Tag: Danbury

Wilmer L. Brownell

From the September 30, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Danbury, NH–Wilmer L. “Bill” Brownell, 79, of Brad Chase Road, died Sept. 8, 2002 at Concord Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born in Nashua, NH of Feb. 20, 1923 the son of John L. and Marjorie (Anderson) Brownell. He spent his early years in Antrim.

Mr. Brownell joined the Merchant Marines in 1942 and then served as a staff sergeant in the US Marine Corps in 1943 with a sharpshooter badge during WWII, seeing action in the South Pacific-Marina Islands. He trained officers in aircraft and surface craft recognition in the states. After the war, Mr. Brownell worked on road construction and was a conservation officer in the seven-town district around New London. He also bought and sold many pieces of property. He and his wife established the Aqua Tree and Berry Farm in 1967, planting more than 2500 blueberry bushes. He practiced sustainable forestry management, conservation and improving habitat for wildlife. He was a skilled woodsman, hunter, trapper, fisherman, tracker and also raised and trained his own hunting dogs. He enjoyed prospecting, mineral collecting, bee keeping and wild honey bee hunting. He also had a great respect for Native American culture and love of their art.

Mr. Brownell was a member of King Solomon’s Lodge 14 F & AM of Elkins and Lee Knap American Post 69 of Danbury.

Family members include his wife of 58 years, Mary (Huntoon) Brownell of Danbury, five children: Terre Brownell of Wilmot; Ilona Adams of Fountain Hills, AZ; Ronald Brownell of Alexandria; Alan Brownell of Danbury and Lance Brownell of Wilmot; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

There were no calling hours. A private service was held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to King Solomon’s Lodge 14, PO Box 295, Elkins 03233 or the Danbury Community Center, 15 High St., Danbury 03230.

Chadwick Funeral Service of New London was in charge of arrangements.

Glenn R. Duffin, Jr.

From the July 15, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Danbury, NH–Glenn R. Duffin, Jr., born in Spokane, WA May 11, 1954, traveled a lot as a youngster due to his stepfather being in the service. He spoke many times of his adventures in Okinawa. He ended up in Massachusetts for a few years and decided to strike out on his own. He was the fearless one climbing the roller coasters in Asbury Park, NJ to do repairs. He even met Bruce Springsteen one night walking on the beach!

He served in the US Army for a short time during the Vietnam era and then ended up in Manchester, NH working for Security Heel, while living there he met his wife of 23 years at a going-away party for a mutual friend and they became inseparable. They were married May 12, 1979 and started another adventure.

Glenn became a tractor-trailer driver for Decato Brothers in Lebanon, NH. He did that for a couple of years until exhaust fumes overcame him and he had a near fatal car crash which ended him in a coma for three days but like a trooper he overcame that problem and got a job with the State of NH Dept of Transportation, it would be the best move of his life.

He and his wife bought a home in Grafton and started a farm which lasted for 12 years at which time they began to have children. While living in Grafton he was Chairman of the Planning Board for 3 years, the Health Officer for 2 years and always on hand to troubleshoot computer problems for friends, help them haul hay or help them move. As the family got bigger and more problems arose at the farmhouse with repairs and lead paint, they moved and lived in the towns of Webster and Franklin. Finally, after 20 years of dreaming, they found their dream, a log home in Danbury, NH.

Glenn began getting promotions for the State DOT and continued his education in computers and mapping. He loved his job, always striving for better and more for his family.

He took another job working for Bob Perron at the Hill Irving Gas Station. He always had two, sometimes three jobs. He was busy, but not too busy to help someone in need. One night he came home late, he got his jack and said he had to go back to help a young couple that had a flat. He was the first to stop and help even though fifteen cars had gone by!

He leaves behind a wife, three young children and more friends than you can imagine! Maybe now you’ll get some rest, some peace. You will be greatly missed and always loved.

Glenn died June 19, 2002 in a fatal motorcycle accident, one day after his son’s 6th birthday.

Elmer H. Grace

Danbury, NH–Elmer H. Grace, 78, of High Street, died Sunday, February 28, 1999 at the New London Hospital suddenly. He as born in Canaan, NH on Aug. 3, 1920, the son of George and Lottie (Osborne) Grace. He had lived in Danbury since 1952 previously residing in Canaan, NH. Mr. Grace had been employed by the State of NH; local contractors; the Highland Ski Area in Northfield for many years and by E.D. Swett Construction for several years retiring in 1983. He was a former Fire Chief of Danbury. Members of his family survivng include his wife of 46 years, Pauline E. (Martin) Grace of Danbury, NH; three sons, Ronald Grace of Canaan, NH, Tracy B. Hines of Errol, NH and Terry L. Hines of Whitefield, NH; a daughter, Shirley Greene of Lebanon, NH; several grandchildren; many great grandchildren; a twin brother, Elwin Grace of Canaan, NH; other brothers, Donald Grace of Thornton, NH and George Grace, Jr. of Canaan, NH; a sister, Doris Crate of Plainfield, NH; nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside services were held on Wed., March 3, 1999 at 2:00 pm in the Riverdale Cemetery, Danbury, NH with the Rev. Charles Higgins, officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Danbury F.A.S.T. Squad, RFD 1 Box 188A, Danbury, NH 03230. Chadwick Funeral Service of New London, NH is in charge of arrangements.