Maurice D. Sanville
Maurice D. Sanville, 90, of Irasburg, died peacefully at his home, with his wife, Joanne, and his children by his side. The family was able to have him at his home, which he so treasured and found comfort in.
He was born on October 31, 1935, the son of Margaret Lackard Sanville, and Jasper Sanville, who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Joanne (Lebeau) Sanville; four children: Michael (Donna) Sanville, Donna (Marvin) Cooke, Brian (Marianne) Sanville, and Cindy (Robert Harrison) Sanville. He leaves eight grandchildren: Jeremy DeLabruere, Jim, Jessica, and Jenna Sanville, Koah and Skyler Gray, and Fawnda and Justin Sanville. He has 17 great-grandchildren. He also leaves the mother of his children, Odessa Sanville. He was predeceased by his brother Harvey Sanville and his sister Dorothy Hart.
Maurice lived in Irasburg all of his life. Maurice graduated at Orleans High School. He worked at Ethan Allen a short time, and then was a parts man for Ken Frawley. But the job that he loved most was when D&M Sanville Excavating was started, working only part time to start, on evenings and weekends with his partner Dustin. Eventually, they became a full-time business. In 2004, Maurice became the sole owner of D&M Sanville Excavating. He was proud of his clean trucks working in the community, and his favorite job was demolition, which he was well known for. He had his Special Right-Hand Man, John Harlamert, working beside him. Mr. Harlamert helped Maurice work right to the age of 89, last year. Maurice had the successful business for 50 years.
His favorite pastimes were spending time with friends and family, riding motorcycles, camping, listening to music, dancing, and enjoying dining out.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 19, at 11 a.m., at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Orleans. Followed by a Celebration of Life at Maurice’s home at 186 Alexander Lane, Irasburg.
If friends desire, a memorial contribution in Maurice Sanville’s name may be made to Orleans VNA and Hospice Care, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport.
Norman Quirion
Norman R. Quirion, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, coworker, and friend, died peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters on June 1, 2026, at the age of 84.
Norman was born on April 24, 1942, in North Troy, to Lucienne Robillard and Gerard Quirion. Norman spent his early years in Vermont before moving to Connecticut. Norman and his wife, Madeleine (Brault) Quirion raised their family in South Windsor, Connecticut.
Norman is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Madeleine (Brault) Quirion; his daughters: Christine Quirion and Karen Lane; his granddaughter Hailey Lane; his siblings: Irene Quirion and Raymond Quirion; and his son-in-law Christopher Rosol. He also leaves behind extended family members in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Vermont, as well as friends, neighbors, and coworkers who were touched by his kindness and friendship.
Norman and Madeleine built a happy life centered on family, hard work, and friendship, with many cherished memories.
Norman served his country as a member of the National Guard and found opportunities to help people throughout his life.
Norman worked at King Construction for 40 years operating all types of heavy equipment. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478. Norman’s strong work ethic, commitment to doing the job right, and practical knowledge earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike.
Norman found great joy in spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Hailey, whom he faithfully chauffeured to school, activities, and wherever she needed to be for many years.
Norman possessed a remarkable ability to build or fix just about anything — from cars, swing sets, construction equipment, and toys to the occasional broken heart. Whether solving a problem, lending a hand, or simply listening, he approached life with patience and generosity.
Norman and Madeleine returned to Newport Center in their early retirement. They spent their later years in East Hartford and Broadbrook, Connecticut.
Norman enjoyed classic cars, classic country music, working outdoors and around the house, and spending time with four-legged friends.
A celebration of life will be held with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance or Habitat for Humanity.
Raymond J. Ostiguy
Raymond J. Ostiguy of Lowell, died peacefully on May 29, 2026, in his home surrounded by his loving family.
Raymond was born on May 3, 1947, in St. Albans. He joins his parents, Roland and Lucille Ostiguy; paternal grandparents, Reàl and Marie Ostiguy; maternal grandparents, Raymond and Della Wright Nutting; and many other loved ones and friends.
Raymond grew up farming in Fairfax. He treasured the memories of his youth. Haying and logging with “King and Queen,” their horse team, fishing trips with Reàl and his father, deer camp, his many trips to Canada, and drag racing his Pontiac. He fondly remembered being the first house on the street to get a television set.
Raymond was a brilliant man with a sharp mind. Always finding turnkey approaches to seemingly impossible jobs. He helped his father run Roland’s Roadside Service and their tractor sales and service for Allis-Chalmers. He then moved into well drilling for North East. He was the original “Million Mile Man,” driving the entire east coast as the lead service tech. Loving water works so much, he founded New England Water Systems Inc. in 1989. Two years later, he and his then wife, Stephanie, welcomed their first-born daughter. Three years after, they welcomed their second and final daughter, completing their family. Being a father was his absolute favorite thing. He was a devoted family man and loving father, always making sure his “girls” were taken care of.
