William "Buddy" Owen Beer , 61, of Chaplin, Conn., died on Oct. 23, 2005, after battling a series of illnesses. He was born in St. Johnsbury, the son of Wilhelmina "Billie" (Hubbard) Beer and Donald Francis Beer of St. Johnsbury. Buddy was born on Feb. 2, 1944, raised in St. Johnsbury and graduated from his beloved St. Johnsbury Academy in 1962. He was an active supporter of the Academy during his high school years and even prouder as an alumnus of the Academy, never missing a reunion of his 1962 class. During Buddy's St. Johnsbury childhood he was a member of the North Congregational Junior Choir, active in the Scouting program and between the ages of 8-16 years, a participant in baseball's Little League and Pony League. After graduation, Buddy enlisted in the Army and spent most of his three-year service time in Germany. Taking full advantage of his European station, Buddy traveled extensively during his years in the service. After his service years, Buddy worked at the Children's Division of the Concord, N.H., Hospital for Mental Health. While working at this hospital, Buddy met and fell in love with a young nursing student, Glory Champagne. Buddy and Glory were married on Oct. 22, 1966, in Willimantic, Conn., where they lived for three years. There they welcomed the birth of their son, Eric, in September 1967. In July 1969, the young family moved to Santa Barbara, Calif., so Buddy could pursue his education at the Brooks Institute of Photography. After graduating in 1973, the family returned to Connecticut, built a home and celebrated the arrival of their second son, Michael, on March 17, 1975. Buddy worked for the Department of Defense as a computer specialist. He was also a professional photographer for most of his adult life with a studio in his home and many photo commissions. Buddy also continued many of his youthful interests by assuming an active leadership role in Boy Scouts (he was presented with the Woodman's Award for his service) and as a Little League coach in Connecticut. Among other important interests of Buddy's adult life were his local Elks Club, supporting the University of Connecticut's men's and women's basketball teams and being an avid Red Sox Fan. Buddy was also a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Willimantic, Conn., and involved in many parish activities. Along with other acts of kindness, he delivered meals on wheels and with his family, hosted many foreign exchange students. Survivors include his beloved wife of 39 years, Glory (Champagne) Beer; his two sons, Eric Beer and his wife Dianne, and Michael Beer, and his grandchildren, Hannah and Daniel, all of Chaplin, Conn.; his brother, Dennis Beer his wife Brenda (McDowell) and their daughter Paula, of Auburn, N.H.; and his Aunt Eunice (Hubbard) Burdette, of Concord, N.H.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, William and Irene (Merchant) Hubbard and Owen and Alice (Daniels) Beer. Mr. Beer was buried with full military honors at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Windham, Conn., on Oct. 26, 2005. The family of William (Buddy) Owen Beer invite friends and family to a memorial service for the former St. Johnsbury resident and St. Johnsbury Academy alumnus to be held at the North Congregational Church on Saturday, May 20, at 2 p.m. Donations in Buddy's name may be made to the Photography Department of St. Johnsbury Academy.