Obituaries

Obituaries January 13, 2016

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obit-AdlerAllen Howard Adler

Allen Howard Adler died on December 24, 2015, in Barton, where he resided since moving from Ridgewood, New Jersey, in 1974.

He was born on March 8, 1915, in New York City.

His father, Lewis Ferdinand Adler, was in the import/export business, and his mother, Doris (Graves) Adler, was niece to Lord Winterton, a member of Winston Churchill’s shadow cabinet.

As a young man, Mr. Adler traveled extensively with his parents, crossing the Atlantic many times by cruise ship for extended holidays in Eastern and Western Europe.

Following the crash of 1929, he worked for a year as a runner on Wall Street for DeCoppet & Doremus, a brokerage firm with a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. When that ended during the Wall Street doldrums, he went to work as a script reader for the Rialto Service Bureau in the Paramount Building in Times Square

While working, he continued his studies and was educated at New York University and Columbia University, receiving a master’s in public administration. He went to the New York City Civil Service Commission in 1936, where he spent the next 37 years, minus four for World War II military service. The Civil Service Commission’s name was later changed to the New York City Department of Personnel. He rose, via competitive examinations, to the top competitive position possible, becoming assistant personnel director for the city of New York. He retired in 1974, moving to Barton with his family shortly thereafter.

Mr. Adler went into military service in May of 1942. Following basic training, he was tapped for service with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the forerunner of the modern Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He was assigned to the OSS and worked on a number of special tasks, mostly embedded in army units. He saw service in both the European and Pacific theaters of operation, serving for four years.

Mr. Adler enjoyed two great passions: jazz and skiing. He spent many hours on New York’s famed 52nd Street, listening to the great jazzmen of the day. His collection of 78 rpm records, particularly of Duke Ellington, is one of the largest extant.

Mr. Adler began skiing in 1933 and since then he and his wife, Joan, whom he married in 1958, have skied almost every major ski area in the U.S. and Europe. Skiing’s history began to interest him in the 1950s. He already had collected a number of books on skiing and now began to expand his ski library to well over 850 books and thousands of magazines and other soft-cover publications, which became one of the largest privately owned collections extant. He joined Ramapo Mountain Ski Club in 1967, becoming president of that 550-member organization from 1972 to 1974, during which Ramapo won the prestigious Miller Award given by the U.S. Ski Association to the nation’s most outstanding ski club. In 2002, Mr. Adler was made an honorary lifetime member of the club for his long service in many capacities. Besides being a member of Ramapo, he is also a member of two of the world’s most prestigious ski clubs, namely the Ski Club of Great Britain, headquartered in London, England, and the Kandahar Ski Club of Mürren, Switzerland, and London.

He became a recognizable figure in the ski world due to his involvement and leadership with many leading ski organizations. He was director of the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame and Museum for 15 years and chaired its Selection Committee, which conducted the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame elections for 14 of them. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, which is the national governing body for organized skiing in this country and manages the U.S. ski team, named Allen Adler as chairman of its National Historical Committee and its national historian. He was a founder of the International Skiing History Association and served as a director and member of the editorial staff of its splendid historical quarterly, Ski Heritage.

In 1985, Mr. Adler published New England & Thereabouts — A Ski Tracing, still the only book covering, definitively, the history of early skiing in New England. He also co-authored, with Gary Schwartz, the only complete bibliography of ski books and other publications, all cross-referenced. Skiing Literature: A Bibliographical Catalogue contains 2,933 entries, and titles range in years from A.D. 552 to 1994.

Mr. Adler is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan, and their children: Dr. Virginia “Ginny” Louise Greene of Greensboro, North Carolina, and her husband, Dr. John Greene, and their daughters Hanna Louise Greene and Caitlin Camille Greene; and Peter Geoffrey “Geoff” Adler of Johns Creek, Georgia, and his wife, Carey, and their children Christine Elise and her wife, Angela, Adriana Elaine, Ella Rose, and Maxwell Codey Adler. He is also survived by sons of his first marriage to the former Alice Rodetis, namely Robert Allen Adler of Hopewell Junction, New York, and his wife, Cathy, and their daughters Kristin Adler Stanton and her husband, Seth, and Jessica Adler Decker and her husband, Chris; and Richard Andrew Adler, of Suffern, New York, and his wife, Phyllis, and their son Ryan Scott Adler and his wife, Carrie. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Diane Costanzo of South Barton. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Reagan Bennet Adler Decker, Landon Decker, Kaitlyn Stanton, and Emily Stanton.

