Category: Uncategorized

Clayton F. Bassett

From the January 28, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Grafton, NH–Clayton F. Bassett, 40, died in a tragic accident on January 15, 2002. A much loved man who grew up in Grafton, NH. Clayton lived in Novato, CA at the time of his death. His sister-in-law Laura said “He crammed 80 years into his short 40 years of life.” He lived life as there wasn’t a tomorrow and everyday was new and exciting to him. He loved his work with a passion. Long hours and hard work paid off as he directed his company, Peak Engineering, to become an enormous success. He had great respect for all the wonderful people he worked with. His brother-in-law Jay said, “There’ll never be another man such as Clayton.” He was devoted to his wife Barbara and their two children, Danielle and Breezy. Often he would come home after 12 hours of work and still had the energy to chase the girls around the house as they squealed with delight. He also saw Barbara through a recent serious illness with a strength and warmth few people possess.

Clayton was a devoted son to John Bassett and June (Valia) Burrington, both of Grafton. His father and mother both stated that, “We could never be more proud of a son than we were of Clayton.” Clayton was predeceased by his daughter Katie in 1994 at age 11. The loss of Katie was always present and encouraged him to always strive to be his best; and he was at everything he did. Clayton also had a very special bond with his nephews, Lief and Nathan Hogue. His family in California included his Uncle Wes Bassett and his wife Carole. Clayton will also be missed by countless friends in his hometown of Grafton.

Clayton enjoyed working with his hands and gained the nickname “Tinkerbell” on the family farm because of all his tinkering. You’d think a grown man would be embarrassed of that nickname, but not Clayton, he was proud. Even at an early age people around him were amazed at what he could accomplish when he set his mind to do it. Clayton enjoyed camping, skydiving, boating and riding ATV’s. Children held a special place in Clayton’s heart, not only his own, but any he was around. Though Clayton came across as a tough construction worker his heart was on his sleeve when a child was around. Whether it be playing peek-a-boo or just wanting to cuddle, Clayton loved when children were around him and the more the better.

Clayton served 4 years in the US Army where he earned numerous commendations, recognitions and awards. He was very proud of his enlisted years and even commented recently that he would gladly fight for his country in our most recent events. Clayton graduated from Mascoma Valley Regional High School. Clayton had a very special bond with his sister, Diane (Bassett) Burrington. His nickname for her was “Ding,” which he lovingly called her into adulthood. He loved telling stories about their growing up together in rural Grafton.

A celebration of Clayton’s life will take place on Wednesday, January 23 at 1:00 pm at Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin located at 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. Private visitation will begin at 12:00. Immediately after, all are invited to the Bassett Family home for a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clayton Bassett Memorial Fund which has been established at the First National Bank, 975 El Camino Real, S. San Francisco, CA 94080 Atten: Randy.

Robert W. Hill

From the March 18 and 25, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lisbon, NH–Robert W. Hill, 61, died Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at the Littleton Regional Hospital in Littleton, NH following a brief illness. He was born in Grafton, NH Dec. 11, 1940, a son of the late Albert & Con (Morse) Hill. He grew up in Grafton, NH and attended schools in Bristol, NH. A resident of Lisbon, NH for the last 27 years, he was employed by the Lisbon Highway Dept. for many years. He loved to “tinker” with small engines and also enjoyed carpentry, gardening and outdoor activities.

He leaves his longtime companion Myrtle Seace of Lisbon, NH; a son Ramsey Hill of Campton, NH; 5 brothers: Stanley D. Hill Sr. of Canaan, NH, William E. Hill of Bristol, NH, Edwin E. Hill of Lebanon, NH, Ronald W. Hill of Enfield, NH, Dennis A. Hill of Grafton, NH; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside services to be held in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Grafton, NH will be announced at a later date by the Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon, NH.

Howard V. Walton

From the March 18, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Howard V. Walton, 54, died Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at the Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, NH following a brief illness. He was born in Lebanon, NH April 25, 1947, a son of Grace (Vincent) & the late George “Pete” Walton. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Lebanon High School-Class of 1966. Mr. Walton was a Corporal in the US Marine Corps and served as a crew chief on CH46 helicopters in Vietnam as well as a crew chief on SVH1 Presidential helicopters. Mr. Walton was a firefighter for the Lebanon Fire Dept from 1979-1997 and retired as Captain. He also served as a special police officer for Enfield and Lebanon between 1981 and 1992. He was currently employed by Chases’s Auto Salvage in Enfield. He was a member of the American Legion Post #22 of Lebanon. He enjoyed NASCAR races, cooking and spending time with his grandson Phillip.

