Milestones

Obituaries

• Raymond J. Aumand, 91, of North Walpole, New Hampshire. Died peacefully at his home on April 21, 2025. Born on July 31, 1933 in Bellows Falls, Vermont, Raymond grew up in North Walpole and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1951. Raymond then served his country in the Navy from 1952 to 1955 aboard the USS Pittsburgh. During his time in the Navy, Raymond also took business and marketing classes with the goal of returning home after the service to work in his father's retail store. While in the service, Raymond married his high school sweetheart, Ellen R. Parris, on June 13, 1953, and they were happily married for 66 years before Ellen's death in 2019. After serving in the Navy, Raymond returned home to North Walpole, to work at his family's variety store, Aumand's & Sons, which was opened by Raymond's father, Earnest Aumand Sr. in 1920. Raymond would become committed to his parents' store, and became its key figure. He started out making ice cream for the store's soda fountain as a teenager, delivered ice cream and refrigerators in high school, became the sales and merchandise manager in his 20s, inherited the store from his parents at age 32, and became president of the business in 1965. He finally passed the title onto his son in 2003 to become the CEO and patriarch of Aumand's Furniture. Raymond dedicated over 60 years of his life to working hard and successfully building his family's business, and then another 20 years as the business CEO. Under Raymond's leadership, direction and work ethic, Aumand's Furniture has been a staple in North Walpole and the surrounding community for 105 years and counting. In 1998, Raymond and Ellen built multiple houses, among other real estate properties, in Lake Placid, New York, and Marco Island, Florida, where they lived nine months out of the year, and the remaining in North Walpole. Raymond and Ellen loved their time in Florida, where Ray especially enjoyed riding the waves in his "racing boat." Raymond came back to New Hampshire full-time in 2016, after his beloved wife's death, and spent the rest of his days - while still going to the store every morning to make sure things were running smoothly - relaxing in his mother's house, while enjoying the "view of Fall Mountain" from his sun room, with his children and his faithful cat, Artimus. As Mr. Aumand so aptly put it, "I did it my way." Raymond was predeceased by his wife, his parents, and his older brothers, Ernest "Turk" Aumand Jr. and Paul Aumand. Raymond is survived by his son, Christopher, and his daughter, Celeste. Memorial information: There will be no calling hours and a private ceremony for family will be held at St. Peter's Cemetery in Walpole, where Mr. Aumand will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife.

