Laurence B. Lynch

Laurence B. Lynch, Sr., 81, of E. Dummerston passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 5, 2015 at his residence. He was born in Brattleboro on January 24, 1934, the son of the late Albert and Helen (Lawrence) Lynch.

Laurence lived at the same residence for 79 years. He was educated in the Dummerston school system until 8th grade, upon the death of his father, he left to help care for his family and work on the family farm. He continued his work until the industry changed in 1959. Laurence later returned to school and was very proud to earn his GED. He was employed for 30 years at Book Press and later as the Facility Manager at the Dummerston School. Laurence, along with his wife Carol also ran the E. Dummerston Daycare from 1969-2011, where he became known as 'GRAMP" to many children and to the community.

Laurence was very active within the Dummerston Fire Department. He became a volunteer of the W. Dummerston Fire Department in 1965, advancing through the ranks to Asst. Chief, which he held for 17 years. He was also a state fire instructor, a charter member and the 1st president of the Windham County Fire Association, Fire Safety Officer in Dummerston where he coordinated all fire events. As a consultant on fire safety education, he presented a series of workshops for the very young child in Washington, D.C. at the North Eastern Child Care Council. He was past president of the Southwestern NH Fire Mutual Aide System, Director and one of the founders of the E. Dummerston Cable TV Co., and active in the Windham County Sugar Makers Association. He was a member and current Chaplin of the Evening Star Grange. He was also a member of the Mountain Valley Pomone Grange, a 7th degree member of the National Grange, and a former member of the Maple Leaf Square Dance Club. Laurence received the VT Governors Award for outstanding service to youth fire safety and was awarded the VT State Fire Chief of the Year in 1993.

He was an avid Red Sox and NASCAR fan, and enjoyed attending the local stock car races, horse pulling contests, blue grass music festivals, hunting and sugaring. Laurences greatest and proudest achievement in life was his family. He loved spending time with them attending many different actives.

He is predeceased by three sisters, Alberta Antaki, Catherine Pike, and Olive Lynch; and a brother-in-law, Charles Horton.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol (Hoard) Lynch of E. Dummerston; a son, Laurence Lynch, Jr. and his wife Carol of Putney; a daughter, Lori Chase and her husband Rodney, Sr. of S. Newfane; a brother, Donald Lynch and his wife June of Casagrande, AZ; two sisters, Delia Bolster and her husband Ralph of Dummerston and Shirley Horton of Ayer, MA; four grandchildren, Rodney Chase, Jr. and his wife Venus, and Amanda, Tyler and Shawn Lynch; a great grandchild, Carter Laurence Melia, who shares his name; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth "Betty" Gilson of Putney; a brother-in-law, David Pike of South Deerfield, MA; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 1:00 PM the Dummerston Congregational Church, 1535 Middle Rd. Dummerston. The KER-WESTERLUND FUNERAL HOME, 57 High St., Brattleboro is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the W. Dummerston Fire Department, PO Box 40, West Dummerston, VT 05357.