Milestones

Obituaries

• Elwin Curtis Blood, 88, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died unexpectedly Dec. 30, 2025, in the Emergency Department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital after being stricken at his home. Elwin was born May 4, 1937, in Huntington, Vermont, the son of Edwin and Katherine (Zeno) Blood. He was raised in Huntington where he attended public school. A proud veteran, he served his country in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict, returning home to Vermont following his honorable discharge from active service. On Jan. 23, 1960, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Keene, New Hampshire, he married Joyce Conley, who survives. Elwin went to work at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant as a foreman at the time the facility was being constructed. He later worked at The Book Press and Specialty Paper Co. (Boise Cascade), from which he retired following many years of faithful service. Elwin held membership in the Keene Moose Lodge and, with his wife, had attended the Green Mountain Chapel in Brattleboro. Elwin was also an accomplished artist, working with several mediums that included oils and watercolors, as well as charcoals. He also was an excellent woodworker and carver. Additionally, he enjoyed playing cards and time spent with his family which he cherished. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of almost 66 years, he leaves a son, Dennis Blood of Hinsdale; a daughter, Sharon Yawarski (Paul) of Sullivan, New Hampshire; a sister, Brenda Howard (Mike) of Charlestown, New Hampshire; a special sister-in-law, Dorothy Rokes of Keene; grandchildren Michael Wellington, and Jessica, Tyler, and Jordan Blood; great-granddaughter Mya Ploof; and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, he leaves his beloved pet Shih Tzu, “Lucy Lou.”  Elwin was predeceased by one brother, Ronald Blood. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. He will be laid to rest later in the springtime in Locust Ridge Cemetery on Black Mountain Road. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT  05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Bruce Cole, 92, of Marlboro. Died peacefully on Dec. 24, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on April 19, 1933, in Medford, Massachusetts, Bruce was the son of Barbara Sawyer Cole and the Rev. Alfred Storer Cole of Wilmington, Vermont. Bruce’s life was defined by hard work, compassion, a sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to family and community. It was in Boston where he met his lifelong partner and greatest love, Barbara Draper. They were both young dreamers working and aspiring to become veterinarians at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital. Their shared passion for learning and service became the foundation of a love that lasted 70 beautiful years. Bruce began his education at Tufts University, where his father taught, and later attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.  He served his country with dedication in the Army Dental Corps in North Carolina during the Korean War. In 1959, he and Barbara graduated from Marlboro College, a place that remained a touchstone throughout his life and career. In the early 1960s, they bought an old farmhouse in Wilmington. With tireless energy and care, they transformed the surrounding woods and fields into a working farmstead. It was a place of animals, shared work, and laughter, and became their home for six decades where they raised their five children and created a lifetime of family memories. For his grandchildren, it was a place of learning, adventure, and love, where the roots of family were deeply planted. Both Bruce and Barbara pursued careers in education with joy and purpose. After earning teaching certifications, Bruce went on to earn two master’s degrees and was later recognized with an honorary M.Ed. from Marlboro College. His passion for learning took him beyond the classroom — including a sabbatical in 1975 to study the English Primary System in England, and participation in an archaeological dig in Farfa, Italy, in 1981. These experiences enriched his teaching and inspired the many children whose lives he touched. Bruce’s tenure at Marlboro Elementary School was truly remarkable. As a teaching principal, he upheld high standards with warmth, creativity, and deep respect for every child.  He had a rare ability to see potential in others and lift people up — meeting people where they were, encouraging confidence and helping them believe in themselves. His approach, ahead of its time, nurtured curiosity, resilience, and confidence, creating a safe and supportive environment where children felt valued and capable. Decades of students, families, and colleagues continue to hold him in the highest regard, carrying his lessons of encouragement. Bruce found meaning in shared work and time spent together. He spent countless hours alongside his children and family — mowing lawns, painting houses, and caring for the farm. After-school and summer days were filled with cutting and stacking firewood, sugaring, shoveling snow, tending to animals, and skiing at Hogback Mountain. In these everyday moments, he taught by example, showing that love often looks like showing up, pitching in, and doing things side by side.For 15 years, Bruce, Barbara, and their five children welcomed the community to Maple Ridge Farm Camp on the hillside in Wilmington. Here, campers would learn how to care for animals, develop an appreciation for nature and the outdoors, and be enthralled by wild stories Bruce told around the campfire during the weekly campouts. Camp excursions in the yellow school bus to oceans and mountains sparked friendships and fostered a lifelong love of animals and the outdoors. The camp reflected Bruce’s gentle guidance, patience, and belief in learning through experience. Bruce was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, mentor, neighbor, and friend. He volunteered at the Deerfield Valley Health Center, the Diversion Board, the Deerfield Valley Fair, Windham County Conservation District, Marlboro Cares, and the Marlboro School Association. Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, and his children, Bridget Cole, Dianna Driller (Ron) of Tahoe City, California, Scott Cole (Jody) of Richmond, Andrew Cole (Jennifer Langdon) of Kilauea, Hawai’i, and Jennifer Nilsen (Karl) of Wilmington. He was a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren: Courtney, Colin, Caitlin, Abigail, Tenaya, Garret, Nicholas, Gunnar, Eve, and Mara; and four great-grandchildren. Bruce also leaves extended family, friends, and many former students who still call him Mr. Cole. He will be deeply missed for his quick wit and sarcasm delivered in his Boston accent and the steady, comforting presence he brought into the lives of those around him. He lived with integrity and humility and made time for everyone he encountered, always ready with a story, a helping hand, or quiet encouragement. No words can truly capture who Bruce was or the depth of the impact he made; that is something felt in the hearts of all who knew him. Think of him every time you enjoy a cup of coffee, mow a lawn, split wood, paint a house, fire up a green machine, listen to NPR, pour real Vermont maple syrup over your pancakes, or catch a glimpse of an old Dodge Dart. Memorial information: He has been laid to rest in King Cemetery in Marlboro. A celebration of life for Bruce will be held mid-April. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family at P.O. Box 133, Marlboro, Vermont 05344