• Dr. John Robert Bookwalter, 86, of Putney. Died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on May 2, 2025, after a long illness and gradual decline. Born on May 23, 1938, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Henry Lee and Mary Stephens Bookwalter, John was the eldest of five children. He grew up in the small, close-knit town of Columbiana, Ohio, where his father, Henry, and grandfather, Harry, both physicians, inspired his early passion for medicine. John attended Amherst College, where he was a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity. He graduated in 1960 with a degree in biology. In the fall of 1960, he started his medical training at Harvard Medical School (1960–64). He completed his internship and surgical residency through the Harvard Surgical Service (1964–70) and went on to specialize in thoracic surgery at New England Deaconess Hospital (1972–73). He became certified by the American Board of Surgery in 1971 and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery in 1976. In 1963, he married Judith Ann Newberg, with whom he had two sons, William Henry and Thomas Anderson. After their marriage ended in 1983, John married Marilyn Frances Germon in 1984. Together they raised two children, Elizabeth Lee ("Lili") and Edward Germon, and built a life together in Putney - a place John lovingly called "heaven on earth." John proudly served his country, first as a major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina (1970–72) and later in the Army Reserve, where he rose to the rank of colonel (1986–90). Though trained at Harvard, John was drawn to rural practice, following the path of his father and grandfather. From 1973 to 2012, he was a dedicated general surgeon at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, working alongside colleagues he deeply respected, including Drs. John Dixon, John Carmody, and later Gregory Gadowski. He served as president of the BMH Medical Staff (1980–82), was chief of surgery (1999–2005), and was one of the original hospital corporators. Known for his generosity and warmth, he would often leave jars of jelly beans in the nurses' stations, grateful for the "hard work" nurses performed in patient care. Dr. Bookwalter's legacy extends beyond his surgical practice. As the inventor of the renowned Bookwalter Retractor System, first introduced in 1979, he revolutionized surgical exposure in the operating room. Over the decades, he continually refined the system, always mindful of backward compatibility. He often said, "Good exposure is the key to good surgery," and regarding surgical tools: "An instrument might not be the most important - until you need it." His expertise and innovation were widely recognized. He served as a consultant for Johnson & Johnson (2004–12), the Ethicon Innovation Council (1995–2004), Symmetry Medical, and Aspen Medical. He was active in many professional organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, the New England Vascular Society, and the New England Surgical Society. He proudly led the Sedgwick Society as its president from 1999 to 2004. Beyond medicine, John was deeply devoted to his community. He generously gave his time and quiet acts of kindness to many individuals and local organizations, serving on boards including The Grammar School, The Putney School, the Vermont Paramedic Training Program, the Southern Vermont Health Foundation, and as Medical Director of the Thompson House Nursing Home (1988–2005). For decades, he was an enthusiastic supporter and board member of Rescue Inc. Despite his many achievements, John remained grounded and humble. His optimism, humor, and steady character touched everyone who knew him. In his personal life, John was an avid reader, especially of world and U.S. history. He had a passion for high-performance cars and loved attending Formula 1 races in Montreal with friends and family. A proud Corvette owner, he famously burned up his first Corvette after "souping it up" on Interstate 91 - earning the watchful attention of the local state troopers. Above all, John was loyal to his family and friends, always striving to be his best self. He leaves behind timeless words of wisdom, which those who loved him will carry forward: "Treat everyone with CKR (courtesy, kindness, and respect); Some of us learn from other people's mistakes, some of us are the other people; Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment; Perfection is the enemy of the good; It's a privilege to care for sick people; It's not what happens to you; it's how you deal with it; Why not? (try something new); Things have a way of working out." John is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; sons William, Thomas (Deborah), and Edward (Nora); daughter Elizabeth Lee (Evart); sisters Stephanie (Joshua) Lane, and Mary (Peter) Thomas; five cherished grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his dear brothers, Thomas (Lynda) and James (Fredrika). Memorial information: Graveside committal services with full military honors will be conducted on Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. in the family lot in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney. A reception will follow at the First Congregational Church Hall, on Route 5 in Westminster. Friends may call at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Friday, May 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302 and Putney Fire Department, P.O. Box 233, Putney, VT 05346. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Peter C. Doane, 87, of Grand lsle, formerly of Londonderry. Died peacefully on April 27, 2025. Peter was born March 5, 1938, the son of Rex and Phyllis Doane of Londonderry. He graduated from Leland & Gray High School in 1956 with what was considered a "special class." Upon graduating, he enlisted in the Air Force and married his high school sweetheart Barbara (Brown). After his enlistment, they moved back to Londonderry to raise their family. Peter was a building contractor for more than 30 years. He was an outdoorsman, prankster, and friend to many. His hobbies included hunting, trapping, fishing, snowmobiling, and spending time with his wife of nearly 67 years and family and friends. They moved to Grand lsle upon retirement. Survivors include his wife; a brother, Steve of Lafayette, Louisiana; sons Michael (Valerie) and Mathew (Jessica); eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and many friends. He was predeceased by a son, Mark. Memorial information: Funeral services for Peter will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 1 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church in Londonderry. Interment with military honors will follow in the family lot in Riverside Cemetery in Londonderry. There are no visiting hours. Donations to the Second Congregational Church in Londonderry, in care of Brewster-Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255.