Mr. Adler wished for no services and a quick cremation. He had a good and full life and departs with the only regret of leaving behind his beloved wife, Joan.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit-Cote-1Ronald G. Cote Sr.

Ronald G. Cote Sr. of Lyndon died at his home on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, after a long illness.

He was born on September 15, 1951. He was the son of Donald and Iris (Davis) Cote.

He went to school in Mansonville, Quebec, and moved to Vermont when he was 12 years old. He graduated from North Country Union High School in 1970. He worked at Jay Peak, Kraft Cheese Factory, and he farmed and owned his own trucking business called Cote Transport Inc., which he started in 1985, and which he retired from in 2013. Most recently he worked two days a week as a truck driver for the town of Burke.

He was a member of the Newport Elks Lodge #2155 and he enjoyed camping in his fifth wheel, fishing, boating, going to hunting camp, traveling, bowling, football, playing cards and family times, and NASCAR racing, including going to several races with his wife, Nancy. He also enjoyed tinkering and going for rides in his 1970s classic Mustang convertible.

On January 9, 1988, he married Nancy Hoadley, who survives him, as do his following children: Ronald Cote Jr. and his wife, Kristal, of Westfield, Melanie Richardson and her husband, Wayne, of Lowell, Veronica Cote and her companion, Craig Matten, of Lowell, Nicholas Cote and his companion, Patty Aldrich, of Coventry, Joshua Therrien and his wife, Chanda, of Waterford, Connecticut, Trey Therrien and his wife, April, of Newport Center, and Brittany Cote and her fiancé, Jesse Currie, of Sheffield. He is also survived by his parents, Donald and Iris Cote; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Janice Santaw and her husband, Bruce, Winston Cote Sr. and his wife, Sue, and Jocelyn Willey and her husband, Arnold; his sister-in-law Janice McGuire and her husband, Stephen, of White River Junction; and by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, George and Mabel Cote, and Gerald and Marion Davis.

Funeral services were held on January 11 in Newport.

Memorial contributions may be marked in Mr. Cote’s name to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03766; or Lyndon Rescue, P.O. Box 401, 114 Vail Drive, Lyndonville, Vermont 05851.

Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.

obit-palmerPatricia Norma Palmer

Patricia Norma Palmer of Newport died peacefully on January 3, 2016, at the age of 87.

She was born on February 7, 1928, in Wheelock, to Irving and Emily (King) Smith.

Ms. Palmer, known as Patty or Nanna, loved all animals and could convert any animal into a pet. She enjoyed writing letters to friends and family, as well as receiving them. She was an avid reader and enjoyed many genres, specifically spiritual, home remedies, and nature. Her beautiful singing voice, including the art of yodeling, was enjoyed by many. Her extensive movie collection matched her passion for movies and she loved viewing movies she grew up watching. Her beloved storytelling and ability to turn the most mundane tasks into fun-filled family adventures will be missed greatly.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Morris Palmer; her son Terrance Palmer and his wife, Cheryl, of Newport; her grandchildren: Robin Messier and her husband, Leonard, of Lowell, Gisele Gardner and her husband, George, of Sheffield, Jessie Palmer and his wife, Candace, of Orleans, Curtis Palmer and his wife, Theresa, of Brownington, Ginger Palmer and her companion, Tim Lahar, of Orleans, and Tyson Palmer and his wife, Becky, of Newport; as well as ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was predeceased by her daughter Cheryle Selan of Orleans.

A graveside burial ceremony will be held at a later date at the Newport Center Cemetery. A gathering for both Ms. Palmer and her daughter Cheryle was held in Orleans on January 9.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit-Powers-2Jacqueline Cecile Powers

Jacqueline Cecile Powers, 89, of Newport died peacefully in her sleep on December 28, 2015, at Newport Health Care Center.

She was born on August 20, 1926, in Creil, France, daughter of Gabrielle Contant. She met and married Kenneth Powers, her husband of 68 years, on August 1, 1945, while he was serving the Army’s 112th Infantry in World War II, stationed in France. Shortly after the war, the couple arrived in Newport, where they lived and raised their family.

Mrs. was known for her generosity towards others, her sense of humor, and beautiful smile. She will be remembered for making so many children happy during the holidays by collecting, cleaning, and repairing (along with her husband’s help) many toys for distribution. She was always there to offer a helping hand.

For several years she worked at Newport Health Care Center, where she earned her CNA. That was an accomplishment she was very proud of.

Her hobbies included crocheting, bingo, and going to garage sales. She thoroughly enjoyed her pets as well and her home.

Her proudest accomplishment was her family, as she displayed the many pictures that surrounded her on her walls.

