gray Union High School. At the time of her death, Judy had been employed at the Hinsdale Walmart working as a sales associate. She gave Walmart 15 faithful and dedicated years of service, working up until the day before her sudden death. Previously, she worked as a mobile home park manager employed by the Berbet Company, based in Heath, Texas. Judy sold and managed properties in the Freedom Acres Development in Hinsdale. She enjoyed trips to the coast of Maine and enjoyed attending the annual clambake held at Old Orchard Beach. She was a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother whose life centered around her family. She was especially fond of her two Dachshunds, “Sophia” and “Ginger.” In 1984, Judy married Jerome Clement. Her husband of 37 years predeceased her on March 3, 2021. Survivors include: one daughter, Meghan Olmstead and husband, James, and their daughter Arianna of Hinsdale; one stepson, Jerome Clement, Jr. of Lebanon, N.H.; five step-daughters, Tammie Kendall (Mike), Tina Taylor, Martha Clement, and Jodi Lynn Clement (Ken), all of Brattleboro, and Maggie Bird (Andy) of Rockingham; one brother, James Styles of Hinsdale; one sister, Diane Brown (Steve) of South Newfane; 22 step-grandchildren, 34 step-great-grandchildren and four step great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was predeceased by brothers Arthur Styles, Jr. and Robert Styles. Memorial information: Graveside services in Halifax Center Cemetery will be conducted in the springtime at a date and time to be announced. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Bruce Allan Gardner, 68, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Nov. 23, 2021, after years of declining health. Bruce was born on July 8, 1953 in Lebanon, N.H., to Bernice & Russell Gardner, he grew up in Enfield, N.H., attending local schools. Always true to himself, Bruce dropped out of Mascoma Valley Regional High School a few months shy of graduation to take on his first of many truck driving jobs at age 17. After traveling around the country for pleasure and work, Bruce settled back down in Enfield, where he met the love of his life, Debra MacKissock. They were married in 1981 and they moved to Hinsdale N.H., shortly after he accepted a job opportunity. An amazing mechanic, Bruce had a lifelong love of engines, whether building them, repairing them, or seeing how fast they could go in any vehicle, especially a Corvette! His love for problem solving, engines, and building came at a young age and was pretty easy for him. He began exploring these passions by putting bicycles together, repairing small engines and cars, and even building a wood splitter with his own father as young man. He continued to use that splitter right up until a work-related injury in 2007 forced his early retirement. Many people will remember him for his pride in building a dragster with a buddy of his, and telling anyone who would listen all about it. Bruce was an exceptional driver of any vehicle, but was pretty proud of his ability to back a big rig down any narrow alley without having to reposition multiple times. He continued to work with big trucks in different capacities and, while he was driving for Triple T, he was featured in the paper twice. He was first profiled as the “Talkative Trashman,” and the story commented on his wry sense of humor and his amazing ability to have a story for every occasion. The second story spoke of how, while on his route one winter, he jumped into a river to save a young girl who had slipped down a hill into the icy waters, after being flagged down by her distraught mother. After leaving Triple T, he began his final chapter of navigating the highways for Webster Trucking in Brattleboro. He was later transferred to Hatfield, Mass., where he worked until a neck injury forced him to retire at the age of 54. He spent the next several years tinkering around in his garage, taking pride in mowing and watering the lawn, camping with his wife, and enjoying a cup of coffee with the many visitors who would stop in to visit with him. Bruce was always there to help anyone who needed anything. The more information he could get, the better, whether from striking up conversations with anyone and everyone or watching the Discovery Channel, he was always looking to learn more information that he could share with others. People gravitated to Bruce, and acquaintances quickly became friends. He could always be found shirtless in his garage that he built, and working on, fixing, or altering any of his multiple projects that he had going at any given time. Friends and co-workers would always stop in to chat or ask for his trusted opinion on any mechanical issue. He was an exceptional carpenter as well, having also built additions and a beautiful deck. He loved camping, bonfires, music, reading car magazines, attending races, and making people laugh. Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Debra; his son Russell and his wife, Lisa, of Enfield, N.H.; his daughters, Kristie Macelman of Northampton, Mass., and Kendra Gardner of Hinsdale; son-in-law Michael Cavanna; and grandchilden Kody, Brandon, Kyle, Maddox, Parker, and Sophia. His sister Susan Fortunati and her husband Robert of Corinth, Vt. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Judy (Jake) Carley, and several nephews, nieces, cousins and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernice and Russell Gardner, an infant sister, Nancy, and his sister-in law, Linda White. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on May 14, 2022, at 1 p.m., at the Hinsdale Pavilion. Come hungry and come ready to laugh, cry, and celebrate this crazy guy that everyone misses so much.
