, 77, of North Troy died at his home on Monday, February 28, 2005. Mr. Willis was born in North Troy on September 8, 1927, a son of Selden and Mildred (Sargent) Willis. He entered the U.S. Army on July 2, 1946, and was honorably discharged on June 21, 1947, receiving the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan. He worked as a scale operator for both the former Hood Creamery and Calkins Sand & Gravel, from where he retired. He was a member of American Legion North Troy Post No. 28. On June 21, 1947, he married Margaret Cota, who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Milton Willis Jr. of Wilder, Linda Driver and her husband, Everett, of Newport Center, Neil Willis and his wife, Gloria, of North Troy, and Danny Willis of North Troy; by his daughter-in-law Pat Willis of Colchester; by his brother Don Willis and his wife, Phyllis, of Newport Center; by his sisters: Roberta Sargent of Jay, Melba Cota and her husband, Howard, of North Troy, Priscilla Pratt and her husband, Jim, of Whitefield, New Hampshire, Ida Willis of Newport, and Christine Willis of Newport; by ten grandchildren; by 13 great-grandchildren; and by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport on Wednesday, March 2, from 7 to 9 p.m., where funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 3, at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Carl Shoemaker officiating. Spring interment will take place at the Troy Village Cemetery with full military honors. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Willis' memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 86, of Coventry died in Barton on Thursday, February 24, 2005. Mr. Whipple was born in Newport Center on July 18, 1918, a son of George S. and Cora (Leonard) Whipple. He owned and operated a farm in Coventry for many years. He is survived by his cousin Gilbert Whipple and his wife, Vivian, of Newport Center; by his nephew Foster Whipple and his wife, Fran, of Newport; and by six great-nieces and -nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Max and Darius; and by his sister Dora Gleason. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Newport Center Cemetery.

, 54, died Saturday morning, February 26, 2005, at his home in Lyndonville. With him was his beloved companion of 23 years, Claudia Bagley. Mr. Westerfield was in ill health for most of his life. He was born in 1950. His parents were Stella, a language teacher, and William, a chef on the S.S. United States, a ship that Mr. Westerfield always loved. He was raised in Maywood, New Jersey, and graduated from Hackensack High School. He showed great musical promise at a very early age, but any thoughts of a career as a violinist were ended when he was struck by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of four. He was hospitalized for over a year at that time. Throughout his life he did much to raise public awareness about his condition and to garner funds for its study. He was the poster child for the March of Dimes and was the subject of a film, Billy and Beethoven, for the Arthritis Foundation. Although the permanent effects of arthritis on his hands never allowed him to pursue the study of music, he enjoyed a period of remission during his adolescence and early manhood. He was awarded a full scholarship to Columbia University where he studied experimental psychology. His love of music also moved him to educate himself in the field of audio electronics. This knowledge helped him to find work as a sound engineer for recordings and films and to become the vice-president of Rectilinear Speakers, a leader in high-end audio components. Later in life he was the co-creator of an amplifier that won the top award at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. In his early thirties his illness reasserted itself, and he spent the rest of his life struggling with the debilitating effects of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. He was possessed of an extraordinary intellect and wide ranging curiosity. His friends, of whom there are many, were accustomed to receiving long phone calls from Bill. These conversations were usually one-sided lectures that jumped quickly from subject to subject. They were exciting, educational and occasionally exhausting as he always assumed that his listener was as knowledgeable about any given subject as he and never lowered the level of discourse to match the actual understanding of his audience. He was an active Democrat whose strong love of country was combined with an infinite capacity for outrage directed at politicians who failed to live up to the highest ideals of the nation. He is survived by Claudia; by his mother, Stella Jacobetti, whose care had been his main concern for many years; and by a sister, Marie Westerfield, of San Francisco, California. In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends to make contributions in Mr. Westerfield's name to the Arthritis Foundation. His family and friends will hold a memorial in the spring to recall his life, remember his extraordinary qualities, and to honor the astonishing courage with which he faced and overcame a lifetime of pain.

