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Messages - Henry
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91
« on: August 11, 2017, 06:03:18 AM »
 Obituary for Anne (Rowley) Howrigan Fairfield - Anne (Rowley) Howrigan, 85, was born on January 19, 1932 and on August 9, 2017, Dad took her hand again. Anne was the tenth and youngest child of Lawrence J. and Helen (Shanley) Rowley of Milton. Anne was educated in the Milton school systems and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1953. Anne excelled at all that she did as a young woman. She was in the National Honor Society, the All-State band with her coronet for four years as well as a leading softball and basketball player. Anne married Harold J. Howrigan of Fairfield on August 8, 1953, at St Ann’s Catholic Church in Milton; they were married for 56 years until Harold’s death on September 7, 2009. Mom cherished her role as a wife, mother and grandmother and modeled devotion, love and commitment. Dad and Mom’s social calendar was second to none. They never missed a gathering (no matter how many on any given weekend) and never missed Sunday mass. They demonstrated their motto every day for us: Never any younger. Never any closer. Anne loved the farm and farming; she always knew what projects everyone was working on and kept a close eye on progress. She kept the crew going and that kept her going. Mom was the original teamster whether as a 13-year-old chauffeur for her Dad or teaming the horses with Harold. Sugaring was a special time of year for her and she rarely missed a boiling at the sugarhouse. Anne was a communicant and choir member of St Patrick’s Parish in Fairfield for 64 years and organized the annual St Patrick’s day show. Anne never stopped teaching and sharing her knowledge during her 40 years in the classrooms of Fairfield, authoring books (Fairfield Reminisces, Howrigan Family Cookbooks, the Collection of Rowley Letters and the Rowley Heritage) and organizing parties of all sizes and occasions. She was active and generously shared her talents in many organizations including local, state and national Education Associations, and town and county Democrat committees. Anne was our Mother of the year every year, and, in 2004, was recognized as Vermont’s Mother of the Year. Anne was the most compassionate person with a heart of gold. She took care of her family first and barely distinguished between her immediate and extended family. She was the first to reach out during a time of need to offer her quiet strength and support. Her faith was her compass and she instilled that in each of us. She knew first hand that faith needs to be the strongest when put to the hardest test. Mom was fiercely loyal! Loyal to her faith, her community, her students and her grandchildren. Especially her grandchildren. Each of the grandchildren enjoy a special bond with Grandma; she was their biggest fan, an influential role model and a friend. Her life goal was to pass along her advice, knowledge and faith to those who followed. She never missed an event. Her family is her greatest legacy and her greatest source of pride. Two of Mom’s most recent outings were for the Howrigan family reunion three weeks ago and the Rowley reunion last Saturday. In addition to her husband, Harold, Anne was predeceased by her parents LJ & Nell Rowley, her 9 siblings and spouses: Drs. Mary Rowley & William Busino, Elizabeth (Rowley) & Vern Duffy, Theresa (Rowley) & Phil Cosgrove, Lawrence & Theresa Rowley, Frederica Rowley, Al Rowley, Patrick & Maysel Rowley, Joan (Rowley) and Dan Hurley, and John Rowley and her siblings-in-law Francis & Neva Howrigan, W. Robert Howrigan, Dr. Thomas Howrigan, Sgt. Raymond Howrigan, Bernard & Mary (Howrigan) Connor, Emmett & Rose (Howrigan) O’Connell, and Fred Connor. Anne is survived by her five children and their spouses, 13 grandchildren and their spouses and 3 great grandchildren: Bridget (Howrigan) & Gerald Rivet, Lawrence & Lisa Howrigan (Cullen & Kathryn), K. Michael & Penny Howrigan (Ryley &Tim and Kiley & Nick, Kyrielle & Kaden Deuso), Harold Jr & Elizabeth Howrigan (Harold III, Brendan, Morgan & Lanie, Amy & Josh Boyle, and Adam) and Ellen Howrigan Paradee (Emerson, Austen, Brennan and Oliver). She is also survived by sisters-in-law and spouses: Ann (Lombard) Rowley, Virginia (Mawn) Howrigan, Henry & Loretta (Howrigan) Magnan, Kathleen (Howrigan) Connor and John & Teresa (Howrigan) Manahan. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, August 13th, 2017, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 14th, at 11:00 A.M. in St. Patrick Catholic Church, 116 Church Street, Fairfield, with the Reverend William Giroux as celebrant. Interment will follow in the St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Harold J. Howrigan, Sr. Scholarship Fund, c/o Bridget H. Rivet, 329 Pelkey Road, Fairfield, Vermont 05455. To send Anne’s family a written expression of sympathy or share a memory, please go to her on-line guest book at www.healdfuneralhome.com.
