Gordon F. Learmonth, 88, died Saturday, May 21, 2005, at Valley Terrace Assisted Living in Wilder, Vt., surrounded by his family. Mr. Learmonth was born on May 30, 1916, in Lyndon, Vt., the son of Emma and Ephrum Learmonth. He graduated from Lyndon Institute and received an honorable discharge from the Vermont National Guard. He was a 32nd Mason. He furthered his education in Cleveland and Denver engineering schools. He was an engineer at Acme Tool Company in Denver, Colo., during the war. His love of Vermont led him back in the 1940s working at Bell Aircraft in Burlington, eventually settling in the White River area in 1950, helping to build the landmark Wilder Dam. When the dam was completed he went to Cone Automatic in Windsor. His love of people and a passion for cars led to a change in careers. He hung his hat at Miller Automobile Company for the majority of his salesmanship years. His favorite cars were Cadillac and Pontiac. His natural ability for selling and his keen sense of customers' needs gave him much joy and he received many of the highest salesmanship achievement awards both locally and nationally for Cadillac and Pontiac. He couldn't give up his passion for selling and started a pickup cap business to stay busy after retirement, lasting into his mid-80s. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Persis (Donaldson) Learmonth; a daughter, Patricia L. Pippin of White River, a daughter, Beverly Hodgdon of North Thetford, a daughter by a first marriage, Cora Sue Learmonth of Tampa, Fla.; one granddaughter, Christie Pippin of Boulder, Colo.; three grandsons, Scott Hodgdon of Milwaukee, Wis., and Brian and Luke Hodgdon of Thetford. Gordon will be remembered as a true gentleman. He lived to help everyone ... his family, friends, neighbors and strangers. He always lived by his motto: \"It never hurts to be nice to anyone. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Thetford Baptist Church in East Thetford. Pastor John Hartley will officiate. Calling hours will be held Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction. Burial will take place at 3 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery in West Burke.