He leaves his wife Clair (Place) Walton of Enfield, NH; a son Mark LaCroix of Texas; his mother Grace Walton of West Lebanon, NH; a brother Peter of West Lebanon; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 Schools St in Lebanon on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday morning at 10 am in the Sacred Heart Church of Lebanon. A reception followed in the Lebanon Fire Station on South Park St in Lebanon. Graveside Committal Services were held on Monday at 10 am in the Valley Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions in memory of Howard be made to: The Enfield Center Fireman’s Fund, c/o Dick Chase, PO Box 56, Enfield Ctr, NH 03749 or to: the Lebanon Fire Assoc., c/o Kevin Paul, 12 S. Park St, Lebanon, NH 03766.

Mary L. Hill

From the March 25, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Mary L. Hill, 84, a former resident of Enfield, died on Friday evening at the Starr Farm Nursing Center in Burlington, VT. She was born in Stoneham, MA on January 27, 1918, a daughter of the late William and Katherine (McLaughlin) Laffee. She grew up in Enfield, NH and was a graduate of Enfield High School-Class of 1936. She was married to Loring Webster “Web” Hill on October 29, 1937. They made their home in Enfield for many years. Mr. Hill died in 1992. She had worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon for many years. She was a member of St. Helena’s Church in Enfield, the Enfield Historical Society and the Catholic Daughters of America.

She is survived by a son Stephen Hill and his wife Debra of Poulsbo, WA; a daughter Kathleen Wilson and her husband Calvin of South Burlington, VT; 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by 2 daughters Lorna Mary Hill and Brenda Ryan; and a sister Anna Campbell.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial mass will be held March 23rd at 11:00 am at the St. Helena’s Church in Enfield. Burial will be at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Brenda Hill Ryan Memorial Scholarship, c/o Mascoma Regional High School, RR1 Box 168-A, Canaan, NH 03741.

Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.

Carol Ann Keating

From the April 8, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Carol Ann Keating, 66, of Enfield died on Wednesday, April 3, 2002 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. She was born in Bellows Falls, VT on March 8, 1936 a daughter of the late Carl and Elizabeth (Cobb) Cattabriga. She grew up in Enfield and graduated from Enfield High School-Class of 1954. In 1958 she graduated from the University of NH with a degree in bacteriology. Later that year on June 28 she was married to Thomas Keating. They made their home in Enfield, Hanover and for a while in County Cork, Ireland. Mr. Keating died in 1979.

She had been employed by the Town of Enfield for many years as the Overseer of Public Welfare and various other capacities. She was a member of the Enfield Lioness Club and the Enfield Alumni Assoc. She had also served on the Mascoma School Board, the Mascoma Area Health Council and was a member of the St. Helena’s Church.

She is survived by 4 children; Sean Keating of Lebanon, Michael Keating of Jackson, WY, Rian Keating of Cold Spring, NY, and Moira Keating, a brother Jon Cattabriga of Enfield, a sister Nancy Holland of Yonkers, NY, many nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial mass will be held this Saturday at 11 am at the St. Helena’s Church in Enfield. Burial will be at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Enfield F.A.S.T. Squad, c/o Whitney Hall, Enfield, NH 03748

Ricker Funeral Homes and Crematory of Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy P. Gardner

From the April 15, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Concord, NH–Dorothy P. Gardner, 87, formerly of Enfield, NH, died Saturday, April 6, 2002 at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Concord. She was born in Bridgeport, CT July 10, 1914, a daughter of the late Peter & Ethel (Eldert) Petersen. She attended local schools and graduated from Fairfield High School-Class of 1932-in Fairfield, CT. She had worked as a stenographer until her marriage to her husband of 48 years to Edwin D. Gardner who died in 1994. She had lived in Enfield for most of her life and was an avid reader and lifelong lover of cats.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, her parents and a brother David Petersen. Survivors include a son William R, Gardner of Bow, NH, a daughter-in-law Claire Gardner, 2 granddaughters: Erin & Leah Gardner, and a brother Richard Petersen of CT.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be held at a later date in the Lakeview Cemetery in Enfield, NH.

The family suggested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Dorothy be made to your local SPCA or Humane Society.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Ricker Funeral Homes and Crematory of Lebanon, NH.

Leon E. Armstrong

From the January 14, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Leon E. Armstrong, 81, of Enfield, died on Friday morning, January 4, 2002, at his home. He was born in Stark, NH on August 29, 1920 a son of George and Hattie (Abbott) Armstrong. He grew up in Percy, NH and attended schools in Conway. He enlisted in the US Army during WWII serving in the European African Middle Eastern Theatre. Following discharge he moved to the Upper Valley in 1946. He was a life member of the American Legion in Lebanon and Newport, NH. He served as a Grafton County Deputy Sheriff and was a part-time police officer for the town of Enfield. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading Westerns and was known for his kindness and the help he often gave to many elderly people.