, 93, died on January 25, 2005 at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City. Mrs. Thompson was born at home in Orleans in 1912 to her father, Harry Dickens of London, England, and mother, Ethel Spaulding Dickens of Newport. She had a sister, Doris, and brothers Donald and Rodney. She married Shirl A. Thompson of Shelburne. They moved to the New Jersey shore where they raised their sons, Kit and Rick. Every summer, she and her family arrived at Lake Willoughby for a glorious time visiting with her childhood friends. The last 35 years, she spent as a widow in Chelsea, New York City. For ten years, she worked at St. James Church assisting Bishop Hayes. She then went to work for the New York City hospital system. After retiring, she continued her service by doing volunteer work throughout the city, including stints at the Museum of Natural History and the International Student Exchange. She led a very active life. She was president of the Central Park Lawn Bowling Club where she won many trophies. She was an avid bridge player, and she loved the theater, opera, ballet, and the symphony at Lincoln Center. A world traveler, she visited 26 countries. Her most adventurous was a trip to inland Argentina to a relative's 1,000-acre cattle ranch on the pampas. Her favorite trip was to New Zealand, but none could compare to her sojourns to her beloved Northeast Kingdom. She is survived by son Kit; by her grandson Arron; by her great-grandchildren: Max, Sara, Katie, and Ricky; by nephews Bruce and Brian Barabee and Dick Webster of Vermont. She had a long, healthy, loving life. She was adored by all and will be dearly missed. Burial services will be June 11 at Westmore Cemetery at Lake Willoughby.

, 54, of Irasburg died at his home on Monday, February 21, 2005, surrounded by his family. Mr. Thibeault was born in Morrisville on May 11, 1950, a son of Edward and Leona (Pariseau) Thibeault. He worked as a truck driver, picking up milk for McDermott's. Prior to that he had farmed for many years. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, and enjoyed playing softball. He loved NASCAR racing and got great pleasure from his grandchildren and having the family visit. He was a wonderful, caring husband and father and had a loving stubborn streak. He will be greatly missed by all. On September 7, 2002, he married Sharon Bent, who survives him. He is also survived by his parents, Edward and Leona Thibeault, of Derby; by his children: Michael Thibeault and his companion, Susan Roberge, of Derby, Julie Sicard and her husband, Shane, of Barton, Chasity Cote and her husband, Ronald, of Irasburg, Katina Farnsworth of Orleans, Tracy Rushlow of Irasburg, and Jamie Emery and her husband, Jason, of Croydon, New Hampshire, John Thibeault of Irasburg, and Vickie Myers of Alabama; by his brother Serge Thibeault of Swanton; by his sisters Patricia Anderson of St. Albans and Aline Blanchard and her husband, Edwin, of Barton; by 16 grandchildren; and by several nieces, nephews, and friends. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Barton February 23. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Irasburg Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Thibeault's memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 76, of Orleans died Monday, February 21, 2005, in Forest, Virginia. She was the wife of the late Neal Alton Tarbox Sr. Mrs. Tarbox was born June 3, 1928, in Burlington, a daughter of the late William Sanderson and Etta Jewel Sanderson. She worked at the State Conservation Office for many years. She also prepared taxes for a living and was a member of the Vermont State Tax Practitioners Association. She was past grand chief of the Royal Order of the Pythian Sisters and was a member of the Grange, Orleans Methodist Church, and the Farm Bureau. She also worked for the Vermont Soil and Conservation Board for several years. She is survived by two sons, Neal A. Tarbox Jr. and his wife, Judith, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Mark W. Tarbox and his wife, Sharon, of Derby; by two daughters Kim Haley and her husband, Brian, of Orleans and Terri Brown and husband, David, of Forest; by nine grandchildren; and by one great-grandchild. Services were held at the Orleans Federated Church February 25. Memorial contributions may be made to the Orleans Federated Church choir, School Street, Orleans, Vermont 05860; or to the Orleans Fire Department, 102 Main Street, Orleans, Vermont 05860.