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« on: August 10, 2017, 05:04:34 PM »
Fairfax, Vermont - Gilbert Gerald Fortin, age 57 years, died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Born in St. Albans on, May 30, 1960, he was the son of the late Gilles and Angele (Letourneau) Fortin. He graduated from Missisquoi Valley Union High School and attended the University of Vermont. He was proud to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1982 until 1989 aboard the submarine USS Norfolk. Gilbert was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Charles DaPrato Post 778 in Swanton and the American Legion, Green Mountain Post 1 of St. Albans. As a master electrician Gilbert was employed several years with Wyeth Nutritionals, Hallam Associates, IBM and the Raytheon Corporation. During his time with Raytheon he served a 6 month tour managing their facilities in Antarctica. Most recently and at the time of his death he was employed by the University of Vermont Medical Center. He leaves his step-mother, Jeannine Fortin of Highgate Springs; six siblings, Susan Fortin of Colchester, Daniel and his wife Karen of Highgate Springs, Richard and wife Carol of Highgate Springs, Guy and wife Tammy of Richmond, Rhode Island, Robert and wife BeeGee of Highgate Springs and Allen and his wife Karen of Highgate Center as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew and cousins. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 14, 2017, at 11 a.m. from The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 65 Canada St., Swanton. Father James E. Zuccaro will be the celebrant and homilist. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Gifts in Gilbert’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, 110 Main St., Suite 3203, Burlington 05401.
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« on: August 07, 2017, 09:01:22 AM »
***UPDATE***
This is an on-going fatal crash investigation and the next of kin have not been notified.
Cleanup of the area is expected to take several hours.
There will be an update later this afternoon.
Lt. Garry Scott
Vermont State Police
Crash Reconstruction Team
Williston Barracks Commander
2777 Saint George Road
Williston, VT 05495>
W- 802-872-4056
C – 802-238-3042
State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Williston
Press Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
I 89 southbound is experiencing delays in the area of mile-marker 98/65 about a ¼ mile north of exit 17 Milton/Colchester exit, due to a crash.
This incident is expected to last until further notice. Specific details are not yet available and updates will be provided as appropriate.
Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes. Please call 511 for road conditions and drive carefully.
Dana Macias
Emergency Communications Dispatcher I
WILLISTON PSAP
2777 ST. GEORGE RD.
WILLISTON, VT 05495
802-878-7111 / PSAP FAX: 878-3173
State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
Williston
Press Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
I 89 southbound is experiencing delays in the area of mile-marker 98/65 about a ¼ mile north of exit 17 Milton/Colchester exit, due to a crash.
This incident is expected to last until further notice. Specific details are not yet available and updates will be provided as appropriate.
Motorists should expect delays in the area, or seek alternate routes. Please call 511 for road conditions and drive carefully.
Dana Macias
Emergency Communications Dispatcher I
WILLISTON PSAP
2777 ST. GEORGE RD.
WILLISTON, VT 05495
802-878-7111 / PSAP FAX: 878-3173
94
« on: August 05, 2017, 06:35:41 PM »
 Mark Geno announced on Facebook that his father, Irving, passed away yesterday. Our sympathy goes out to the family. Below is his obituary as it appeared in the August 9, 2017 Edition of The St. Albans Messenger FAIRFAX - — Irving W. Geno, 78, of Fairfax, passed away at UVM Medical Center on Friday, Aug.4, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born on Nov. 17, 1938 in Cambridge, Vt. to the late Walter and Shirley (Wheeler) Geno. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda (Bernier) Geno; his five children: David and wife Donna of Rochester, N.H.; Mark and wife Tracie of St. Albans, Vt.; Deborah and husband Gary Barkyoumb, of St. Albans, Vt.; Susan Crepeau of Georgia, Vt.; and Katherine Geno and fiancé John Grimaldi of St. Albans, Vt. He is also survived by his four grandchildren Holly and Alex Geno, and Julia and Daniel Crepeau. Irving leaves four siblings: Marilyn McMillan and husband Wendell, of Hartford, Vt.; Roger Geno of Fletcher, Vt.; Janet Smith and husband Vernon of Hartford, Vt. and Merrill Geno and wife Janice of Milford, N.H. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his sister Brenda Richard of Cape Coral, Fla. After graduating from Bellows Free Academy, Fairfax in 1957, Irving served in the U.S. Army, stationed both in Germany and the United States. In 1968 he became a Vermont State Trooper and later served as a Detective Sergeant within the Bureau of Criminal Investigation until his retirement in 1992. He later left retirement to join the Northwest Unit of Special Investigations. Irving was an active member of the community. He served as chairman of the BFA-Fairfax school board, was a member of the Alumni Association, and was also president of the Cambridge Cemetery Association. Being a Vermonter through and through, Irving loved driving the back roads looking for deer and wildlife. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and dropping by to visit friends and family to share a beer and memories. Irving was a wonderful family man, giving nothing but love and kindness to his children and supporting them fully into their adult years. He will be greatly missed by many. He will always be remembered for his bravery, fairness, honesty, generosity and willingness to help anyone in need, which he did without expecting anything in return. As per his wishes, there will be no calling hours. Burial will be in the early autumn, Irving’s favorite time of year. He will be laid to rest in the Mountain View Cemetery in Cambridge, Vt.