• Wilson Oliver Bryant "Tink" Gale Jr., 83, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died peacefully, surrounded by his family on May 1, 2025, following an extended period of declining health. Tink was born in Brattleboro on April 6, 1942, the son of Wilson and Lucy (Church) Gale. He attended elementary school in Brattleboro and Chesterfield and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1960. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Navy, stationed aboard the USS Enterprise. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and attended Keene State College, later earning his B.A. Degree from Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, Massachusetts. Tink taught art at Oakmont Regional High School in Ashburnham, Massachusetts for many years, later working for JC Penney in Brattleboro and Keene, New Hampshire. During his earlier years, he worked in his family's woodworking shop located on Walston Road in Spofford, New Hampshire. Steadfast in his daily walk of faith, he was a lifelong member of the West Townshend Seventh Day Adventist Church, where he had served as pastor. Tink later served as the pastor of the Keene Seventh Day Adventist Church. He was never shy about sharing the Gospel with anyone he came in contact with, witnessing to an untold number of people throughout his life. Tink will be remembered for his deep faith, love of family, spirit of friendship, and his generosity. He loved painting nature scenes and seascapes, visits to Cape Cod, driving around in his convertible with his wife, stopping at cemeteries to see if any Gales were there, often recruiting his grandsons Dennis and Ryan to tag along in the search. Most of all it was his love of family that he cherished the most. On June 28, 1986, at the West Townshend SDA Church, he married Cathy Parks, who survives. He also leaves his four children, Kelly Labby of Hinsdale, Deanna Fritzsche of Morrow, Ohio, Michael Glodgett of Chesterfield, New Hampshire, and Bryant Gale of Chattanooga, Tennessee; one sister, Lucie Johnson of West Swanzey, New Hampshire; and two brothers, Rocky Gale of Cottonwood, Arizona, and David Gale of Keene. Additionally, he is survived by 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as his church family. Memorial information: Funeral services will be conducted Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m. at Mountain View Seventh Day Adventist Church in Vernon, with a reception to follow. Committal services and burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale. Friends are invited to call at Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Thursday, May 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. Donations to West Townshend Seventh Day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 7017, West Townshend, VT 05359. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Ruth J. Lang, 101, died peacefully on April 5, 2025, at Bradley House in Brattleboro. She had waited patiently for a number of years to rejoin her parents, brother and sister in Heaven, as she fervently believed. Born on Nov. 30, 1923, in Newark, New Jersey, to Joseph and Jennie Lang. The family soon relocated to Indianapolis, as her father worked in the railroad industry. She attended St. Joan of Arc School and then St. Mary's Academy, where she conducted the school orchestra. Eventually the family relocated to Dallas, Texas, after another promotion for her father. There she attended Southern Methodist University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by graduate work at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and De Paul University in Chicago. Ruth spent the great majority of her working life at Holy Trinity Parish in Dallas. She started as a kindergarten teacher but soon moved into the position of parish secretary, where she spent 42 years ensuring the smooth functioning of the school and the parish. Along the way she took on the task of caring for her mother in her kind and loving way, and later took on the same responsibility for her brother Joe, who had declined in health and had become blind. Over the years, she regularly visited her sister, Mary Jane (Lang) Reichsman and her five children, in Rochester, New York, New York City, and Marlboro. When Mary moved into Holton Home in Brattleboro, Ruth often visited and came to appreciate the warm and family-like feel there. In 2016, at age 93, she made the decision to move from Dallas to Holton Home to be closer to her nephews and nieces. Eventually, she moved to Bradley House where she lived for the rest of her years. She was quite active on Facebook and with email and carried on correspondences with many old friends. Slowly over time she lost her hearing and became deaf, but maintained her cheerful disposition and radiant smile. Ruth is survived by her nephews and nieces Judith Reichsman, Franz Reichsman, Ann Reichsman, Andrew Reichsman, and Frieda Reichsman. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro on April 29.

• Penny (Pellegatta) Matweecha, 86, of Gastonia, North Carolina. Died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on March 8, 2025. She was born on June 18, 1938, in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania, to the late Theodore C. Pellegatta and Lida (Mohring) Pellegatta. Penny attended Fountain Hill High School and graduated in 1956. After graduating from Bethlehem Business College, she worked for the Pennsylvania State Police in the Lehigh Valley barracks and later on as a tax preparer for H&R Block. She was a member of Girl Scouts of America for 40 years. She went to Camp Helena in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, as a child and then was involved in the daycare program in the 1970s at the camp. She served on the Bethlehem YWCA board and was a member of the Tuesday Club. She was President of the church women at The Cathedral Church of The Nativity in Bethlehem, and was active at the candy booth for the annual church fair. Penny moved to the Atlanta area in 1984, where she lived and worked until retiring to Gastonia, in 2007. While in Georgia, she worked as a bookkeeper at Cherokee Chrysler Dodge Jeep. She enjoyed cruising on her pontoon boat, sipping sangria, and listening to her country tunes. Penny was very devout and was a member of Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Church of Gastonia and Robinson Women of the Church. She served as treasurer of the WOC from 2010 until 2024. She took great pleasure in working in the kitchen of the church. Her famous pancakes and her spaghetti sauce were served to hundreds of people over the years during church fundraisers. She enjoyed spending time with her friends. She loved doing puzzles, was a voracious reader, intrepid card player, enjoyed quilting and knitting, and was well known for the amazing meals and baked goods she served to family and friends over the years. She especially enjoyed her family visits to Vermont and New York. Penny leaves her children: daughter Pamela Matweecha (Carl Lynde) of Brattleboro; and sons Thomas Matweecha (Tracey Hawthorn) of Oswego, New York, and Dean Matweecha (Emily Rich) of Deerfield, Massachusetts; a brother, Theodore C. Pellegatta Jr. of Sperryville, Virginia; granddaughters Winter and Grace Matweecha; her adopted granddaughter Makayla Miller, and numerous cousins. Memorial information: Interment will be at noon on August 9 in West Guilford Cemetery on Hinesburg Road. Friends and family are welcome. Donations to Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 3106 Union Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056.

Services

• A funeral service for Shirley Hodgdon will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at St Michael's Episcopal Church on Bradley Avenue in Brattleboro. Shirley, 73, of Brattleboro, formerly of Bellows Falls, died on March 25, 2025.

This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.