• Elaine Anne (Fletcher) Davis, 80, of Athens. Died Dec. 23, 2025, surrounded by her family. She faced her battle with cancer with extraordinary strength, resilience, and grace — never once losing her quiet courage or her unwavering faith. Lovingly known as Meme, Mom, and Lainey, Elaine was born Nov. 11, 1945, to Robert and Cora (Perry) Fletcher. She grew up in Athens, where she learned early the values she carried throughout her life: family first, work hard, love deeply, and believe in God. She attended local schools and graduated from Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1963. Elaine married Elmer Davis Jr., on July 11, 1998, after meeting at the Putney Paper Mill where they worked together. They shared a devoted and joyful life for 28 years, filled with love, laughter, and family. She is survived by her husband, Elmer; her brother Joseph Fletcher; and her children Ervin (Carrie) Snide, Jr., Duane (Sheila) Snide, and Joanne (Jon) Parker. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly. She was predeceased by her parents and her daughter, Jacqueline Snide. Elaine’s greatest devotion in life was to her family. She was a woman of deep generosity and endless compassion. She always put others before herself and gave freely of her time, her love, and her presence. She loved simple joys: a good yard sale, an afternoon of shopping, country music, going to the fair, and spending time with the people she loved most. Elaine had a gift for bringing warmth and kindness wherever she went. She remembered every birthday, every milestone, and made every card personal. To know her was to feel seen, cared for, and welcomed. Her legacy of love will live on in every life she touched. Her faith carried her through every season of life and was a steadfast source of strength. She found peace in knowing she would be healed and at home in heaven, reunited with loved ones and held in God’s embrace. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. at Community Christian Church in Athens, followed by a celebration of her life where stories, laughter, and memories will be shared, just as Elaine would have wanted. Donations to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care, 154 Hitchcock Loop Rd., Lebanon, NH 03766, in honor of the comfort and compassion shown to Elaine and her family.

• Susan Fenn, 84, died with her son and daughter by her side on July 3, 2025. Born Nov. 9, 1941, Susan was a force of nature from the beginning — a hard-headed child, a valedictorian, fiercely independent, driven to succeed, dedicated to community. Susan grew up in Massachusetts and attended Colby College, where she met and married Bruce Fenn. The two settled in Brattleboro, where it became clear who the real Susan Fenn was. She worked in early child development at the Prouty Center, founded Hilltop Montessori school, served repeatedly on the School Board, and volunteered countless hours for community organizations of all types. She ran and built the Foundation at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, leading a game-changing and unprecedented capital campaign, founding the community-shaping annual lobster bake, and serving as a champion and steward for our community. In 1998, Susan moved to the San Francisco bay area in California, where she continued her dedication to community service and to her passion for animals, initially leading development for the world-renowned Marine Mammal Center, and later volunteering to tend for rescued harbor seals and working as a docent and puppy socializer at the globally impactful Guide Dogs for the Blind organization. Above all, Susan was dedicated to her family and children, pouring everything she had into providing a foundation of unconditional love and support. Being a Mom was her greatest joy, and it lives on permanently in the values she taught, the examples she set; no one loved more fiercely. With Bruce, she cultivated an incredible circle of family friends in Brattleboro, led the Buddy Werner ski program, was ever present at the Outing Club and swim meets, and orchestrated innumerable sledding and bonfire parties and other adventures. She cared deeply, and she succeeded in building the most steadfast and mutually rewarding relationships with her children, Doug and Ali, who are eternally grateful. This love and dedication to family further extended to her daughter in laws, Nancy and Rachael, with both of whom she laughed the most incredible laughs, and her amazing grandchildren, Sam, Lila, and Benj, with each of whom she had a unique and special relationship that will live forever and on whom, she left an indelible mark. Susan lived on her own terms, and died on her own terms — independent and strong. She loved snow angels, diving in the ocean, fast boats, crossword puzzles, and family games. The hole she leaves is immense, and for that her family is deeply grateful, for it is the depth of the hole that represents the depth of her love. Susan is survived by her son, Doug Fenn, his wife Nancy and children Sam, Lila, and Benjamin; her daughter Ali Fenn and wife Rachael Lamkin; her sister, Emily Blampied; and her dog Lily, her primary caretaker and soulmate to the end. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, donations to Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915-1200, would be Susan’s joy.

