Hale Funeral Home

08/12/2026

Leonard Owen Dobbins

Leonard Dobbins passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026. He was born in Bradford, VT, to Maurice and Mildred (McCarthy) Dobbins. The youngest of three children, Leonard grew up with his brother Bernie and sister Martha and lived in Bradford his entire life.

After graduating from high school, Leonard began working as a carpenter for Charlie Zwicker. During the winter months, he would travel to Florida to find work, a routine he continued even after he married, until the arrival of his growing family. Over the years, Leonard built many homes throughout Bradford and the surrounding towns, including homes for his family and one for his mother.

In 1951, at the age of 21, Leonard was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the 141st Light Tank Battalion and trained at Fort Hood and in the Mojave Desert. In 1952, his section of the battalion left New Orleans for an Army base in Hanau, Germany. Because of his experience as a carpenter, Leonard was assigned as the battalion carpenter. After returning home to Bradford, Leonard put his skills to work as a carpenter.

On February 7, 1954, Leonard married Evelyn Page of Groton, VT. They spent more than 72 years together, raising their ten children and building a life filled with family, hard work, community, and many good times. The two met at a local dance, and dancing remained a favorite part of their lives.

In the early 1960s, Leonard purchased the "barn," which became the home of his carpentry business. It was much more than a workplace-it became a familiar part of the family and a place where Leonard continued to put his skills to use for many years. In later years, he began making furniture for his children and grandchildren, as well as pieces for the annual Catholic Church auction. The barn was also home to Leonard's impressive collection of more than 2,500 hammers, all hanging from the beams. His first hammer had been given to him by his father.

Leonard was deeply involved in the community he called home. He served on the Bradford Select board for 21 years and later served for many years as a water commissioner. He was also a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Leonard was honored with the Boston Post Cane as the oldest male resident living in Bradford.

Family was at the center of Leonard's life, and he took immense pride in supporting his children and grandchildren. He coached many of his children's basketball and baseball teams, and as his grandchildren grew older, he and Evelyn became devoted fans in the stands. He was also a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Miami Dolphins and enjoyed snowmobiling, playing cards and cribbage, and for many years he was a member of the Woodsville bowling league.

In 2013, Leonard finally made a trip he had long wanted to take-to Ireland. With both sides of his family having roots in Ireland, he and his family traveled throughout the island. He was very happy to finally see the country his ancestors had called home.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice, and Mildred; his brother Bernie and sister-in-law Pat; his sister Martha and brother-in-law Ralph Fogg; his daughter, Martha Sanborn, and son-in-law Mark Marsh.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn; daughters, Esther Dobbins-Marsh, Audrey (Michael) Conrad, Susan (Bruce) Schlenker, Teresa (Ed Emond) Dobbins, Veronica (Craig) Thurston, Angela (Brian) Eberling, Sarita Dobbins Baker (fiancée David Bruce), and Charlene Dobbins; son Owen Dobbins; son-in-law David Sanborn. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Hillary (Michael) Barone, Meagan Marsh, Barrett (Stephanie) Williams, Bryant (Marion) Williams, Stephen Schlenker, Paige (Ryan) Bradford, Allison (Hannah McMinn) Thurston, Todd (Alison Eko) Thurston, Parker (Jasey) Thurston, Jenny Eberling, Cole Eberling, Sydney Eberling, David Sanborn, Molly Sanborn, Ellie Baker, Julia Baker, and Addie Baker; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the VA Hospital and its staff for the excellent care Leonard received over the years. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Grafton County Nursing Home for their kindness and care during his final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leonard's memory to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, or Bradford Youth Sports.

Calling hours will be held at Hale Funeral Home, Bradford, VT on Monday, August 17th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bradford on Tuesday, August 18th at 1:00 pm with a reception downstairs at Parish Hall to follow. Burial will be at Sawyer cemetery following the reception at 3:30 pm.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain, Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com

View Leonard Owen Dobbins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/10/2026

Today is Day. Tonight, we will be bathing The Wall in orange candlelight at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site to 'Bring Light' to the ongoing effects and loss due to this horrible chemical.

Read stories about Agent Orange and the many effects on our Vietnam service members: https://bit.ly/3ovfldu

Visit our In Memory Honor Roll to remember those that returned home and later died: vvmf.org/honor-roll and learn more about our In Memory program: vvmf.org/in-memory-program

08/04/2026

Barbara M. Southworth

It is with sadness, and hearts grateful for a lifetime of love, we announce that Barbara Jeanne (MacFarlane) Southworth (known to most as "Bobbie") passed from this life to the next on July 30, 2026, at Margaret Pratt Community in Bradford, Vt. Bobbie was 94 years old. She was born on February 9, 1932, in Shoreham, Vt. to Pearly and Camilla (Tripp) MacFarlane.

