Wendell Brigham

BETHEL — Wendell P. Brigham, 94, died Thursday, July 14, 2005 at the Mayo Nursing Home in Northfield.

He was born March 17, 1911 in Norwich, the son of Frederick L. and Edith (Phillips) Brigham.

He attended Norwich (Vt.) and Hanover (N.H.) schools, and graduated from Vermont School of Agriculture (now Vermont Technical College), Randolph Center, in 1930. Following his schooling, he owned and operated the Pember Farm in Randolph Center until 1947.

He married Marjorie Lamson June 25, 1932 in Royalton. They were later divorced. He worked as a self-employed building contractor until retiring in 1972.

He married Marianne Dimock March 17, 1972 in Bethel.

He loved hunting, maple sugaring, mowing his lawn, woodworking, making Adirondack chairs for his grandchildren, camping and baseball, especially Red Sox. In earlier years he played baseball on the Randolph Town Team. He was active in his community and had served as a lister for the Town of Bethel.

His memberships included the United Church of Bethel where he had served on the Prudential committee, he was a 75-year member of the Middle Branch Grange, Bethel Rotary (having served as treasurer); and So. Royalton Lodge #74 of the Odd Fellows, where he had served as Worthy Grand. He was also active in the Alumni Assoc. of the Vermont School of Agriculture.

Survivors include his wife, Marianne Brigham of Bethel; two daughters, Marilyn White of Montpelier and Darlene Wright of Enosburg; a son, Maurice Brigham of Bethel; a brother, Paul Brigham of Tuftonboro, N.H.; eight grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was pre-deceased by three brothers; Albert, Lawrence and Ernest Brigham.

Memorial services were held July 18 at the United Church of Bethel. Pastor Tom Harty officiated. Becky Kondi was the pianist and sang "How Great Thou Art." Larry Noble played the guitar and sang "Friends around the Candlelight." The congregation sang "In The Garden," "Amazing Grace," and "Joyful Joyful." The choir sang "I Will Raise You Up" and "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." Lester Corwin and Warren Gorman led the Odd Fellows service.

Burial was in Cherry Hill Cemetery with services conducted by the Middle Branch Grange. A reception followed at the White Church, Bethel.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.

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