• Peter William Frink, 70, formerly of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully Dec. 30, 2025, at Springfield Hospital. Peter was born on May 9, 1955, to William and Dorothy Frink (Trombley) in Bellows Falls. He lived most of his life in Bellows Falls, with his final years spent in Charlestown, New Hampshire. Peter attended schools in Bellows Falls and graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1974. Peter will be best remembered for his unwavering loyalty to anything Bellows Falls Terriers. He worked for many years as the team manager at BFUHS, supporting football, basketball, baseball, and more. Peter was always ready to take care of the finer details that go into running a successful sports team. Whether washing uniforms, filling water bottles, or repairing broken equipment, he was dependable and always willing to help wherever needed. Through this role, Peter made many friends and lasting connections that he held very near and dear to his heart. To this day, the walls of his bedroom remain covered with certificates and photographs from that time in his life, a testament to how meaningful those years were to him. Peter is survived by his brothers, Mark of Charlestown, New Hampshire, and John (Christy) of Hartland. He is also survived by his two nephews, John Jr. of Hartland and Tyler of Goshen, New Hampshire, as well as grand-nieces and grand-nephews Hunter, Emma, Mia, Tucker, Tilly, and Remi, whom he loved dearly and never missed an opportunity to brag about. Memorial information: There will be no calling hours. Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls is handling arrangements.

• Robert L. “Bob” Johnson Jr., 80, died peacefully at home during the early morning hours of Dec. 29, 2025. Born during a snowstorm in February 1945, Bob chose a similar night to leave his beloved home and family. Bob was born and raised in southern Vermont, where he spent the vast majority of his life. He grew up on a farm and never lost his love for animals and green spaces. In his later years, he became a fervent admirer of the Soay sheep breed, a semi-feral independent sheep native to a small island off of Scotland. After importing several Soay sheep, Bob began a large herd at his home which gave him great joy. Bob was a brilliant scientist and an unconventional businessman, a serial entrepreneur who is best known for founding Omega Optical, Inc., a cutting edge thin-film optics business that originated in a hobby shed in his backyard in West Brattleboro and grew exponentially to be a major local employer. In addition to Omega, Bob founded or inspired multiple businesses over the years, including Solar Hill, Friends of the Sun, the Neighborhood Schoolhouse, Recycled Auto Parts, Rapid Spectral Solutions, and the Delta Campus where Omega is now based. Bob was vocal throughout his lifetime about his belief in the need to be a responsible member of society, working to better the lives of his employees, friends, family, and casual acquaintances. Bob had an eternal belief in the general goodness of people. He strongly supported environmental and energy awareness and was constantly trying even in his final days to come up with innovative but workable solutions to societal ills and the climate crisis. Bob fought a long but losing battle with amyloidosis, maintaining his sense of optimism and will to live in the face of incredible odds and despite repeated hospitalizations. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Wanda (Meriems) Johnson, and in the great tragedy of his life, by his son Dylan Paul Johnson. Bob is survived by his daughter, Maryam Hadden, and sons, Robin Johnson and Owen Thompson; his former spouse and dearest friend Elaine Johnson; daughters-in-law Larisa Volkavichyute and Katie (Berry) Thompson; grandchildren Kristopher and Samantha Lipkansky, and Kolya and Lova Johnson; sister Carol Johnson-Collins (Fred Collins) and her children and grand-children, Seth Johnson-Collins, Eliza Johnson-Collins Weissberger (David Weissberger) and Asher and Felix Weissberger; brother Colman “Cordy” Johnson; Peg Eves; Barry Fehl; and many friends and extended relatives whose lives he impacted greatly but too briefly. He is gone too soon and will be deeply missed. Memorial information: The family is asking that, if so moved, you donate to the environmental preservation society of your preference.