95
« on: August 03, 2017, 04:56:48 PM »
 Obituary: Randall “Randy” CollinsSwanton - Randall “Randy” Collins passed away peacefully at his home in West Swanton on July 31, 2017. Randy was born in North Hero, VT on November 16, 1959, the son of Patrick Collins and Brenda Gillin. He loved his family and was full of life. He loved and was loved by everyone that he met. Randy and his wife, Joan were inseparable. They enjoyed being on the boat and found peace together on the water. Randy also enjoyed his Harley and his “69” Camaro. He was known to his grandchildren as Poppy. They very much enjoyed their adventures with him whenever they came to visit. Randy was currently employed at and managed the Green Mountain Dairy where he considered the Rowell’s and all of the employees his family. Randy is survived by his wife and soulmate, Joan, his mother, Brenda Plattner, his daughters, Michelle Marshall, Melissa Stone and her husband Tech Sargent James Stone of the US Air Force, and Tessa Collins; grandchildren Mahaila, Havyn, and Peyton. He is also survived by his sisters Paula and her husband, Charles Wakefield and Pam and her husband Chris Hansen, nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his father, Patrick Collins and infant sister, Kimberly Collins. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 5, 2017, at 11 a.m. from The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton. The Reverend Anne Torrance Bachmann, pastor of the Swanton Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Gifts in Randy’s memory may be made to Children’s Heart Foundation @ PO Box 244 Lincolnshire, IL 60068 or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Burlington @ 16 South Winooski Avenue Burlington, VT 05401
96
« on: August 02, 2017, 02:05:02 AM »
Hopefully, the Messenger won't have a problem with my linking this on my website for those locally who do not get the Messenger. Lots of erroneous information going around on that meeting and this seems to be the most accurate. Most of our local stores carry the Messenger here in Fairfax, if you would like a hard copy.
98
« on: August 01, 2017, 04:35:11 PM »
My apologies to Nancy Ladd. I missed you completely, most likely because you were working, but never fear, I will bring my camera to the next luncheon, which I believe will have the Jelly Jar auction. I usually participate in the food items, particularly doughnuts & pies. Got to remember to get there early. For those of you not familiar with this event, little jars are placed with each item and tickets are sold which are then drawn from each jar. If you have the lucky ticket, you get the item.
100
« on: July 31, 2017, 07:39:07 PM »
Sandra J. Neely
Age: 70 Sandra J. Neely of Jeffersonville VT peacefully passed away on Saturday July 29, 2017 with her loving family by her side. Sandra was born April 8, 1947 in Ayer, MA to Archie and Doris King. Sandra is survived by her husband of 48 years, Donald Neely, her daughter’s Cheryle Slayton and husband Donald Slayton, Susan French and her husband John French. She leaves behind her most prized possessions, her grandchildren; Emily Slayton, Evan Slayton and Kamrin French. Sandra took great pride in her career of 43 years assisting low income families in Lamoille County working for Central Vermont Community Action council. She enjoyed Sunday afternoons watching Nascar races (her favorite driver being Dale Earnhardt Jr.) and was also a big fan, attending many sporting events that her grandchildren participated in. The family is extremely grateful for the care she received from Lamoille County Home Health and Hospice. We also want to say a special thank you to Sue & Gary Fredrick (mom’s cousin) and Linda Cary for the numerous visits and support given us during this time. A very special thank you to Nancy Cardinal who was a great support during mom’s final days. Visitation/Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Eagles Hall in Jeffersonville, VT from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Donations to benefit the family may be made to Cheryle Slayton, 820 Upper Pleasant Valley Road, Jeffersonville, VT 05464. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.