Raymond became a local legend in the mountains of Vermont. If one couldn’t figure out what was wrong, they’d give Ray a call. There was never a problem he could not figure out how to fix and he never left until his clients were cared for. Oftentimes he would spend endless days at properties and put his own life in danger just to get the job done.
Raymond worked in the business up until his daughter Magen made him take it easier and become her advisor at 74. He then spent his time fishing, bird watching, cutting firewood, and going antiquing. A self-proclaimed nature boy, he enjoyed his land and wildlife thoroughly.
Always curious where the next job would be right up until his final days. Asking, “Do I need to show you how it’s done?” To which family members would laugh and get him a pen and paper so he could depict the inner workings of every system.
Raymond truly enjoyed visiting with friends and family. He loved to visit with his grandchildren, hear about their lives, newest endeavors, and watching them play.
Raymond is survived by his daughters: Aleshia Doyon and Magen Ostiguy; sons-in-law: Jordan Doyon and Tyson Palmer Jr.; sister Judy “Sophie” Ostiguy Benware and her husband, Michael Benware; and grandchildren: Emma Doyon, Caleb Doyon, Hattie Ostiguy-Palmer, Reàl Ostiguy-Palmer, Cohen Ostiguy-Palmer, and Deacon Ostiguy-Palmer.
The immediate family will honor him by celebrating his life. To honor his memory, the family recommends planting a fruit tree or a rose bush, or simply finding time to cast a line in the water and enjoy the simpler things in life.
William E. Gilding
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that his family announces the peaceful death of William E. Gilding on June 2, 2026, at the age of 90. William, affectionately known as Bill, left this world surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on November 25, 1935, in Portland, Maine, Bill was the beloved son of Ruth and David Gilding. His brother Victor Gilding predeceased him.
Bill shared a remarkable journey of 71 years with his beloved wife, Dorine C. Gilding, who predeceased him. Bill is survived by his devoted children: Michael Gilding and partner, Divina Lara, of Daytona Beach, Florida; Mark Gilding and wife, Rejeanne Gilding, of St. Albans; and Dianne Jacobs and husband, Jimmy Jacobs, of Derby. His legacy extends through seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
A graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy, Bill embarked on a distinguished career at Passumpsic Savings Bank in St. Johnsbury, where he began working at the tender age of 16. His dedication saw him rise to the position of vice president, retiring at the age of 58, after establishing a new branch in Newport. Bill’s commitment to community service was unparalleled; he served as a special police officer in Newport for 12 years, a volunteer firefighter (assistant chief) for 25 years, and a founding father of the Newport City Ambulance Service, where he volunteered for 23 years.
Bill’s passion for public service included serving on the Sacred Heart School Board for 10 years and the Diocesan School Board for five years. His contributions to civic life included serving as a Newport City Councilman, with one year as president, and as a justice of the peace. He was a respected member of the Vermont Association of County Judges and the National Judges Association, serving as an Assistant Judge from 1996 to 1999.
An avid deer hunter, Bill found joy in the great outdoors. He was also known for his love of the microphone, seizing any opportunity to share one of his hundreds of jokes, much to the dismay of his wife, Dorine.
A graveside service to honor and celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13, at 12:15 p.m. at St. Edwards Cemetery, 950 Elm St., Derby Line. A celebration of life will follow from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Vermont Pie and Pasta on Derby Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Newport City Ambulance Service, a cause dear to Bill’s heart. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at both North Country Hospital in Newport, and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, New Hampshire, for their compassionate care.
Bill’s legacy of love, laughter, and service will forever echo in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him. May he rest in peace, reunited with his beloved Dorine, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
“Walking” Roger Charles Elkins
“Walking” Roger Charles Elkins of Cooper Landing, Alaska, died on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, after a brief illness. Roger was born August 18, 1943, in Winooski, where he also grew up. There he excelled in sports and was a Golden Gloves boxer. Upon arriving in Stowe, he took advantage of all it had to offer. An avid skier, biker, hiker, golfer, and fisherman, he could often be found canoeing in Cotton Brook. He was a member of the Stowe Country Club for 20 years and both held and played many tournaments there. He lived in several places in town, at first in his tent and eventually below his business at the Stowe Center. He always had something wise or kind to say. For over 15 years, he owned and ran Ladies Invited with Norma, where locals met for the camaraderie, famous cheesesteaks, shrimp cocktail, fresh squeezed OJ, and music. On his days off, he loved dining on a rack of lamb at Isle de France.
