Obituaries

Audrey Cecilia (Perkins) Penniman - Obituary

Audrey Cecillia (Perkins) Penniman, age 86, of Miles Pond, North Concord, Vt, passed away suddenly, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., on Tuesday Aug. 15, 2017.

She was born on March 16, 1931, in St. Johnsbury, the daughter of Stanley Onley Perkins and Cecillia Erskine Cowden. She was raised on Pumpkin Hill in Danville. She graduated from Danville High School in 1949. After high school, she began her nursing career at Brightlook Hospital School of Nursing, but shortly after the school closed and she transferred to Barre City Hospital School of Nursing in Barre graduating as an RN in 1952. She also attended the Boston Floating Hospital, studying Pediatric Nursing that year. She worked at Brightlook Hospital in St. Johnsbury until 1972, when it closed, finishing the rest of her career at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. She was a nurse for 47 years.

After retirement, she became a Hospice volunteer for Caledonia Home Healthcare Hospice, serving for more than 11 years as a hospice volunteer and receiving the Hospice Volunteer of the year award in 2007. Her life was devoted to helping everyone, including many special friends on Miles Pond. She was also a devoted member of the Grace United Methodist Church in St. Johnsbury, Vt. from 1954 to present.

After graduating from nursing school, she married Robert Corliss and they had twin sons: Gary and Gregory Corliss. In 1968, she married Howard Penniman, who was the love of her life.

She was predeceased by her parents, her special “Dad” Wallace Perkins and her husband Howard Penniman.

She is survived by her twin sons: Gary and wife Sharlene Corliss of North Concord and Gregory Corliss of Bishop, CA; a special step-son Robert Penniman and wife Linda of Jericho; a brother Grant Perkins of CA; Grandchildren: Ian Penniman (Moira), Kyle Penniman, Amie Wright (Michael), Frank Fellows, Anne Knights, Donna Santo (Toby) and Lorie Demas (Shawn).

Other survivors include 9 great-grandchildren: Peydon, Dylan and Delanie Wright; Brandon Whitcher; Serena Knights; Kaylee and Faith Santo; Angelena Kelly and Tyler Demas; and great-great-grandchildren: Brooke, Emerson, Malikai, AJ and soon to be little Braydon.

At the request of Audrey, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at the Danville Green Cemetery in Danville, Vt. on Saturday Aug. 19, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Rev. James Proctor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice, 161 Sherman Dr., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, or a hospice of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.saylesfh.com.

Charlie C. Myrick - Obituary
Mar 23, 2016

Charlie Myrick of North Concord passed away peacefully at his home on March 18, 2016. He was 84 years old.

Charlie was born on April 21, 1931 in Schley County, Georgia to Orville Wesley, and Olivia Lista Myrick. He was the last surviving child of 11 children. He is survived by his children; Steve Myrick, Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., John Myrick, North Danville, Vt., Andrew and his wife Deonne Myrick, Randolph, Vt., and Cyndi and her Husband Tom Briggs, Waterford, Vt. Charlie is also survived by his 14 Grandchildren; Rebecca, Ashleigh, Aaron, Alex, Maura, Sarah, Emily, Elizabeth, Olivia, Lillian, Calvin, Thad, Tyler and Tori, and seven great grandchildren.

Charlie was predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years; Calista (McGill) Myrick, his son Dennis H. Myrick, and his granddaughter Allison Myrick.

Charlie grew up in Georgia, completed high school and was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1950. He proudly served his country as a machine-gunner/ GI. in Korea and later a drill sergeant at Fort Stewart near Augusta, Georgia. After his honorable discharge he returned to his home farm in Ellaville, Georgia. He met Calista in Atlanta when she traveled there from Vermont.

Calista was visiting her brother Tyler McGill and his wife Martha (Myrick) McGill, who was also Charlie’s Sister. Charlie and Calista were married in 1954 in Atlanta and elected to move North to raise their family.

They settled first in the Parsonage at the head of the village of North Danville. They later bought a house two miles south on the North Danville Road. Charlie worked as an appliance repair man, gas station attendant, and eventually as a machinist at Vt. Tap and Die/Northeast Tool Division for 32 years. Charlie and Calista retired in the spring of 1992 and moved back to Ellaville, Georgia. They lived there for six years before returning to build their dream house on the shores of Miles Pond in North Concord.