, 83, of Jay died in Newport on Tuesday, February 22, 2005. Mrs. Noon was born in Newark, New Jersey, on February 19, 1922, a daughter of William and Alma V. (Seiler) Mansfield. She served in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of World War II. She earned a master's degree in education from Hofstra University on Long Island, New York. She moved here in 1986, at which time she began teaching business and computer courses at Community College of Vermont, then for the adult education at North Country Union High School. She was formerly very active in Girl Scouts on Long Island and was a business teacher and department chairman at Long Island Lutheran High School from 1967 to 1986. She was very active on the Jay-Westfield Elementary School Board. She loved golfing and was a member of the Orleans Country Club for many years. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed making handmade hooked rugs. On December 25, 1948, she married Alfred D. Noon, who predeceased her. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Sanders and her husband, David, of Jay. Funeral services were held February 26 at a Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport. Interment will take place at a later date at the Greenfield Cemetery in Hempstead, New York. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Noon's memory may be made to the Jay-Westfield Elementary School.

, 12, of Newport died suddenly on February 25, 2005. Michael was born October 21, 1992, in Newport, beloved son of Jennifer Bernier and Raymond Geraw. He was a sixth-grade student at Newport Elementary School. He enjoyed Junior Falcon football, soccer, wrestling, hunting, and fishing. He was easy going and was loved by many. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Jennifer and Robert Bernier, of Newport; by his father and stepmother, Raymond and Lea Geraw, of Glover; by the following brothers and sisters: Ryan Bernier and Robert Bernier Jr. of Nahunta, Georgia, Courtney and Faith Bernier of Newport, Bridgett Bernier of Nahunta, and Vikki and Destiny Geraw of Glover; by maternal grandparents: Gloria and Mike Paradis of Newport and Robert Baraw of Newport; by paternal grandparents Chester and Desneiges Geraw of Barton; and by stepgrandparents Raymond and Frances Bernier of Newport, Ed Dasilva of Glover, and Jana Ferrie of West Charleston; and by aunts and uncles: Amy Baraw of Newport, James Baraw of Newport, and Ed Geraw of Barton. His uncle Fred Geraw died February 25, as well. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 2, with Pastor Paul Prince officiating at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport. Spring interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Michael's memory may be made to Junior Falcon football, 108 Clyde Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 71, of Morgan died suddenly February 26, 2005, at his home. Mr. Luca was born May 17, 1933, in Patchogue, Long Island, New York, a son of Peter and Edith (Schroder) Luca. He was a supervisor for Keyspan (LILCO) underground power lines in Patchogue. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 23 of Orleans, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, an avid hunter, and a deep sea fisherman. He moved to Morgan 12 years ago after his retirement. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ruth Luca, of Morgan; by the following children: Pamela Wilcox and her husband, Craig, of Brownington, Patti Giumentaro and her husband, Gary, of Spencer, Massachusetts, Penny Luca and her fiancé, Ken Rose, of Pennington, New Jersey, and Paula Trapasso and her husband, Stephen, of Patchogue; by five grandchildren: Jessica and Jason Pitts, Stephen Trapasso, and Thomas and Peter Petrino. Funeral services were held March 1 at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel in Newport with the Reverend Roger Fletcher officiating. Spring interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Westmore. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Luca's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, 13 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602.

, 74, a native of Brownington Village, died Tuesday, February 8, 2005, in Fort Worth, Texas. He is survived by his children: Kay Kerr of Texas, Karen Hall of North Carolina, Kim Brinkley of California, and Karil Klayko of Ohio; by their mother, the love of his life, Jean Jensen, of Ohio; by his stepmother, Floss Jensen, of Vermont; and by siblings: Alice LaFoe of Florida, Paul Jensen of Florida, Jerry Jensen of Tennessee, and Nickie Jensen and Sister Mary Ellen, both of Vermont. Condolences may be sent to the Jensen family, 104 Mountain View, Azle, Texas 76020; and donations may be sent to 3 Angels Broadcasting Network, P.O. Box 220, West Frankfort, Illinois 62896.