• James R. “Jim” Haas, 60, of Westminster. Died Nov. 30, 2021 at the Rutland Regional Medical Center, with his sister Martha at his side, after a battle with lung cancer. Jim was born to Robert and Patricia Haas on Aug. 14, 1961, and grew up in Westminster. He was happiest when working outdoors, could operate any machine, and was very proud of the fact that he could cut a tree so it landed exactly where he wanted it to go. There was very little he couldn't do, even seeing a better way to do it. His biggest project in recent years was helping his sister Martha restore her 100-plus-year-old orchard. He enjoyed helping friends, neighbors, and family. His greatest achievement was kicking the drug habit. Hunting and fishing were favorite pastimes. From an early age, he caught big strings of fish, and shot his first buck at age 14. He was predeceased by his father, and is survived by his mother, sisters Jessie (and brother-in-law Michael Daley) and Martha, special cousin Marien Gage, best friend Russell McAllister, and beloved dog Cassie, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at apple blossom time. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Laura Lois (Leonard) Haskins, 88, of Greenfield, Mass., a former resident of Wellesley, Mass. Died Dec. 3, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. Laura was born in Winchendon, Mass., on Oct. 23, 1933, the daughter of George and Bessie (Ballard) Leonard. She was raised and educated in southern Vermont, residing in Chester, Brattleboro, and Townshend. She graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend with the Class of 1952. She had been employed as a switchboard operator for over 20 years for the Fernald School in Waltham, Mass., a state institution, and previously worked as a switchboard operator at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. In her earlier years, Laura worked at the former American Optical plant in Brattleboro. She loved being part of the local bowling leagues and competed on many travel teams throughout New England. Laura met her future husband William “Bill” Haskins while bowling and, in 1969, the couple exchanged wedding vows. Her husband of almost 50 years predeceased her in 2019. Laura always made a fashion statement. She loved the color purple, was always “put together,” even to run errands, and never left home without wearing her bright pink lipstick. She also wore a ring on every finger. She especially loved pocketbooks and shopping at her favorite store, Talbots. Every Saturday, Laura always looked forward to getting her hair done by her good friend and hairdresser, Helga. Of her other leisure time activities, she enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, Bermuda, the state of Ohio, and the coast of Maine. She was excellent at remembering details of the many events that took place in the family. Laura's life centered around her family, and she had a deep love for her parents and brother Clarence. Through the years, she amassed a large collection of turtles, both figurines and stuffed toys. One of the highlights of her life was during one of her trips to Atlantic City with her husband, when the couple won a new car. Survivors include one brother, Clarence Leonard of East Dummerston; nieces Glenda Gleason of Davie, Fla., and Jill Howe of East Dummerston; nephew Scott Looke and his wife, Theresa, of Vernon, Conn., and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted in Oakwood Cemetery, where she was laid to rest next to her beloved husband. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Michael Lacroix, 66, of West Chesterfield, N.H. Died peacefully at home om Nov. 30, 2021, in the close company of his wife and three daughters, after a valiant three-year battle with cancer. An inventive, passionate, generous and resourceful man, he leaves a legacy that lives on in countless local hearts. Mike was born in Concord, N.H. on Sept. 20, 1955, the son of George and Ann (King) Lacroix. He graduated from Contoocook Valley Regional High School in the class of 1973, and from New Hampshire Vocational Technical College in 1975 with a degree in HVAC. Mike went on to become a master plumber, master electrician, and one of the most prolific and successful real estate investors Brattleboro has ever known. Mike was an avid skier in his youth and continued with the sport into his middle age. He enjoyed restoring his vintage wood Chris Craft boat collection and spent many summer weekends with his extended family boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. Mike's love of wooden boats was eclipsed when he saw an Amphicar at a boat show. The first time he drove the Amphicar in the Connecticut River, it prompted calls to the Brattleboro Fire Department. Mike loved to join his fellow Amphicar enthusiasts at “Swim-ins” all over the U.S. He was always a big hit coming up the boat ramp at the Marina Restaurant on summer days in his Amphicar, usually greeted with enthusiastic clapping. He loved giving rides in his car to young and old fans. After moving to Hinsdale, N.H., in 1975, Mike accepted a refrigeration technician position at Stowell Electric in Brattleboro. The owner, Ozzie Stowell, ignited Mike's lifelong passion for real estate, helping Mike buy his first residential property in Brattleboro on Highland Street in 1976. He quickly and relentlessly expanded his real estate portfolio, purchasing multiple residential and commercial properties in Brattleboro, including the Lamplighter Inn and Motel and the property now known as Stop & Go Plaza in 1988. In 1999, Mike and his business partners, Robert Mutrie and Chris Long, developed multiple large self-storage facilities, including the property currently known as Cubesmart on Old Ferry Road. Mike immediately saw the