Charlie enjoyed his family most of all, but he also sought to educate himself and others as often as possible. He was a member of the Danville School board for three terms. His most recent hobbies included boating, fishing, but mostly enjoying nature and wildlife at the pond. He loved to speak about his close encounters with nature. His favorite encounters included a Bald Eagle resting on a branch near his deck, many species of waterfowl migrating and returning each spring, playful otters, and even a bear in his car. He appreciated the natural beauty of the pond and enjoyed observing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Charlie will be remembered for his everlasting smile and his kind heart.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. on April 2 at the North Danville Baptist Church. A reception will follow the service at the church.

Sally Briggs - Obituary
Sally Lee Pratt Briggs, beloved wife, mother and friend to many, lost her battle with cancer on Thursday, Sept. 6, at age 71.

Sally was born to Anna (Anderson) and Lester Pratt in Waterbury, Conn. She graduated from Terryville High School and, in 1961, married John G. Briggs of Litchfield, Conn.

As a young wife and mother living in Connecticut, she took care of a few children in her home and took in foster children, raising them alongside her own three young children. After moving to Vermont, she and John adopted Tony and Donald making the official family size of seven!

Sally loved music and plays. She especially enjoyed kayaking and basket making with her friends Hilary Adams and Martha Davis. She had "wheels attached to her feet" and attended most every school event and extracurricular school activity, and continued doing this for her grandchildren. She was not one to pass by a yard sale and got a kick over finding a bargain at a thrift store.

Sally also devoted her life to serving others, most recently organizing events and fundraisers and serving on the Diversion Board in Essex County.

She was predeceased by her son Anthony John Briggs, her parents Lester and Anna Pratt, her infant brother John, her two sisters Eleanor Wilson and her husband Gene, Barbara Cook and her husband Albert (known as "Cookie"), her nephew David Armbruster and his father Raymond Armbruster, her beloved mother and father-in-law Frederick Clark Briggs and Mildred Irene Briggs, brothers-in-law Richard Briggs, Freddie Briggs and John Belonick.

Surviving is her husband John G. Briggs, three sons Donald C. Briggs, Michael J. Briggs and his wife MyungHui, Thomas C. Briggs and his wife Cynthia Briggs; and her daughter Lisa M. Briggs and Mike Fortier. She leaves behind grandchildren whom she loved so much and spent much time bragging about: John Frederick Urie and wife Jessica, Michael Alan Briggs, Christopher Briggs and his daughter Jasmine Briggs, Elizabeth Briggs, Tyler Briggs and Tori Briggs. She also leaves behind a beloved sister-in-law Marilyn L. Baird, her husband Kevin, and their family.

Her four sisters Joan Armbruster Lassey, Celia Belonick, Betty Chouinard and Linda Cables will miss her as only sisters can. Through tears and laughter they have loved each other and their connection is a wonder to us all. The Pratt family will miss their sister Aunt Sally and her smiles.

She will be missed by many friends and community members who will remember her for her sharp wit, her honesty, and her undying belief in service above self. The family wishes to acknowledge her many friends and co-workers she had during her many years serving senior citizens in the North Country of Vermont through the Area Agency on Aging. Thank you Ken Gordon.

Next Friday, Sept. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m., the family will receive friends at the Sayles Funeral Home. Never one to stand on ceremony, Sally also requests that family and friends gathering to celebrate her life not be too dressed up. Casual and comfortable dress is required!

In lieu of flowers and gifts, Sally suggests donations could be made to either the Gilman Senior Meal Site or the Meals On Wheels Program through the Area Agency on Aging. Please send all donations in care of Ken Gordon, 481 Summer Street, Suite 101, St Johnsbury VT 05819. Sally would appreciate if flowers were omitted.

Memories and condolences may be shared privately at www.saylesfh.com. Sayles Funeral Home is located at 525 Summer St. in St. Johnsbury.

Herman Georg Venheim
Herman Georg Venheim, 86, of Lunenburg, Vt., went on to be with his lord and savior on March 29, 2010.

Herman was born Oct. 6, 1923, in Porsgrunn, Norway to Nils A. and Ragna E. Venheim.

He joined the Royal Norwegian Navy at 17 and sailed the North Atlantic for five years and six months during World War II. After the war he married Ruth Marie Olsen.

The two had seven children and he became a successful entrepreneur in Connecticut. He retired to Lunenburg, Vt., in 1974. On his beloved farm, "Ven-View," he enjoyed making maple syrup, and cutting and milling timber in his sawmill. His greatest passion was breeding imported Norwegian Fjord horses. We will miss his big heart, loving embrace and comforting smile.