, 30, of Barton died suddenly on February 25, 2005. Mr. Geraw was born September 17, 1974, in Newport, a beloved son of Chester and Desneiges (Coderre) Geraw. He farmed on the Gary and Gail Lyman farm in West Glover. He loved snowmobiling, boating, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of the Glover Fire Department. He is survived by his parents, Chester and Desneiges Geraw, of Barton; by his brother Raymond Geraw and his wife, Lea, of Glover; by his twin brother, Eddy Geraw, of Barton; by his adopted family members Gary and Gail Lyman of Glover; by nieces Destiny and Vikki Geraw of Glover; and by his special friend Mit Lyman of West Glover. He was deceased with his nephew Michael Geraw. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, at the Glover Community Church with the Reverend Michael Caldwell and the Reverend Daniel Rupp officiating. Spring interment will be in Westlook Cemetery in Glover. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Geraw's memory may be made to the Glover Trail Winders, in care of Nancy Rogers, Rogers Road, West Glover, Vermont 05875.

, 45, beloved wife of Michael Belongie and mother of Joshua, died at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by her family. Mrs. Belongie was born in Springfield on September 30, 1959, a daughter of Patricia (Maloney) Collins and Richard J. Collins. She attended school in Springfield, Newport, and Derby, graduating from North Country Union High School in 1978. She studied at the Fulmer School of Equitation in Pepperell, Massachusetts. Upon completion of that program she was hired as an instructor and later transferred to teach at the Fulmer School in Bucks County, England. During this time she earned her British Horse Society certification as an instructor. After returning to the United States she managed a hunt stable in Far Hills, New Jersey. She met her husband and relocated to North Stonington, Connecticut, and became active in both training and instructing riding and dressage. At the time of her death she was employed as a senior veterinary technician at the Pawcatuck Veterinary Clinic. While growing up she competed in state and local horse shows winning many awards riding Thunder and Campus. She will be remembered for her competitive spirit and willingness to assist others, some of whom she instructed. She enjoyed creating stained-glass windows, sewing, quilting, and designing patterns on her embroidering machine. She was a devoted soccer mom, and throughout her illness managed to get to all Josh's soccer games. She was very generous with her time assisting and helping others in their time of need. She was an active supporter of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. She leaves a legacy of humor and perpetual optimism. She is survived by her husband, Michael, and son, Joshua, of Ashaway, Rhode Island; by her mother, Patricia Collins, of Bradenton, Florida; by her father, Richard J. Collins, and his wife, Nancy, of Stowe; and by several aunts, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of her life will be held in Vermont in the spring at a time and date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Belongie's memory to the American Cancer Society, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 or to the charity of one's choice.

, 81, of Lowell died in Newport on Wednesday, March 2, 2005. Mrs. Sheltra was born in White River Junction on May 12, 1923, the daughter of George and Jennie (Dow) Shover. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens and especially enjoyed her red rose bush. On October 13, 1943, she married Phillip Sheltra, who survives her. She is also survived by her daughters Patricia Thompson of Rock Island, Quebec, and Helen Perron of Connecticut; by her sister Evelyn Holt of Barre; by her sister-in-law Mae Coapland of Orleans; by eight grandchildren; and by several great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Dorothy Bickford; and by her half-sister Sophie Gardner. Funeral services were held March 5 at a Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend Yvon Royer officiating. Interment will take place in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Sheltra's memory may be made to the Newport Health Care Center, Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 67, of Newport Center died in Randolph on Tuesday, February 22, 2005. Mr. Powers was born in Lowell on January 14, 1938, to Bertrand and Viola (Smith) Powers. He graduated from Woodsville High School in New Hampshire. On September 15, 1956, he married Jacqueline LaVoice, who predeceased him on August 6, 2001. Most of his adult life he worked as an electrician for Washington Electric Co-op in East Montpelier. After retiring he enjoyed fishing, going to yard sales, traveling, and working about his home. He is survived by his children: Roger Powers Jr. of Newport Center, Jason Powers and his wife, Heidi, of St. Albans, and Lori Russell and her husband, Thomas "Tim," of Northfield; by his brother Dale Powers and his wife, Fran, of Woodsville; by his sisters: Hazel Wheeler and her husband, Kenneth, of North Haverhill, New Hampshire, Katy Henley of Littleton, New Hampshire, Shirley Pion of Newport Center, and Theda Allen of Woodsville; by his sister-in-law Virginia Boudreau of Cape Coral, Florida; by his brother-in-law Richard LaVoice of Barre; by his grandchildren: Julie and Jacob Forte and Benjamin Gaughan; and by great-grandchildren Tyler and Destiny. He was predeceased by his son Scott in 2002; and by his brothers Archie and Elwin. Funeral services were held March 5 at a Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend David Lisner officiating. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Powers' memory may be made to American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, 13 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602.