opportunity in the storage industry and grew the business to include portable storage. The facilities were sold, but Mike retained the portable storage business and acquired others which are operated by his daughters today. Mike was a tireless entrepreneur, working all day, every day to see his vision come to life. He found the most joy identifying opportunities, structuring the deal, negotiating and pushing his investment to flourish under his creative management. Mike spent many afternoons after work at the Marina (having arrived by Amphicar), with friends, new and old, sharing stories, swapping deals and telling jokes. Mike was always generous with his experience and knowledge; as his good friend Jack Dunphy so beautifully observed, Mike was known for “giving inspiration to other lesser entrepreneurs. He was unafraid to jump into new ventures and succeed beyond even his expectations, and always with good cheer and optimism.” Most of all, Mike was driven by his deep love for his family. He was most proud that his three daughters chose to become a part of his businesses and to ensure that his legacy will be carried forward for future generations. His unique perspective, unwavering optimism, sense of humor and wealth of knowledge will be sorely missed by so many. Mike is survived by his wife of 32 years, Roxane; daughters Danielle of Dummerston, Celine of Northfield, Mass., and Elise of Brattleboro; mother, Ann Lacroix of Laconia, N.H.; sister, Susan of Kingston, N.H.; brother, Thomas and his wife, Colleen. of Auburn, N.H.; a grandson, Jamison, and nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A celebration of Mike's life was held at The Marina restaurant on Dec. 14. Donations to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, www.danafarber.jimmyfund.org, which provided exceptional care and pioneering treatments that gave Mike more time to do what he loved most. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Edwin Donald “Don” Lawrence, 94, of Townshend. Died Nov. 16, 2021 at Grace Cottage Hospital. He was born in Grafton on Aug. 10, 1927, the son of Edwin (Mike) William Lawrence and Hazel (Hap) Thelma Prouty Lawrence. After graduating from Leland & Gray Seminary, he joined the Navy and saw active duty at the end of World War II on the USS Houston. He later attended Rutland Junior College and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He then worked for a time in the Merchant Marine. In 1953, Don married Sarah (Sally) Polhemus in New York, after which they settled in Grafton, where he lived most of his life. His working life included partnership with Lee Wilson in the tennis court construction business, selling business forms with Unified Data Products and Barrett Business Forms, and finally his passionate care of Grafton's cemeteries. Don enjoyed trout fishing and deer hunting and he coached Grafton Little League baseball in the Chester league in the 1960s. He was predeceased by his wife Sally, brother Jesse, sister Damaris Harris, and his son Timothy. Survivors include his brother David of Chester; son Scott and his wife, Sharon, of Grafton; grandson Andrew and his wife, BethAnn, and their children Emma, Jesse. and Isaac of Essex Junction; and granddaughter Melanie and her husband, Adam Barton, and their children Tyler, Faith, Silas, and David of Claremont, N.H. Memorial information: Funeral services were private.
• Kenneth Charles “Ken” Lynde, 85, of Guilford. Died, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family, on Nov. 30, 2021. Ken was born at home in Guilford on Aug. 2, 1936, the son of Elbert and Clara (Worden) Lynde. He attended a one-room school house in West Guilford and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1955. He went on to serve his nation in the Vermont Army National Guard's Brattleboro armory. In 1957, Ken married Patricia Ann Grant. His faithful and devoted wife of 59 years predeceased him in 2016. In 1984, Ken established Lynde Well Drilling, based in West Guilford, with his wife and his son, Gary, and his wife, Nancy. It continues to be operated by the Lynde family today. Previously, he worked for the late Larry Cooke at Northeast Well Drilling in Brattleboro. During his earlier years Ken had been employed for several area businesses that included: Maple Farms Dairy, Allen Oil Company, Crosby Milling, Hemingway Transportation, P.S. Duprey Trucking, Quinn Freight Lines, and Tri-State Trucking. For several years, Ken also had a rural mail delivery route in Guilford. He also served as a committee member of the Bell Cemetery and West Guilford Cemetery Association. A man of deep faith, he and his wife had attended the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Greenfield, Mass. Ken loved the outdoors, hunting, chopping firewood, and puttering around his home. He loved driving his “big rigs” in area parades, attending his high school reunions, and time shared with his family. Survivors include his daughters Cathy Hunt and her husband, Doug, of Guilford and Cheryl Sund and her husband, Tim, of Greenfield; sons Steven Lynde and his wife, Wendy, of West Brattleboro and Gary Lynde and his wife, Nancy, of Guilford; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Besides his wife, Ken was predeceased by five sisters: Helen Dix, Eva Harris, Doris Barber, Grace Stebbins and Alice Lynde; and three brothers, Elbert, Carl, and Mowry Lynde. Memorial information: Memorial contributions may be made to: Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept., 108 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Charles William “Pop” Milliken Sr., 80, of North Walpole, N.H. Died peacefully on Dec. 5, 2021, at the Sullivan County Health Care nursing home in Unity, N.H. Born on Dec. 30, 1940, in Boston, Chuck attended public school