Family members include his wife, friend and helper of 42 years Helen (Merva) Venheim; his children Annette Kari Eddy of Ogden, Utah, Herman Georg Venheim Jr. of Tacoma, Wash., Randi May Steeves of Milford, Conn., John Kristian Venheim of Tigard, Ore., Nils Erik Venheim of Colorado Springs, Colo., his step-daughter Linda Colleen Simon of Cape Coral, Fla.; 25 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

His parents, siblings, his first wife Ruth, and daughters June and Ellen predeceased him.

Calling hours will be held Thursday April 1, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. A funeral service will be held Friday morning at 11 a.m. at Stone Church in Jefferson. Burial will follow in Summer Street Cemetery, Lancaster.

In lieu of flowers donations maybe made in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, attn: Gift Processing; or to the Gideans International, 5950 Lawrenceburg Road, Chaplin, KY 40012

Dennis Myrick - Obituary
Dennis H. Myrick, 54, passed away on Monday, Sept. 3, 2012. Dennis courageously battled the debilitating disease ALS, also known as Lou Gherig's Disease.

He was born on June 30, 1958, and attended the North Danville School and graduated from Danville High School. Dennis earned a business degree from Lyndon State College, a master's degree and a Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School. As a business consultant, Dennis worked with local businesses and companies. He was also an adjunct professor at Lyndon State College and CCV. Dennis was passionate about serving his community and sat on a variety of boards including: The North Danville Community Club, Catamount Arts, Crimestoppers, Good Shepherd School board, Lyndon State College Foundation, Pope Memorial Library in Danville, NVRH and the Rotary Club.

Dennis was an avid runner and completed seven marathons and countless other races. He also enjoyed painting, sailing and traveling. During the last few years during his struggle with ALS, Dennis participated in nine clinical trials in order to continue the battle against this horrid disease which has consumed several members of our community. When asked why he would continue this fight, he said, "I'm in it for the science ... anything to help researchers find a cure."

Dennis is survived by his wife, Rosaleen; and daughter, Maura; as well as his dad, Charlie; brothers Steve, John and Andy; and sister, Cyndi Briggs. He is also survived by three daughters, Alex, Aaron and Ashleigh; and grandson, Braden.

A service to celebrate Dennis' life will be Friday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m. at St. John The Evangelist Church on Main Street in St. Johnsbury. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Curtis Vance Memorial Orchard Fund or the North Danville Community Club c/o Rosaleen Myrick 1709 North Danville Road Danville, VT 05828.

Arrangements are being handled by Sayles Funeral Home.

Paul S. Cutting
All of us at the pond will mourn the passing of Paul Cutting. Below is his obituary posted in the Hartford Courant in January.

CUTTING, Paul S. Paul S. Cutting 81, of Treasure Island FL, Stafford Springs CT and Miles Pond, VT died peacefully in his sleep on January 11. Paul was born in St. Johnsbury VT on April 11, 1929 to Clifford and Helen Cutting. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1947. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts and Little League. He was married to Frances Morrison for 53 years until her death in 2002. Paul worked for Sears Roebuck for 40 years. He enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. He particularly liked spending time at his camps on Miles Pond with his four children and 10 grandchildren. He is survived by his dear companion Helen Johnston of Newton MA, daughter Leah of St. Petersburg FL, son Jeffrey and wife Karen of Thonotosassa FL, son Clifford and wife Betsy of Stafford Springs CT and daughter Joyce and husband Thomas O'Donnell of Westford MA, ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 16, David Gross Funeral Home, 6366 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL. An online memorial & guestbook is available at: www.davidcgross.com. A committal service will be held at Miles Pond, Vermont during the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to: Miles Pond Campers Association - note Paul Cutting on memo line and mail to Peter Sylveria (treasurer) 26 Congdon Avenue, Newport, RI 02840—Or—Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: note Paul Cutting on memo line and mail to BIDMC, Office of Development, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 – or online www.gratefulnation.org/donation.

Published in The Hartford Courant on January 15, 2011

Daniel Baldwin
Daniel H. “Dan” Baldwin Sr., 53, of St. Johnsbury, died suddenly Tuesday morning February 2, 2010 at Northeastern VT Regional Hospital.