101
« on: July 31, 2017, 06:38:41 AM »
 Fairfield - Grady Luke Howrigan was granted his angel wings too soon on July 28th, 2017. He was born on September 21st, 2009, and lived his life on the family farm in East Fairfield, Vermont. He started his schooling at one of his favorite places, Blooming Minds Preschool, and continued to Fairfield Center School where he was loved by everyone who came into contact with him. Grady was a Vermont farm boy through and through. He loved to get his hands dirty in any way he could: he loved to be outside, fishing, hunting with his dad, working on the farm, digging in the dirt, sugaring, riding bikes, and riding in the ranger. He was a lover of sports and excelled at everything he tried including football, baseball, basketball, skiing, swimming, and was a budding businessman with Grady’s Golden Goodness honey. Grady was an incredibly kind and helpful child with an infectious smile, sense of humor, and famous for his big, warm hugs. All of these characteristics and his outgoing personality drew everyone in and made them smile. He lived his life without fear, willing to try everything which allowed him to live his short life to the fullest. Grady is survived by his parents, Luke and Nicole Howrigan, two brothers, Nolan and Finn, a sister, Eva, paternal grandparents, Thomas and Susan Howrigan, maternal grandmother, Gail Bergeron, paternal great grandmother, Janet Bartlett, maternal great-grandparents, Clemence Bergeron and Merril and Louise Tittemore, aunts and uncles and cousins: Matthew and Kerri Howrigan and their four boys, Tyler and Jennifer Howrigan and their son, Alex and Lise Howrigan and their two daughters, Brian Bergeron and Braden Summers, Amy and Kenny Malo and their five children, Michael and Heather Bergeron and their two children, along with many other relatives and friends. Grady was predeceased in death by his maternal grandfather, Paul “Big Papa” Bergeron, maternal great-grandfather, Raymond Bergeron, paternal great-grandparents, Carlton Bartlett and D Francis and Neva Howrigan. Calling hours will take place at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans on Tuesday August 1st, 2017, from 4pm-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Grady on Wednesday, August 2nd at 11 am at St. Patrick’s Church, 116 Church Street, Fairfield, Vermont, with burial to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Billy Howrigan Scholarship Fund ℅ Kate Baldwin at 132 North Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401 or the Paul Bergeron Memorial Scholarship fund with checks written to Knights of Columbus Council 14940 and sent ℅ Scott Valcourt 15 Cole Road, Sterling MA 01564-2236. To send Grady’s family a written expression of sympathy, please go to his on-line guest book at www.healdfuneralhome.com.
102
« on: July 29, 2017, 08:51:04 AM »
Police say Grady Howrigan, 7, died Friday following a tractor accident on the Fairfield farm.
State police tell Channel 3 News that a 911 call brought first responders to the fields off 6844 Route 36 just after 1 p.m. Friday.
Investigators say the little boy was riding in the cab of a tractor with his father, Luke Howrigan, 38.
Police say the manure tanker it was hauling flipped on the steep terrain, and the tractor followed.
Luke Howrigan was was initially trapped, but he was able to break free.
He was taken to the hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released.