in Boston before enlisting in the Air Force in 1958 at age 18. In 1959, while stationed at Harmon Air Force Base in Newfoundland, Canada, he met Dallas Brenda Mercer, and they were married in 1960. Chuck and Brenda were happily married for 61 years. After the Air Force, Chuck worked at Kennedy's Butter & Egg in Jamaica Plain, Mass., before going to work in retail for F.W. Woolworth Co. in 1969 as an assistant manager, and then a store manager. Over the years, he managed Woolworth stores (and one Woolco store) in Agawam, Mass., Kingston and Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y., and Keene, Claremont and Lebanon, N.H. He retired from Woolworth's in 1994 and was by then better known to many as “Pop.” Chuck was very loyal and a hard worker his whole life. From the age of 12 when he was selling newspapers, shining shoes, and setting up bowling pins in Boston, to serving his country, to his nearly 30 years of faithful service to Woolworth's, he always believed in going to work every day and giving an honest effort in order to better himself and his family. Upon his retirement, he made a hobby out of going to see all his sons, grandkids and great-grandkids school and sports events, and he would travel far and wide to support all his family's activities. Pop was also a very loyal Boston sports fan, especially to the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. Above all else, however, “family” was the most important thing to Pop. He truly cared about everyone in his family and went to great lengths to always maintain those relationships and lend a helping hand and a kind word whenever anyone needed him, no questions asked. He was predeceased by his parents, Elliot and Nellie; sisters Alice Corbett, Harriet Doolittle, and Evelyn Tornberg; and brothers Elliot and Donald Milliken. He is survived by his wife; his son, Charles Jr. and wife, Bonnie, of Charlestown, N.H.; son Joseph and wife, Kelly, of Bellows Falls; and son John, of Claremont, N.H.; as well as five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A private service for immediate family was held in St. Peter's Cemetery in Walpole, N.H. The Milliken family will host a “celebration of life” in the spring. Donations to Cedarcrest Center for Children with Disabilities, 91 Maple Ave., Keene, NH 03431, cedarcrest4kids.org.
• Robert Joseph Stack, 73, of Brattleboro. Died on Dec. 9, 2021 at his home, with the love of his family surrounding him. He was born on Oct. 11, 1948 to Robert Louis Stack and Clare Stack. The youngest of three brothers, Robert grew up in East Orange, N.J., as a precocious and bright child who loved learning and mischief. He was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by his brothers John and James and their families. During his childhood, Clare fostered many young children in their home, and Robert and his brothers grew up learning how to change diapers and prepare bottles for the babies who lived with them. One of those babies stayed for many years and became a member of the family; Robert was fond of and kept in touch with his little sister, Maggie, throughout their lives. Robert was a talented athlete who loved playing basketball, whether joining a pickup game on the streets of Newark or on the courts of a monastery with the monks of The Marian Fathers. In 1968, Robert joined the Air Force. During his tour of duty, he served in the intelligence unit and was stationed in Hawaii where he loved riding his bike along the roads and beaches. After leaving the Air Force, he found his way to Vermont, settling in Packer's Corners, where he lived on a commune learning to farm, steward the land and resources, and especially enjoying the opportunity to tend the pigs and to make hard cider. In addition to his work at the commune, he spent his years before finding sobriety doing odd jobs at many local establishments, most memorably at The Common Ground where he discovered the satisfaction of rolling up his sleeves to do the dishes. Throughout his many years in the Brattleboro area, Robert served as a school board member in Guilford and Brattleboro, a guardian ad litem, a board member at Brooks Memorial Library, a volunteer at Bridget's Kitchen, a BCTV talk show personality, and a mental health counselor and recovery coach. As someone who found profound meaning in the work of recovery in his own life, Robert was dedicated to helping others on their own journeys with alcohol and substance use. Robert attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for his bachelor's degree, and Trinity College for his master's degree in mental health counseling. He went on to work at the Brattleboro Retreat helping people living with substance use, and undertook acts of service as a dedicated member of the Alcoholics Anonymous community for many years. His greatest work and achievement lay beyond his rich career and community service: Robert cherished raising his daughter Maeve. He cited the opportunity to be her parent as the most transformative undertaking of his life, and took great pleasure in all of her interests and accomplishments over the years. Robert's passing has left the Brattleboro community darker in this darkest of months, and many will miss the warm light of his friendship and service. Robert leaves behind his daughter, Maeve Jenks and her husband Dan, and his beloved grandchildren Dylan, Tucker, and Molly. He also leaves his wife and partner, Andrika Donovan, and her family, especially her grandson Felix Staveley, with whom he was very close. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro on Dec. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. for all who wish to pay their respects. Donations to Brooks Memorial Library or St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro.