Lois Willis
Lois I. Willis, 96, of Newport Center, died on February 1, 2025, in Newport. She was born on December 11, 1928, in Newport Center, to the late Carroll and Alice (Perkins) Rollins. On June 8, 1945, she married Carroll Willis Jr., who predeceased her on September 12, 1959.
Lois spent over 25 years as a dietitian at the old and new North Country Hospital. She also worked at Troy Village School serving hot lunch. She loved her Advent Christian Church and was very involved in all its functions, including holding many positions in the church. She had a beautiful alto singing voice; she enjoyed singing in the church with her husband and mother. Among her hobbies, she enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, and playing Yahtzee. She also loved her family visits.
She is survived by her daughters: Sandra Hilliker and husband, Robert, of Newport Center, Kay Sanborn and husband, Michael, of Claremont, New Hampshire, her daughter-in-law Joyce Willis of South Paris, Maine; her sister Avis Rollins of Newport Center; grandchildren: Julie Duckett and husband, Tait, of Charles City, Iowa, Tammi Lantagne and husband, Reginald, of Newport Center, Tara Selby and husband, Sean, of Morgan, Gretchen Coombs and husband, Tim, of Waterford, Maine; Mary Craig and Susan Sanborn of Claremont, New Hampshire; great-grandchildren: Alexis and Kevin Lantagne, Dija and Kristchan Selby; Emily, Erik, and Ethan Duckett, Katelyn, Ashley, and Billy Marshall, Riley and Colby Craig, great-great-granddaughters: Ellorie, Adel-eye, and Azalea; step-grandchildren: Michael Hilliker and wife, Aimee, of Weatherford, Texas, Matthew Hilliker and wife, Amy, of Coventry; step-great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Aria, Dominic Hilliker, and Nathan Gibbs; Madison Hilliker; step-great-great-grandsons: Oaklee and Ben, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Carroll Willis,Jr.; her sister Marion Cicero; her son Mahlon Willis; and grandson Gregory Willis.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Newport Center Advent Christian Church, with Reverend Chris Barton officiating. Interment will follow at Newport Center Cemetery. If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Newport Center Advent Christian Church, P.O. Box 136, Newport Center, Vermont 05857. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.
Alden Blanchard
Alden E. Blanchard, 96, of Newport, died in his home on February 2, 2025, in the company of his loving nieces. He was born in Newport on September 28, 1928, the beloved son of Clarence and Annie Blanchard.
Alden was the only son and had six sisters by whom he was much loved and he was fondly referred to as “brother.” As part of a large close-knit family, Alden had wonderful recollections of growing up in northern Vermont — skiing/tobogganing and other adventures with his sisters, as well as large family gatherings over his mother’s delicious meals. He attended school in Newport, and as a youth, he harvested ice blocks from Lake Memphremagog as an early job, drove a truck line to Massachusetts, and then joined his father’s plumbing business, C. C. Blanchard’s Plumbing and Heating, later branching off into his own plumbing business.
He had an early talent and love for skiing which brought him to Jay Peak Ski Area, where he became a popular ski instructor in the early 1960s. He worked with Walter Foeger, Austrian ski pro and general manager of Jay Peak (who was later inducted into the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame), teaching the revolutionary Natur Teknik method of ski instruction. This technique was new to this country and was eventually taught at 13 other U.S. ski areas at the time, and guaranteed you’d be downhill parallel skiing in only a week or your money back. Alden was featured in the early 1965 Jay Peak instructional film “The Eagle” demonstrating the Natur Teknik. Later, Alden worked for Weyerhaeuser, the new owner of Jay Peak, and was instrumental in the development of the first air tram in Vermont at the top of Jay, as well as maintaining the base lodge and lift.
Becoming a certified pilot during his Jay Peak career, Alden built his first airplane in his cellar and garage: a single-seat bi-plane designed after a World War I German fighter plane. This was featured in the Newport Daily Express as it was transported in sections via flatbed through Main Street in Newport on its way to the airport for its maiden flight in 1974. Obtaining his mechanic license, commercial pilot, and flight instructional license, Alden also worked as a bush pilot ferrying clients to remote Canadian lakes for fishing and as a corporate pilot for Newport Executive Air. He was also the private pilot for Gerald Bull, the man behind Space Research Corporation, in North Troy. After 17 years working at Jay Peak, with 11 years being for Weyerhaeuser, he began work with the National Air Services Incorporated at the Newport airport, establishing the electrical repair shop and providing flight instruction.
Alden shared his love of flight by teaching countless students to fly. He was, by all accounts, a gifted instructor, generous with both his time and expertise. His instruction provided a solid foundation in flying, with many of his students going on to successful careers in aviation, as well as those who have pursued flying for pleasure and purpose. Shortly after his career move to the airport, Alden became the fixed-base operator and manager for the Newport State Airport. He was assisted by his wife, Marilyn, who helped transform the airport with her hard work and skillful feminine touch, in addition to overall bookkeeping. They were a true partnership in running the airport and flying together for business and pleasure. Alden continued running the airport for over 20 years, retiring in 2001. He was a member of the Pilots International Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, Marilyn, as well as his large network of friends, many of whom he had taught to fly. His interest in aviation continued as he enjoyed sharing his wealth of expertise, donating his garage to assist a friend in building his own custom-built plane. He was always working on a project, as he could build or fix anything. He and his wife enjoyed time to travel and to spend with family, as well as their beloved cats. A highlight of 2024 was sharing the total solar eclipse from his front yard with his dear friend Betsey, with whom he had made “The Eagle” ski movie 60 years prior, her husband, and Alden’s friend, Terry.
Alden was known and will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, huge bear hugs, marvelous sense of humor, generosity of his time and talent, love of friends, family, good food, sense of adventure, and courage.
Alden was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Annie Blanchard, son Dana Blanchard, first wife, Elva (Spaulding) Blanchard, second wife, Marilyn (Wilson) Blanchard, his six sisters: Marjorie Marois, Gwendolyn Benaroya, Muriel (“Dolly”) Hudson, Delle Reilly, Jan (Alta) Allison, Claire Blanchard, and his niece Jane Housewright.
Alden is survived by his stepchildren David Painter of Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada, Nancy Saunders and Grant Painter of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and John Painter of the U.S. He is also survived by several loving nieces and a nephew: Lauren Fisher and husband, Stephen, of Connecticut, Cynthia Miezis and husband, Ron, of Maryland, Martha Wells and husband, Randy, of Florida; Anne Schultz of Maryland, Anne Olson of Newport, and David Reilly of Oklahoma.
His family would like to give special thanks to Terry Grenier and Rita Fortin, his wonderful and attentive caregivers of the last several years, who he loved and who loved him as family, enabling him to remain in his home. Much thanks also goes to Orleans/Essex Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Incorporated for their compassionate care of Alden and their support to his family.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 4473 Barton Orleans Road, Orleans, Vermont 05861.
A celebration of Alden’s life and legacy is planned for early June 2025 in Newport, with the specific date and time to be published at a later date. Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
James A. Conley
James A. Conley, 67, of Barton, died on February 13, 2025. During his short illness, he was under the constant care and companionship of his loving family.
James was better known as “Jim” in the community and often went by “Sam” among immediate family members.
In the summer, Jim could be found walking, biking, kayaking, or twisting the throttle on his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle. He really loved motorcycles, muscle cars, John Wayne, and Andy Griffith.
Jim was the godfather of the dad joke, and a masterclass prankster. He had a unique yet recognizable wit, an infectious laugh, and was a real lover of simple living.
Jim had a lifelong career of 48 years at Ethan Allen Manufacturing in Orleans. He could be counted on to “make it happen” and get the job done. This was at his job, and in life. He was always there with a strong back and a helping hand for family and friends.
Jim was an outstanding father to his only child, Christine, and always made her his priority. She was the apple of his eye.
Jim married the love of his life, Debra, in 2014. He loved spending time with her and adored her to the fullest. He recognized her immeasurable worth as a partner and friend, and knew he had found great love.
Jim had too many great friends to name, but his closest friends were his brothers and sisters.
He was predeceased by his sister Anna Conley in 2009, and his sister Mary Politano in 2011.
His other siblings are Jesse Conley Jr., and his wife, Karen, of Barton; David Conley and his wife, Cheryl, of Brighton; John Conley and his wife, Gloria, of Barton; Rose Conley of Sanford, Maine; and Jane Handley of Littleton, New Hampshire.
James was predeceased by his mother, June Conley Lewis, in 1994; his father, Jesse Conley Sr., in 2020; his nephew Charlie Royer in 2007; and his niece Laurie Landry in 2025.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife, Debra; his daughter Christine Aldrich and her husband, Roderic, of Brownington; his beautiful grandchildren Troy Norton and Natalie Norton, whom he was so proud to call his grandchildren. Jim had a large group of nieces and nephews who he loved and appreciated so much. A special thank-you to them for their unwavering support for Debra and Christine through Jim’s illness.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center North in St. Johnsbury, and to the staff at North Country Primary Care office of Barton/Orleans.
Condolences may be sent to Debra Conley, P.O. Box 175, Barton, Vermont 05822 and Christine Aldrich, 81 Dutton Brook Lane, Brownington, Vermont 05860.
In his honor, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. James was a long-time contributor to their cause.
There will be a service at the burial site at 11 a.m. on May 17 at Pleasant View Cemetery, in Orleans. Online condolences can be made at curtis-britch.com.
David Dittner
David John Dittner, 63, of Island Pond, died peacefully with family at his side on February 4, 2025, after a twelve-year battle with stage four prostate cancer. He was born on May 3, 1961, to Herbert and Beryle Dittner. Originally residing in the coastal town of Niantic, Connecticut, he was a 1979 graduate of East Lyme High School and a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Niantic. He operated a lawncare/landscaping business and D&D Apartment Rentals with his brother Danny Dittner for 20 years.
His passion for snowmobiling brought him to the Northeast Kingdom (NEK), where he and Danny bought the former Clyde River Hotel and Restaurant in Island Pond, operating from 2001-2012. David loved socializing with his guests and often went snowmobiling with them throughout the NEK.
David enjoyed helping people in the communities where he lived. He helped with the Holiday Light Parade in Niantic, including dressing as the Grinch and walking with the parade. He delivered Meals on Wheels in Brighton and became a volunteer driver for Rural Community Transportation (RCT) from 2013-2024, until he became too ill.
David’s mother also moved to Vermont to be with her sons after the passing of her husband, David’s father. David played an integral role in caregiving for his mother. Family was a priority for him, and he did so much with his mother, brother, and long-time friend, Debbie Stough, of Island Pond.
Although loving the peacefulness the mountains provided, David couldn’t give up his love for the ocean. Boating became a great source of family enjoyment, with excursions on his and Danny’s boat on Long Island Sound and along the East Coast from New Jersey to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Being an outdoorsman, he took pride in his gardens. He also enjoyed camping and always looked forward to the time spent with his sister, Sandra Summers, of East Lyme, Connecticut, and her family. His great-nieces and -nephews filled his heart with love and gave him so much joy. They brought out the “kid” spirit in David.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to oncologist Dr. Leslie Lockridge, of Newport, for his dedication to innovative cancer treatments, his attention to David’s care, and his determination to fight David’s cancer up until the very end.
The family would also like to extend their appreciation to outpatient services at North Country Hospital, Dr. Ades and his team at The University of Vermont Medical Center, the visiting nurses of Orleans County, and a very personal thank-you for the beautiful and respectful end-of-life care provided by the Jack Burns Palliative Lodge at Dartmouth.
David is survived by his mother, Beryle Dittner, brother Danny Dittner and his wife, Sarah, all of Island Pond, sister Sandra Summers and her husband, Daniel of East Lyme, girlfriend Debbie Stough of Island Pond, niece Kristin Berghoff (William), and nephew Frank Summers (Kaitlin), all of East Lyme, niece Christine Noll of Bath, Maine, nephew Thomas Noll of Island Pond, and great-nieces and -nephews William, Nathan, Lucas, and Emma Berghoff, and Mason and Addison Summers, all of East Lyme. He had many cousins and was especially close with Eric Dittner of Tennessee and Karl Dittner (predeceased) of East Lyme. He was predeceased by his father, Herbert Dittner. David drew his courage from his father who gallantly fought his own cancer battle.
Donations can be made in David’s honor to The Patient Caring Fund, P.O. Box 838, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences can be left at curtis-britch.com. A memorial service will be held on May 3 at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Niantic.
Norman Flint
Norman Mark Flint was born June 8, 1934, in Braintree. He was the son of Mark Norton Flint and Marjorie (McCellan) Flint. He died peacefully in his sleep with his loving family by his side on February 10, 2025.
He grew up in Randolph and went to school in Randolph Center at Randolph High School. He married Jean Elizabeth Parker on January 1, 1955, in South Royalton. He worked at Blanchard’s Saw Mill in Woodstock, Dewey’s Woolen Mill, and Randolph Furniture Company. Norman changed his career and started farming for the Abbotts at WeSeven Farm in Randolph Center, then farmed in Brookfield from 1962 to 1976. They purchased a farm in Albany in 1976 where they farmed until he semi-retired in 2000. They sold their machinery and livestock and leased the farm until they sold it in 2014.