The young boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
103
« on: July 28, 2017, 12:23:33 PM »
 Rosalie Margaret LavigneRichmond - Rosalie M. Lavigne, 73 of Richmond passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington surrounded by her loving family. Rose was born December 2, 1943 in Sweetsburg, P.Q. the daughter of the late Frederick and Edna Shonyo Wilson. On August 11, 1962 she married Stephen A. Lavigne in South Burlington. Rose and Steve ran the Lucky Spot Restaurant in Richmond for two years as well as the White Lantern in Milton for three years, she as a waitress and he as the cook. Later on both worked for the Country Pantry Restaurant in Fairfax for over seven years. She was proud of the fact that she was able to assist their son David at JP’s Restaurant in Essex for seventeen years. On April 2, 2004 she was predeceased by her loving partner and husband. Rose was so positive, sweet, strong and gentle. Her smile could light up a room, and her laugh was infectious. She loved her family, friends, her JP's family and all the customers she served through the years. She was truly special to so many people, the way she touched everyone with her beautiful smile and high spirits was breath of fresh air. She was a mom, a nana, and great grandma and everyone's best friend. Although she is not with us physically, she will forever remain in our hearts. We hope you and dad are sharing a nice slow dance together right now. She leaves behind her children, David Lavigne and his wife, Denise of Charlotte, Lora Hodgdon and her husband Greg of Fairfax, Steven Lavigne and his wife, Stefanie of Clovis, CA and Mark Tatro-Lavigne and his partner Dan of Underhill; Her grandchildren, Matthew Bevins, David, Paul and Clay Lavigne and Amanda Perry; Her great grandson, Riley; Her brothers and sisters, Jimmy Wilson and wife Margaret, Heather Edwards and husband, Bob, Susan Wilson and companion George, Marjorie Pedini and husband Mike and Paul Wilson; Her aunt Marjorie Mayville of Burlington, Her brothers in law, Roy Lavigne and Ronnie Wheel; her Uncle Wayne and Aunt Kitty Wilson of NY: Nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her husband Steve, she was predeceased by her mother and father, Edna and Frederick; Her brother, Harold and her father in law, Ralph Wheel. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, August 1st at 11 am in the Minor Funeral Home, Route 7 in Milton. Burial will follow in River View Cemetery in Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vt. 05495-1460 Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, July 31st from 4 to 7 pm in the Minor Funeral Home.
104
« on: July 25, 2017, 02:16:58 PM »
 WELLS – Jill Lori (Mogridge) June 27, 1956 Jill was a remarkable mother, wife, friend and nurse whose extraordinary life ended Saturday, July 22, 2017 peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Jill was a very proud Canadian who was born in Burk’s Falls, Ontario and grew up in Oro, where the Mogridge family ran the Big M Motel and Restaurant. She enjoyed a childhood being terrorized by her three mischievous older brothers who used her as a hockey goalie and softball catcher whenever they could. Always an adventurer, she attended Ryerson Nursing School in Toronto and at the age of 19 moved to Galveston, TX to take her first nursing job. She stayed there for many years having a wild time with now forever friends and meeting the love of her life, Frank. She took a small break from the beach to move to Calgary, AB to become a Large Animal Vet Tech through Olds College acting on her lifelong love of animals. After moving back to Galveston, she had her first child, Christopher in 1988 and in 1989 they moved to Chesapeake, VA where her daughter Kate was later born. While in Virginia she flew on 1,302 missions with Nightingale Air Ambulance. Jill and her family moved to Fairfax, Vermont in 2001 where she spent the next 16 years loving life. She enjoyed many days in her beautiful gardens, many meals cooked for loved ones on her porch, many hours knitting and quilting, many walks with her dogs Balto and Dorey and planning many trips with her family and friends. Jill loved nothing more than making those around her happy. She was a generous and selfless caretaker to family, friends, children and animals. She worked as a nurse for over 40 years in the ICU, the ER, as a flight nurse, a school nurse and even in her later years travelling the world as a cruise ship nurse. She loved nursing so much that she continued working for the majority of the time she was being treated for cancer, scheduling her shifts around her chemo times. She was quick to laugh, extremely sharp of mind and loved with her whole heart. The best way to remember Jill is by showing kindness to anyone who will take it – she always lived by the golden rule, “Be to others kind and true as you’d have others be to you.” Jill is predeceased by her parents Johanna and Vic Mogridge, and her brother Elwin Mogridge. She is survived by her husband of 29 years Frank, son Chris and daughter-in-law Kelsey, daughter Kate, her brother Reg and his wife Chris, her brother Danny and his wife Monique, her sister-in-law Nancy and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the medical teams who showed her unbelievable respect, love and care during her long fight against cancer – in particular Amy, Seth and Margaret of Dr.Sander’s office, Harley and the ICU team at NMC, Chelsea and Dr. Foley of NMC Radiology, Tony and his team at UVM Interventional Radiology, Franklin County Home Health and of course her entire NMC ER family. You made all the difference. Friends can join family at the BFA Fairfax Elementary School Gym from 4-7pm on Thursday, July 27 for a celebration of life officiated by Pastor Liz Griffin with a reception to follow. In memory of Jill, donate to Northwestern Medical Center, Attn. Jeff Moreau, 133 Fairfield Street, St.Albans, VT 05478. Funds will be used for a medical scholarship.