• Dr. Donald Leslie Kinley, 88, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully, surrounded by his children, Dec. 30, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. Donald was born in Asheville, North Carolina, on May 11, 1937, to Dr. John and Alicia Kinley. The oldest of four children, he was raised in Summit, New Jersey. He attended Summit High School through 10th grade and completed his secondary education at The Pingry School in Elizabeth, NJ.
 Donald attended Brown University, where he earned a B.A. in chemistry. He went on to McGill University in Montreal, following in his father’s footsteps, and received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1964. His residencies in orthopedic surgery included Upstate Medical Center in New York and the Cleveland Clinic.
 In 1963, Donald married Phyllis Guest of Summit, and together they had three children: Heather, Bonnie, and John. Donald also served in the Air Force, spending three years in Japan, where he attained the rank of Major and practiced orthopedic medicine at Tachikawa Air Force Base in Tokyo.
 In 1972, he moved with his family to Brattleboro, Vermont. In 1973, he co-founded Orthopedic Associates of Brattleboro with Dr. John Chard, which they ran together for nearly 40 years.
 On August 1, 1980, he married Judith (Lydiard) Kinley and gained a stepson, Arthur. Together they welcomed their daughter Anne, and felt she was perfect so they were done with five children. Donald and Judith shared a life full of adventures, including a honeymoon hike on the Appalachian Trail.
 In addition to his love of the job, which he spent over 50 years doing, Donald most enjoyed the outdoors. This included fishing, camping, cutting firewood, canoeing, hiking, and a great love of gardening. He also enjoyed athletics, playing soccer, tennis, cross-country skiing, swimming, and ice hockey, where he founded and played with his men’s group for over 20 years.
 Among his many accomplishments were competing three times in a 100-mile Nordic ski race in Canada, bicycling through Europe, being a 14-gallon blood donor, refereeing for the Brattleboro Hockey Association youth program for 27 years, coaching youth soccer and hockey, participating in church canoe trips, and salmon fishing in Alaska. As he slowed down, Donald devoted more time to Sudoku puzzles, cooking and experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with his grandchildren and family.
 Donald is survived by his children: Heather (Craig) Sherman of Redding, California; Bonnie (David) Kessen of Charleston, South Carolina; John (Heidi) Kinley of Guilford, Vermont; Anne (Kelsey) Kinley of Westminster, Colorado; and Arthur Luhn of Medford, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his twin siblings, Robert (Desi) Kinley and Elaine Masaki; 22 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Judith; and his sister, Aleta Kinley.
 Memorial information: A memorial celebration of Donald’s life will be held at Centre Congregational Church on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. A reception will follow. A private burial will take place at a later date. Donations to the Brattleboro Hockey Association, P.O. Box 1, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or the Brattleboro Outing Club, P.O. Box 335, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
 To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Robert Joseph “Bob” LeClaire, died at home Dec. 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after an eight-year battle with cancer. Born on May 15, 1952, in Marlborough, Massachusetts, he was the beloved son of the late Ruth Roy. Known as “Pops” to his family, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed Mini Stock Racing at Monadnock Speedway and Claremont Speedway, as well as spending his time outside lawn-mowing, hosting barbecues with his wife, going to his grandson’s dirt bike races, plowing, shooting B.B. guns with one of his grandsons, spending time with his friends and family, teaching one of his granddaughters how to change the oil in her car, cracking jokes, and so much more. Robert leaves behind his wife, Bertha (Hun) LeClaire; his sons, Robert LeClaire Jr. and Brett (Yvonne) LeClaire; his daughters, Jennifer (Samuel) Abora, and Stephany (Kristen) Miller; and grandchildren Robert LeClaire III, Gavin Simon, Matthew Simon, Gwendelin Cusack, Alexis Johnson, Brett LeClaire Jr., Max LeClaire, Samuel Abora Jr., and Israel Abora. Robert was preceded in death by his daughter, Marlene Simon. Memorial information: A memorial gathering was held Jan. 6 at Phaneuf Funeral Home in Brattleboro. To offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.

• David Eugene Rohn, 91, of Putney. Died at his home Dec. 10, 2025. Born in Chicago in 1934 to Robert Eugene Rohn and Dorothy Margaret Mills, David was raised in Ludington, Michigan, on the shores of Lake Michigan. A passionate artist from a young age, David made a name for himself all over the world as a prolific watercolor and oil painter. When David wasn’t painting, he was traveling, sailing, flying small aircraft, playing music, cooking, reading, learning, and enjoying time with his family and friends. David is predeceased by his eldest son, Christopher Rohn, who passed away in 1987. He was survived by his sister, Nancy Gibson; his children, Lisa, Jennifer, Andrew, and Cleo Rohn; and his grandchildren, Leo and Julian Rohn-Capellaro and Anya Edwards. Memorial information: None provided.

This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.