After semi-retiring, Norman enjoyed working in the woods. He was an avid hunter, even making it into the Vermont Big Game Trophy Club. Norman shot his last deer at the age of 87. He loved to hunt deer and turkeys with his bow and arrows, rifle, and muzzleloader. He also loved going to fiddle meets and dancing on Saturday nights.
Norman was predeceased by his parents, two brothers Roderick and Douglas, and his sister Jean Colson. He lost a son, Steven Flint, in 1985. He is survived by his wife, Jean, a son Raymond (Randy) Flint, his wife, Kim, of Albany, and a daughter Sandra (Sandy) Cutting and her husband, Allen, of Irasburg. Norman had seven grandchildren: Tonya, Tammy, Steven, David, Shannon, Derek, and John. He had 15 great-grandchildren: Frankie (Felicia) Jordan, McKenna, Brayden, Brianna, Brandon, Keira, Alyssa, Emily, Jackson, Kyleigh, Madison, Emalynn, Braylee, and Eddie, and by two-great-great grandchildren Paisly and Lincoln. At Norman’s request, there will be no calling hours. Funeral services were held at the Albany Community Church on Saturday February 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. followed by a luncheon. Spring interment will take place in the Albany Cemetery. Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Nicholas Pion
Nicholas Ronnie Pion, 33, of Irasburg, died unexpectedly on February 7, 2025, in Burlington following complications from a stroke. He was born on October 4, 1991, in Newport. He was the most loving and devoted single father to his 8-year-old son Caiden Pion.
Nicholas graduated from North Country Union High School, class of 2009, alongside with his best friend Maci Brewster. He had a deep love of farming and worked for Nelson Farm for several years and Robillard Flats Farm in Irasburg with his dad. He then went on to work at the Pick and Shovel for three years before starting his new job at Calkins Sand and Gravel in Coventry to spend more time with his son. He loved the family vacations to Maine and going to the ocean. He looked forward to it every year. He was a very caring person and would help anyone in need. Nick had a very deep love for all of his family.
He is also survived by his mother, Joni A. Pion, of Irasburg, his father, Ronnie Pion, and his wife, Tina, of Newport Center, brother Curtis Pion and his wife, Aja, of Orleans, sister Desrae Pion who lived with Nicholas, nieces Leila, Harleigh, and Cherish, nephews Landon, Aiden, Triton, Jayden, and Kingston, step-sisters Sierra Phillips, Robert Pothier, and Kasaundra Phillips, step-brothers Curt Wilcox, Brad, and Jason Griffith, grandparents Marlene Messier of Coventry, and Gerard and Susan Pion of Lowell. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles Anthony Little, Melissa and Mike Harbec, Stacey and Trish Pion, and Jerry and Nicole Pion, Matthew Pion, as well as his friend Travis Mclure.
He was predeceased by his grandparents Gardner and Madeline Carpenter and Leo Messier, aunts and uncles Darlene Choquette, Randy Carpenter, Terry Carpenter, George Messier, Richard Messier, and cousin Danielle Carpenter.
His family thanks everyone who has been there during this difficult time. Their hearts are broken, and lives will forever be changed learning to live without their precious Nicholas.
Nicholas was an organ donor and saved three lives by donating his kidneys and liver the day he died.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the hour of the funeral at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Derby. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.
Roberta Ann Swift
Roberta Ann Swift, 85, died on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community in Windsor. Born April 3, 1939, in Fresno, California, Roberta was the only child of Robert and Marjory Ann (Greening) Miller. Raised in the northern California foothills near Auburn, California, she attended Brigham Young University in Utah and later received her bachelor of arts degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
While working at the University of California Los Angeles in the 1960s, she met her future husband, E. Howland Swift. They were married in Santa Cruz, California, in 1960. In 1972, when their two sons were in grade school, the family set off on an adventure and lived aboard a sailing sloop in the Virgin Islands for two years.
The family moved from California to Virginia, Maryland, and then New York as Howland’s career took them from West to East. Roberta and Howland enjoyed living the past ten winters in Green Valley, Arizona, and summers at their family home in Westmore.
Roberta was an avid reader and taught herself genealogy as a hobby. She was an excellent cook and took great pride in creating gourmet dinners. She and Howland traveled extensively, immersing themselves in the arts, culture, and cuisine of places they visited throughout the United States and abroad.
She is survived by her husband, E. Howland Swift, of Westmore; children: Susan Swift and husband, Brent O’Malley, of British Columbia, Canada, Loren Swift Merritt and husband, Scott Merritt, of Nevada City, California, Josh Swift of Kent, Connecticut, and Ethan Swift and wife, Annsunee Swift, of Westmore; five grandchildren Iona, Anya, Zoe, Uma, and Isa Swift; along with other relatives and friends.