105
« on: July 18, 2017, 06:46:50 PM »
 Frederick Walter Bessette
November 16, 1949 - July 13, 2017Frederick Walter Bessette found eternal peace on Thursday afternoon, July 13, 2017 at the Aurora Zilber Family Hospice near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born in St. Albans, VT on November 16, 1949. Preceded in death by his son Charlie; his mother and father, Reba and Francis Bessette; older brother Edward Bessette and older sister, Charlene (Bessette) Matthews, he leaves behind his loving wife, Judi (Comer) Bessette; older sister Brenda (Bessette) Thibault; older brother, Bill Bessette; younger brother Tom Bessette and younger sister, Lisa (Bessette) Minor. Fred will be dearly missed by Judi’s only sister, Patti, and her husband Gary Boles, as well as many nieces and nephews (and some grand and great grand ones, too) on both sides of the family all across the country. Fred had a special relationship with Joe Comer and Mary Miller, Judi’s dad and grandmother, both of whom have been gone for many years. Fred grew up on a dairy farm in Vermont. Living in the shadow of Mount Mansfield, when asked about the skiing there, Fred always replied that his experience with snow in Vermont was “shoveling it.” He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State (Go Spartans!) and his Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago (the University as he referred to it.) His only other job, before starting in the Law Department at Northwestern Mutual, was milking cows and “farmin’ it.” Fred spent over 38 years at Northwestern, retiring in 2012 as Vice President and Investment Counsel. He made many good friends there…both in the home office and in the real estate field offices and with other investors with whom the company did business. He was known by his colleagues and friends for both his diplomacy and his sense of humor. That he made a host of good friends is not a surprise given that he never met a stranger. While Fred loved his work, he also found time to better the community through volunteer work at the Milwaukee Mental Health Association and the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Charlie Bessette Scholarship Fund at New Vision Wilderness. He was a strong supporter of the performing arts…becoming an avid opera fan. After Fred retired, he often traveled with his wife to conferences as well as to schools and programs across the country that she visited in her work as a therapeutic educational consultant. He was intrigued by this work, having seen its benefits first hand through his son. True to form, he also made many friends in these travels. Fred also loved his family and treasured his role as “provider.” Adopting Charlie when he was just a month old, he was a great dad to his son. He was also a faithful caretaker of his son’s various critters…from salamanders to snakes to bearded dragons…almost anything that ate live crickets. He will be sorely missed by grand-dog Snoop. Until quite recently, Fred walked him every day. He will be most certainly missed by Judi…with whom he just celebrated 41 years of marriage. Often saying that life with her was never boring, he spent the past 22 months since learning he had mesothelioma, making sure she was “settled” … always the provider. Fred enjoyed many things in life…but the big three were games, gambling and gardening. He learned to count from a deck of cards. “Pitch” was a Bessette family pastime. Growing up, his parents played with other farm couples, with the big winner coming home with a chicken, live of course. Cribbage, euchre, solitaire…he actually met Judi in college over a bridge table. Accomplished at bridge, he liked to say he needed to another “dummy” to learn the game along with his roommate’s girlfriend, also novice at bridge. Rummikub, Dominoes (especially Mexican Train) even Pictionary…he played them all. So, taking games seriously, it’s easy to understand the lure of Las Vegas, Monte Carlo and even Potawatomi. But, as in all things, his gambling was measured. He never lost more than he felt he could and always tried to leave the table a winner…even if his winnings were a mere dollar. So, that leaves gardening of the big three. He was as passionate about developing a prairie as he was about more formal garden areas. And what was summer without homegrown tomatoes! One year, he even grew Brussels sprouts. Typically, the rabbits got the carrots and radishes…but he planted them each year, none-the-less. Fred made people promise not to say something like “he lost a courageous battle with cancer” but please know he faced the inevitable in the same way he approached life…with grace and dignity. He was an organized, strategic thinker…at home, at work, at the card table and even at the end of his life. Know too, his sense of humor was intact. Shortly after being diagnosed, he read that in the United Kingdom, Eric Idle’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” from the Monty Python film, The Life of Brian, had become (and still is) the most popular song to be played at funerals…beating out Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” His favorite song in the last several weeks was Albert King singing, everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die. A Celebration and Remembrance will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Davians in Menomonee Falls. The address is N56 W16300 Silver Spring Drive. Gifts in Fred’s memory can be on-line or by mail to: Charlie Bessette Scholarship Fund newvisionwilderness.com/charlie_bessette_scholarship_fund Caring Bridge caringbridge.org Planned Parenthood of WI
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