, 84, of Newport died in Newport on Friday, March 4, 2005. Miss Poutre was born in Hyde Park on April 15, 1921, a daughter of the late Omer and Maria (Halde) Poutre. She lived in Boston, Massachusetts, for 40 years before moving back to Vermont. She was a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport. She enjoyed sewing. She is survived by her siblings Henrietta Flanders and her husband, Richard, of Taylor, Arizona, and Andrea Robert and her husband, Roland, of Newport; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings: Laurent Poutre, Gabrielle Boudreau Sr., Simone Poutre, John Paul Poutre, and Estelle Poutre. A graveside service will be held in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.

, 86, of Granby, Massachusetts, died Friday, February 25, 2005, in the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Mr. Perron was born February 1, 1919, in Canada, a son of the late Archie and Marian (Grenier) Perron. He worked for Nonatuck Wire in South Hadley, Massachusetts, for 38 years, and he was an independent dairy farmer in Vermont. He worked so hard for those he loved, and those he loved remember that. He was a World War II Army veteran. While in the service he received the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the Victory Medal. He was a member of the American Legion in Fairview, Massachusetts. He was a member of the Glover Community Church. He is survived by his beloved wife, Leonora (Mitchell) Perron; by his son Robert L. Perron of Granby; by his daughter Donna A. Sroka and her husband, Gary, of Holyoke; by his sisters: Marie Dickie of Maine, Jackie Kennison and her husband, John, of Barton, and Joyce Sanford and her husband, Reginald, of Granby; and by his three grandchildren: Laura Perron and Gregory and Kristin Sroka. The funeral was held March 3 at the Ryder Funeral Home in South Hadley followed with burial in West Cemetery in Granby. Memorial contributions can be made to the Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040.

, 54, of Keizer, Oregon, died suddenly on February 25, 2005, in a tractor-trailer accident. Mr. Little was born November 20, 1950, in Barton. He was predeceased by his parents, Lura and Dale Little. He is survived by his children Jeremiah and Tara of New Hampshire; by a sister, Margaret White, and her husband, Ed, of Candor, New York; and by brothers Doug Little and his wife, Tammy, of Orleans and Rod Little of Beattyville, Kentucky.