Twenty three years ago, Roger moved to Cooper Landing, Alaska, to live his dream with some of the best fishing in the world while living in a small cabin with a cat, a friendly eagle on the roof, and grizzly bears all around. He was a devoted member of the community, starting the recycling facility, helping at the library, and supporting every business and nonprofit. Roger was a unique individual, who loved walking, fishing, recycling, and animals. He was kind and generous. People identified him as “Walking Roger” because he walked everywhere. Rain or shine, summer or winter, Roger was seen walking the paths and roads of Cooper Landing, hands in pockets, wearing his shorts, and strolling without a care in the world.
Roger will long be remembered for his love of fishing. Every evening he would launch his raft from Jim’s landing and float the Kenai River, trolling for the elusive 30-inch rainbow trout. A friend to all the fishing guides, he enjoyed discussing the color and size of the bead that was most appealing to the trout at the time. In this way, he met many people, either on the river or hitching a ride back to Jim’s.
His love of fishing can be traced back to his first fishing experience. At age 13, Roger’s uncle took him fishing, but it happened to be a weekday, when school was in session. That day, Roger caught one of the biggest fish ever caught. It was so big the local paper published a photo of his accomplishment. Unfortunately, the school principal saw it and realized Roger had played truant.
Not only will he be dearly missed by his fishing friend but also by the animals of Cooper Landing. On his walks he always carried dog treats for canine friends. He was always on the lookout for injured or abandoned animals. His beloved cat was a stray and for several years he had a bird he nursed back to health after an injury.
Roger was predeceased by his parents, Charles Roger Elkins Sr. and Charlotte Viola Sprout Elkins, his brother Jason Elkins, and beloved Aunt Kitty and Uncle Lyman who would join him fishing on the Willoughby River. He is survived by his sister Kimberly Francis, and cousins Jeff in Underhill, Greg in South Carolina, Cas in Ohio, as well as his dear friend Norma and countless friends in Stowe, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Alaska.
There will be a celebration of life on Sunday June 7, at Cooper Landing Community Center from 3-6 p.m. Roger’s life will be celebrated as he would have wanted with lots of stories and laughter. A graveside service will be held at the Cooper Landing Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Roger’s memory can be made to Streamwatch or the Cooper Landing Community Club, who will take over Roger’s recycling efforts.
Join family and friends for a memorial in Roger’s honor on Monday, June 29, at the Elmore State Park pavilion at 3 p.m. to raise a glass and share some tales. BYOB and bring something for the table as well as stories and photos. Come join in a gathering, enjoy some fond memories, and help send Roger off on his final journey.
Barbara J. Compton
Barbara J. Compton, 89, of Barton, died and left this world on June 6, 2026. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jim Compton, and her brother-in-law Robert Compton. She is survived by her brother Stanley Turcotte; by her daughter Adrianne Hutchin and her husband, Dennis, and her grandchildren: Steven, Randall, Jimmie, Phoenix, and Amethyst. Also, by her son Alvin Simard and his wife, Paulette, and grandchildren Jenifer and Joseph. She leaves behind great-grandchildren in Vermont and Connecticut.
She spent her life caring for her loved ones, some until their own passing. She was a mother figure to many and will live on in their cherished memories. She tried her best to give love to those who needed it the most. The world is a better place for having known her.
There will be no public services as per her wishes. Donations in her. honor may be made to the Halo Foundation, or NEKCAN of Orleans and Caledonia Counties.
Helen Mae (Armstrong) Bowen
Helen Mae (Armstrong) Bowen, 88, of Newport Center, died on April 27, 2026, in Newport. She was born on September 19, 1937, in Newport, the daughter of the late Warren and Lillian (Mitchem) Armstrong.
Helen worked at Newport Town School as a hot lunch cook before moving to Florida, where she continued her career in food service. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, traveling across the country, and attending music jams. She was a proud member of the Newport Center Home Dem. Above all, Helen cherished time with her family and friends; her door was always open, and she delighted in sharing meals, music, and conversation with those she loved.
She is survived by her daughters: Jean Hammond and her husband, Charles, and Debra Bowen; her grandsons: Christopher Hammond and his wife, Emily, and Jesse Hammond and his partner, Hannah; and her great-grandchildren Madison, Tyler, and Weston Hammond.
She was predeceased by her husband, Glen Bowen, her parents, and son-in-law Steve Register.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Newport Center Cemetery with Reverend David Lisner officiating. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held at the East Main Street Baptist Church in Newport. If friends desire, memorial contributions in Helen’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
COMMITTAL
Richard Emmet Chaffee and Shirleymae Mary Chaffee
Interment services for Richard Emmet Chaffee Jr., (April 1, 1941 – January 7, 2026) and Shirleymae Mary Chaffee (January 2, 1938 – April 23, 2026) will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 1000 Coventry Street, Newport, on Saturday, June 13, at 10 a.m.
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