A private family celebration of Roberta’s life will be held this coming summer.
Online condolences may be made at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
Kevin White
Kevin M. White of Newport died unexpectedly on February 4, 2025, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.
He was born May 13, 1962, son of Olive White and the late Ronald “Joe” White of Newport. Another big part of Kevin’s life, along with the family, was Ralph Longley, who he knew for forty years.
Kevin struggled for many years with epilepsy. He was very active in his life even with his disability, which did not stop him from doing anything. In his younger years, he participated in the Vermont Special Olympics, receiving many medals and awards. One thing he loved to do was go hunting with Steve, who he thought of as a brother. He also enjoyed gardening and listening to music. He would dance every time he heard music, no matter where he was.
In his younger years, he worked at the Long Branch Restaurant. He attended North Country Union High School, Crotched Mountain School, and received a diploma from Green Meadows School.
Kevin is survived by his mother, Olive White, of Newport, his special sister Heidi and her husband, Steve Mayo, of Newport, his niece Emily Mayo and fiancé, Stephen Richer, and their two children Ryan and Paige of Essex, his aunt Gloria Choquette of North Troy, and many cousins.
He is also survived by his second family. His roommates were like brothers to him at the group home and the caring staff at the group home meant a lot to him.
Kevin had a special friend, Michelle Olden, and together they attended dances at Northeast Kingdom Mental Health and dressed in costumes for holidays.
Friends and family may call at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road in Newport on Saturday, February 22, from 10 a.m. until noon. Memorial contributions may be made in Kevin’s memory to Orleans Essex Special Olympics, in care of Mary Ellen Maclure, 50 Concord Avenue, Newport, Vermont 05855. A celebration of his life will be held at the convenience of the family. Online condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com.
Clodius Harris Willis Jr.
Clodius Harris Willis Jr. was born on August 4, 1937, in Schenectady, New York, and died on February 10, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 87 years of age.
He was the youngest child to Clodius Sr. (Lignum, Virginia) and Katherine Vaughan Willis (Richmond, Virginia). Clodius graduated from Princeton High School in 1955, where he was happy to be inducted into the school’s hall of fame at the age of 70 for his contributions to the state champion high school track team from 1952-1955.
Hitchhiking himself to his interview at Amherst College, he enrolled and studied French language and excelled at varsity soccer, graduating in 1959. He went on to study linguistics and phonology at the University of Rochester, where he not only earned his doctorate, but also met the love of his life, Maxine Cooper Willis. They got married in the scenic mountains outside of Pittsburgh where she grew up, and they spent their honeymoon at Lake Willoughby, a place that continues to be special for his whole family. His education and academic prowess led him to several teaching positions, including implementing French-immersion education in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and at the University of Richmond. He then changed career directions and became a skilled software engineer, drawing on his linguistic understanding of language and syntax.
People are multifaceted and can show up differently as time, health, and other circumstances change. This was all true of Clodius. He once described himself as preferring to take pleasure in accomplishments over seeking fun. When faced with unrelenting health challenges, he once shared that his motto was, “Choose life and stand tall.” Although he was sparing in expression of his thoughts and feelings, he exhibited great depth to both when he allowed himself to express it to others. This depth showed up in a love of his family, including his sisters and their children. More so, it showed up in his actions and accomplishments, which he would proudly share with those he loved most. Such accomplishments included planning elaborate and special family vacations, building one-of-a-kind beautiful wooden objects for the home, playing classical guitar, learning to use a hand loom and weaving lovely useful textiles, and baking Parisian delicacies before they were available in the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In addition, he made time to explore and learn about what his children loved to do, whether it was supporting playing soccer or learning to portage a canoe. He was very sharp and well read. With these skills combined he could be quite a wit, especially with the written word. He was one who believed in working towards peace in the world. May his spirit rest peacefully, bring peace to each of those who loved him, and contribute to peace in the world. He is survived by his wife, Maxine; sons Henry (Sukanya) and Sam (Jeremy); three grandchildren Neelkumar, Anisha, and Dahlia; two of his sisters Lee and Sally; and many nieces and nephews. His family is thankful for the support provided by his caregivers and doctors. A family service was held at Rodef Shalom in Pittsburgh. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory where he volunteered at Adams County Habitat for Humanity: https://habitatforhumanityadamscountypa.org/ or the charity of one’s choice.
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