, 21, of Derby died suddenly in Coventry on Sunday, March 6, 2005. Ms. Lewis was born in Newport on September 12, 1983, a daughter of Mark and Lorelei (Beauregard) Lewis. She was a 2001 graduate of North Country Union High School. She was a junior at Lyndon State College, majoring in recreational resource management. She worked for her professor and mentor, Rodney Zwilk, at Lyndon State College on various research projects and was a part-time employee at White's Market in Lyndonville. She was an avid outdoor and sports enthusiast, and she loved spending this time with her family. She is survived by her parents, Mark and Lorelei Lewis of Derby; by her brother Benjamin Lewis of Derby; by her grandparents: Mickey and Mona Lewis of Newport and Roger and Colleen Beauregard of Newport; by her great-grandmother Margaret "Jean" Mackenzie of Derby; by her aunts and uncles: Lori and Brian Kelley of Auburn, Maine, Eric and Denice Lewis of West Charleston, Lisa and Todd Presson of Vergennes, and Tim Beauregard of Williston; by her aunt Jerry and uncle Bill Wolcott, who were always there for her; by numerous great-aunts and -uncles; by her best friend, Aimee Hopkins, of Lyndonville; by several cousins, numerous high school and college friends, and all who knew her as "Rover"; and by her adopted cat "Dude." Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 11, at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport at 3 p.m., with the Reverend Fred Barker officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Should friends desire, contributions in Ms. Lewis' memory may be made to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Box 381, Derby, Vermont 05829; or to the Frontier Animal Society of Vermont, 502 Strawberry Acres Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 89, of North Troy and formerly of Upland, California, beloved husband of Isabelle, died Monday, February 28, 2005, in Newport. Mr. Holmes was born on October 5, 1915, in Washington, D.C., the only child of Edward Wilson Sr. and Adelaide (Stelle) Holmes. He was married to Jimmye Street, who predeceased him in 1996. He later married Isabelle Lontine on August 5, 2001. She survives him. He was an engineering draftsman for the Air Nautical Department at Bell Helicopter in Hurst, Texas. He was also a consultant in New York in his field. He collected model trains, loved playing his organ, and enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Bobbin Mill Restaurant in Westfield and the Jay Village Inn. He is survived by his wife, Isabelle Holmes, of North Troy; by his daughters Carol Holmes and her husband, Don Dunn, of North Troy and Terry Stablein and her husband, Chuck, of Federal Way, Washington; by his stepchildren: George Frost and his wife, Rosalyn, of Newport Center, Gloria Frost and her fiancé, Tim Moulton, of North Troy, Amy Frost of North Troy, Barbara Vigeant and her husband, Richard, of Newport Center, Geraldine Morin and her husband, Michael, of Worcester, Massachusetts, Clinton Bedell and his wife, Lynn, of Ahwnee, California, and Linda Lenard and her husband, Bruce, of Newport; by 17 stepgrandchildren; and by 12 stepgreat-grandchildren. He was predeceased his stepgrandson Gerald Bedell. A memorial service was held March 4 at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel in Newport with the Reverend Laurence Wall officiating. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Holmes' memory may be sent to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, 81, died at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington on Friday, March 4, 2005. Mr. Grant was born in Ellenville, New York, on May 5, 1923. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and was a part of the 111 Naval Construction Battalion. He served in the Atlantic, Pacific, the Orient, and in Africa. He was at Omaha Beach during the D-day invasion and was presented with a special diploma from the government of France for his contribution in the fight to liberate France. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1945. Music was a big part of his life. He began playing the trumpet when he was in grammar school and was a member of Clayton's Military Band in Ellenville. He played the trumpet in a 17-piece band when he was in the Navy. He graduated from Trinity College in Connecticut. He was a civil engineer. He retired in 1976 from the Forest Service in Jackson, Wyoming, where he was the forest engineer. He was past exalted ruler and life member of Elks Lodge No. 1713 in Jackson and was a charter member of the Lions Club in Troy. He enjoyed woodworking, boating, and fishing, and he was skilled at building and operating remote-controlled ships and airplanes. He was a Little League coach. He was a much-loved father and husband. He had terrific charisma, a great sense of humor, and an enormous capacity for joy. His vital presence and the unmistakable sound of his voice and laughter will be missed. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie. They were married May 23, 1979. He is also survived by his three children: Thomas Grant and his wife, Jody, of Nevada, Virginia Bontadelli and her husband, Richard, of Utah, and Richard Grant and his wife, Linda, of Wyoming; by his sister Virginia Lenfest and her husband, Lester W.; and by four grandchildren: Jacob Grant, Kristine Headrick, Mara Grant, and Thomas Grant. He was predeceased by his mother and father; by his brother Charles Grant; and a beloved aunt, Bernice Gray. His internment will be in Jackson at a ceremony to follow at a later date. Contributions in Mr. Grant's memory may be made to the Troy Lion's Club, Missisquoi Valley Ambulance, or to a charity of one's choice.