He was born January 23, 1957 in Plymouth, NH, the son of Charles and Evelyn (Dunn) Baldwin. On October 22, 1975 he married Deborah Sabens. They lived in Wheelock for several years before moving to St. Johnsbury. Dan worked as an auto mechanic at Maple Center Motors in St. Johnsbury for fourteen years. He was a hard worker who was always ready to fix things and work on his home with his family. A wonderful and loving husband, father, and grandfather, Dan’s first priority was his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of thirty-four years, Deborah Baldwin of St. Johnsbury; three children, Jeannie Baldwin-Lowell and husband Ed of Farmington, ME, James Baldwin of Portland, ME, and Daniel Baldwin Jr. and wife Laura of Augusta, ME; three grandchildren, Julia, Evan, and Ryleigh; his mother, Evelyn Dunn of St. Johnsbury; four brothers, Tom Baldwin of St. Johnsbury, John Baldwin of Newport, Gabriel Baldwin of St. Johnsbury, and Victor Baldwin of St. Johnsbury; three sisters, Elaine Baldwin of Wolcott, Sharon Fuller and husband Steve of St. Johnsbury, and Gloria Daniels and husband Mark of Pennsylvania; his in-laws, Diana Carriere and husband Douglas of Claremont, NH, Linda Black of Lyndonville, Donald Sabens of Lyndonville, Kevin Sabens and wife Sharon of St. Johnsbury, and Pamela Brink and husband Alan of Lyndonville; many nieces and nephews; and several close friends. He was predeceased by his father, Charles Baldwin. Funeral services will be held Friday February 5 at 11:00 AM at South Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury with the Rev. William Schutter officiating. Spring burial will be in Lyndon Center Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. Donations made in Dan’s memory may be directed to the Marion Dane Fund, c/o Wheelock Town Clerk, P. O. Box 1328 Lyndonville, VT 05851.

Arlene M. Conner
Arlene Conner of St. Johnsbury passed away Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009 at the age of 89.
       Born in St. Johnsbury on June 14, 1920, Arlene was one of four children born to George Chester and Helen (Dean) Moulton. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1938 and worked many years as an administrative secretary for the UVM Extension Service. She and her family enjoyed camp at Miles Pond.
        Besides her husband Jerry, she was predeceased by her son David just this Oct. 20, by a brother Burt Moulton, and by a sister Marion Waterman.
    Surviving are her two grandchildren: Kristi Lawson and husband Jeremy of Sutton, Michael Conner of North Concord; 2 great-grandchildren: Alexis and Jack David Lawson; one brother Charlie Moulton and wife Madeline of St. Johnsbury; nieces, nephews and their families including locally Dianne Rolfe and husband Timothy, Joanne Bugbee and husband Michael, and Chet Moulton all of St. Johnsbury; and her sister Marion’s children Earl, George, Theresa, Marion, Gillian, and Rita.
       Services will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home Monday, Jan. 4 at 11AM. Her cremated remains will be buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in the spring.
       Contributions in her memory could be directed to Caledonia Home Health, 161 Sherman Dr., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

David R. Conner
In Memory of David R. Conner

All of us at "The Pond" will miss David very much. His friendship and generosity will forever be charished.
David R. Conner, 63, of North Concord, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday evening, Oct. 20, 2009 at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital with Lynn at his side. He was born in St. Johnsbury on Sept. 12, 1946, the son of Gerald and Arlene (Moulton) Conner. He married Lynn Chesebrough on July 9, 1994. Dave had a great love for Miles Pond and was active in the camp association there. Many may remember when Dave, Willie St. George, and Freddie Preseault owned and operated Friendly Beverage and Redemption Center on Portland St. His last job was as a dispatcher for Northern Petroleum. He belonged to American Legion Post #58. He is survived by his wife, Lynn; his mother Arlene Conner of St. Johnsbury; son Michael Conner of North Concord; daughter Kristi Lawson and husband Jeremy of Sutton; two grandchildren, Alexis Lawson and Jack David Lawson; mother-in-law Clarisse Chesebrough of East St. Johnsbury; close cousin Chet Moulton of St. Johnsbury; brothers/sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews. Family and friends will gather at Sayles Funeral Home on this Friday, Oct. 23, from 6-8 p.m. Services will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Military honors will conclude the service honoring his two tours of service for his country in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Conflict.Memorial contributions could be directed to either: American Diabetes Association, 1 Kennedy Dr., Suite L8, South Burlington VT 05403; or Vermont Heart Association, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston VT 05495. Memories and condolences may be shared at saylesfh.com. Sayles Funeral Home is located at 525 Summer St. in St. Johnsbury.