Brewster Martin

CHELSEA—Dr. Brewster D. Martin, 84, died Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007 at his home in Chelsea, after a brief illness.

He was born August 28, 1922 in Pittsfield, the son of Eugene E. and Veda B. (Davis) Martin. He attended school in Pittsfield and later graduated from Whitcomb High School in Bethel. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in Panama.

On December 16, 1945, he married Clara Liese of Chelsea. He attended the University of Vermont on the GI bill and graduated in 1952 from UVM Medical School. After graduation, he and Dr. Luke Howe were hired by Governor Wilson of Chelsea to start the Chelsea Health Center.

He served the town of Chelsea as its doctor until his retirement in 1993. He and his wife and Luke and Pat Howe founded the Chelsea Nursing Home and ran it for many years. He was a member of the board of directors for the Brookhaven Home for Boys in Chelsea, the Chelsea Health Center and the Clara Martin Center in Randolph.

He was a member of the George Washington Lodge #51 F&AM of Chelsea, a charter member of the Chelsea Recreation Association, and an active member of the United Church of Chelsea. He had a great interest in recycling, the environment, Planned Parenthood and current issues of medical ethics.

He became a national speaker on "Being A Country Doctor." For many years, he wrote colorful articles called "The Doctor Is In," for the Behind the Times newspaper. He also contributed to the book "Home Remedies From the Country Doctor."

He was an active amateur musician, playing and singing in many choirs and ensembles of the region. He had a passion for the stage, acting, directing and making costumes for many plays and musicals in the area. He loved sewing, braiding rugs, art and crafts.

Survivors include two sons, David B. Martin of Fremont, Calif.; and Scott H. Martin and his wife, Lois, of Burlington, Mass.; two daughters, Anne L. Martin of San Jose, Calif.; and Deborah J. Kraus and her husband, Daniel, of Montreal, Quebec; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife, Clara, who died November 2, 1990; and three brothers, William, Hollister and Eugene Martin.

Calling hours were held Wednesday, Aug. 8, at the Chelsea Town Hall. A funeral service will be held Thursday, Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. at the United Church of Chelsea, with Rev. Diana Benjamin and Rev. David Wolfe officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date in the Pittsfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clara Martin Center, P.O. Box 6, Randolph, Vt. 05060. Arrangements are under the direction of the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home on Main Street in Chelsea.

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