She is survived by her daughter Shirley McFadzean and her husband, Verne, of Alburgh; her son Richard and his wife, Rachel, of Coventry; her grandchildren: Julie Terrazzanno of St. Albans, Deanna McFadzean of St. Albans, Kathleen Shedd and her husband, Jay, of Fairfax, and Scott Powers and his partner, Stuart, of Atlanta, Georgia; her great-grandchildren: Garrett, Abby, Valerie, Jenna, Olivia, Ricky, Nichole, and Chloe; and by her great-great grandson Brantley.

A graveside service with interment will be held in the spring at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

Should friends desire, donations in her name can be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont; or to Newport Health Care Center, 148 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

Terence R. Provencher

Terence R. Provencher, 63, of Derby Line died most unexpectedly on Sunday, December 27, 2015, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

On December 26, 1987, he married the love of his life, Judi “Cookie” Kelly Provencher and together they just celebrated their twenty-eighth wedding anniversary.

In his free time he enjoyed his dogs (fur kids) Sadie and Diesel, fishing, hunting, going for rides on his Harley-Davidson, and most of all spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Judi “Cookie” Kelly Provencher; and his sons: Shane Provencher and his wife, Nikki, Terry Provencher II and his wife, Amanda, and stepson Chris Thibodeau. He is also survived by his siblings: Sister Mary Ella Provencher, Peggy Fairbrother and her husband, Ray, Mike Provencher and his wife, Dottie, and Denise Provencher; as well as by his dear nieces and nephews. The delights in his life were his grandsons Coby and Dakota Provencher, as well as his other most dearly loved 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Genia (O’Brien) Provencher; his son Jon Provencher; and his youngest brother, Marc Provencher.

Per Mr. Provencher’s request, there will be no funeral services held, however, there will be an “Irish wake” set at a later date.

Online condolences at rickerfuneralhome.com.

Allen D. Rexford

Allen D. Rexford, 67, of Barton died on December 27, 2015, at his home.

He was born on October 27, 1948, in Morrisville. On August 27, 1971, he married Alice Carrier, who survives him.

He was a veteran of the United States Army.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Rexford, of Barton; his daughter Crystal Horn and her husband, Ronald, of Kannapolis, North Carolina; and by his grandchildren: Adrian, Jacklynn, Elizabeth, and Rebecka. He is also survived by his sister Linda Wilhelm of Georgia.

Services will be held at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit-Stevens-1John W. Stevens III

John W. Stevens III, 77, devoted and faithful husband of Karen, died on January 7, 2016, at North Country Hospital in Newport.

He sold, appraised, and developed real estate. His avocation was writing books, newspaper and magazine articles, and music. He was widely published.

Mr. Stevens worked hard and he played hard.

He leaves their son John Warren Stevens IV of Washington state, and their daughter Amy Clark Bechtold of Montana.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in the spring.

The following poem is the last written by Mr. Stevens, in December of 2015:

 

War Peace Love

Are we Replaced?

Is our personal place refilled?

Genetics-Offspring and theirs?

Will your void be filled by one or many?

Have you influenced just who will fill your void,

Is it a void?

obit-Taylor-1Theresa Diette Taylor

Theresa Diette Taylor, 87, of West Glover died on January 5, 2016, in St. Johnsbury.

She was born on May 4, 1928, in Troy, to Alfred and Josephine (Carl) Diette.

On June 5, 1948, she married Richard D. Taylor, and was happily married for 67 years.

She was an amazing cook and she taught her children to cook, sew, and embroider. She was always the first taste tester of the new maple syrup in the spring. She made pilgrimages to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, and the Holy Land.

She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Cross of the Church in East Albany, and St. Paul’s Church in Barton.

In 1952, they purchased their farm in West Glover, where she loved the panoramic view. She enjoyed driving the tractor, baling hay, sugaring, reading, and collecting old cookbooks.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Taylor, of West Glover; her children: Regina Kilby and her husband, Reid, of Milton, Francis Taylor and his wife, Helene, of West Glover, Doreen Lyon of Barton, Susan Taylor of Glover, and Alicia Major and her husband, Martial, of West Glover; and by 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her siblings: Albert Diette, Corinne Before Reil, little Eva, Ernest Diette, Hector Diette, Beatrice Anderson, Emma Phinney, and Gertrude Sanville.

Funeral services were held on January 9, in Barton. Spring interment will be in St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Paul’s Church, 85 St. Paul’s Lane, Barton, Vermont, 05822; or to St. Paul’s School, 54 Eastern Ave, Barton, Vermont 05822.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

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