He is survived by his fiancee Pat Boucher of Enfield and was predeceased by a brother, James Armstrong. At his request there will be no services. Burial will be in the Conway Village Cemetery at a later date. Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.

Elizabeth Ellen Cattabriga

From the September 10, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Elizabeth Ellen Cattabriga, 85, died Tuesday morning September 4, 2001 at the Grafton County Nursing Home in North Haverhill. She was born in White River Jct., VT October 26, 1915, a daughter of the late Fred & Agnes (Woodward) Cobb. She was married August 21, 1935 to Carl Cattabriga and they made their home in Bellows Falls, VT until 1946 when they came to Enfield, NH where she helped to run the C.P. Cattabriga Inc. Oil Company with her husband for many years. Mr. Cattabriga died in 1987. Elizabeth was an active member of St. Helena’s Parish of Enfield and the Catholic Daughters. She also was active with the Girls Scouts and served on the Enfield Budget Committee. She enjoyed quilting and knitting and was a member of the Cardigan Mountain Knitters.

She was predeceased by her husband Carl Cattabriga in 1987; and 2 brothers: William & Charles Cobb.

She is survived by 1 son: Jon Cattabriga of Enfield, NH; 2 daughters: Carol Ann Keating of Enfield, NH and Nancy Holland of Yonkers, NY; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-granchildren; 1 great-great-granchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home, Rte 4, Enfield, NH Friday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in St. Helena’s Church of Enfield with the Rev. Paul Rainville M.S. officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Elizabeth be made to: The Enfield Public Library or to: The Enfield F.A.S.T. Squad.

Helen Irene LaBombard

From the September 17, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Helen Irene Labombard, 81, died Saturday morning September 8, 2001 at the Lebanon Center of Genesis ElderCare. She was born November 21, 1919, a daughter of the late James and Beatrice (Gee) Conroy. A lifelong resident of the Upper Valley, she attended schools in Enfield, NH and was a former longtime resident of Greensboro Rd in Hanover, NH. She was married in February 1938 to Richard N. LaBombard who died Dec. 26, 1977. Helen was a member of St. Denis Parish in Hanover, NH and had been the owner/operator of the former Midget Diner in Hanover, NH. Helen loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking, nature, birds and flowers. She was an avid storyteller, and also enjoyed spending winters in Southern California.

Mrs. LaBombard was pre-deceased by her husband: Richard N. LaBombard in 1977; a son: Richard James LaBombard in 1968; a daughter: Patricia Judd in 1975; and a sister: Beatrice Daniels in 1980. She is survived by 2 daughters: Marcia West of Keene, NH and Deborah Marten of Downey, CA; 3 sons: William H. LaBombard of Lyme, NH, John S. LaBombard of Enfield, NH, and David K. LaBombard of Lebanon, NH; 2 sisters: Mary Brooks of W. Lebanon, NH and Dorothy Patnode of Canaan, NH; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St., Lebanon, NH Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. in St. Denis Church in Hanover, NH with the Rev. Stephen Marcoux officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Knoll Cemetery in Hanover, NH. Memorial contributions in memory of Helen may be made to: The Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, NH 03756 or to: The American Diabetes Assoc., PO Box 2680, N. Canton, OH 44120.

George W. Morse

From the September 17, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–George W. Morse, 81, died Tuesday September 11, 2001 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in White River Jct., VT following a long illness. He was born in Andover, MA October 12, 1919, a son of the late Harry L. & Ruby (Colbuni) Morse. A lifelong resident of Canaan, NH he was a graduate of Canaan High School – Class of 1937. He served 26 years in the United States Air Force. During WWII he served as a B-17 bomber pilot in the European Theatre where he was shot down and became a Prisoner of War in Germany until being liberated at the end of the war. He later was employed as an EPO Mail Carrier in Canaan for 15 years. Following his retirement in 1988 he delivered Meals on Wheels for several years. George was a longtime member of the Canaan Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones Humanitarian Award. He was also a member of the American Legion Post of Canaan; had served for 2 terms on the Canaan Board of Selectmen; and enjoyed gardening.

He leaves his wife Irene J. (Roullier) Morse of Canaan whom he married in 1963; and several nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by a brother Richard Morse and a sister Katherine Follansbee.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside Committal Services will be held Saturday Sept. 22nd at 11 a.m. at the Canaan Street Cemetery in Canaan, NH. The Rev. Gail Dimick will officiate along with members of the American Legion Post of Canaan.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Mascoma Senior Center, Church St., Canaan, NH 03741 or to: The Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1 Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, NH 03756.

The Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.