Bobbie moved to Post Mills, Vt with her parents and three sisters (Aletha, Pearl and Rose, all now deceased) when she was 2 years old for her parents to work and maintain the farm owned by her grandparents, William and Emma (Guertin) MacFarlane. She grew up on the farm. When she was 14 years old, she and her parents moved next door to care for her elderly grandparents.

Bobbie met Sumner "Jay" Southworth, the love of her life, while delivering milk to the creamery in West Fairlee with her father. Bobbie and Jay were married on July 1, 1948. They lived in West Fairlee for a brief period and then lived in Post Mills for the remainder of their married lives. They loved West Fairlee and Post Mills. They shared 67 years together before Jay passed on December 9, 2015. Forty-seven of those years were spent living at their home in Post Mills, which had been previously owned by her grandparents (William and Emma), then her parents (Pearly and Camilla). The home is still owned today by their son, Brenton.

Bobbie and Jay had three children, Brenton (Mary-deceased), Melanie (Larry), and Roxanne (Chet). Bobbie and Jay had 8 grandchildren, Shannon (Karen), Shelly (Paul), Caleb (Danny), Alissa, Joshua, Varina (Toby), Elizabeth, and Marlena (AJ). They were also blessed with 17 great grandchildren: Dezi, Brady, Katie, Finn, Marissa, Owen, Adam, Zoey, Camilla, Hadrian, Avalise, Vienna, Charlotte, Aksel, Logan, Ronan, and Alora.

Bobbie had many different jobs over the years. She worked at her family's diner (green home next to the Post Mills fire department) and their general store (small house across from Post Mills fire department) in her early years. She was a waitress, housekeeper, and a cashier at Hanover Hardware. She and Jay owned and operated three businesses (Jay's Septic, Jay's Portable Toilets, and Thetford Auto Service) for over 20+ years. They worked side by side over those years at their businesses. Jay's Septic is still owned by their son, Brenton.

Most important to them was their family. They loved the family gatherings (meals, holidays, wiffle ball in the backyard). They drove hundreds of miles over the years to attend and cheer on their grandchildren at all their activities. They lived for those times sharing in those experiences.

Bobbie loved people and loved to visit everyone. She enjoyed hearing their story. She had many dear friends including her best friend, Pauline Robinson Ward Smith (deceased).

Bobbie and Jay were long-time members of the Post Mills Church serving as deacons and members on many committees over the years. The church was an important part of their lives.

Bobbie and Jay spent many hours together on their front porch waving to their neighbors going by and enjoying the beautiful view. We remember the many times Bobbie said, Jay, look at that amazing view of the meadow, the river, and Tug Mountain. We are so blessed.

Bobbie is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many family and friends.

The family wishes to thank the incredible staff at Margaret Pratt Community and Bayada Hospice for the wonderful care they provided for Bobbie. The love, the care, the fun they gave her was very much appreciated by her family.

We love you and miss you mom until we meet again. Give dad a hug from all of us.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Post Mills Church or Post Mills Cemetery or to a charity of your choice.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 1pm at the Post Mills Cemetery in Post Mills, VT.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com

View Barbara M. Southworth's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/31/2026

L Dennis Farmer

L. Dennis Farmer, 83, of Fairlee, VT passed away on July 25th, 2026, at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH after a sudden but brief illness. Son of Stanley and Ethel Farmer (Ahern) he was born on Oct. 26th, 1942, in Portland, Maine. A graduate of Gorham High School, Dennis enlisted in the Navy in 1962. He served for 30 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve retiring as Chief Warrant Officer 4. During his military career, he traveled the world on mapping operations and served aboard USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) on the coast of Vietnam in 1970. He was honored to serve aboard the SS Manhattan Arctic tanker for the maiden voyage through the Northwest Passage in 1969 for which he was awarded the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.

Dennis worked for Naval Research Laboratories conducting polar research for 30+ years. He spent many nights in the arctic and fulfilled his dream of going to Antarctica shortly before retiring. Never one to sit still, he started his own business, Bronson Hills Associates, continuing work related to ice studies and held a variety of local jobs.

His love of travel and service never subsided. He and Theda spent their later retirement years volunteering at National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges during the winter. He loved visiting his daughter in England.

In Fairlee and abroad he was always in pursuit of the perfect golf game.

Dennis is survived by his wife Theda, daughters Brenna (Jenny) and Bridie Farmer, her son Darwin MacGarvey Farmer, his sister Mary-An (Tuck) McGouldrick, brothers Stan (Joan) and Peter Farmer and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was loved very much by his grandson.

Funeral services will be announced in the fall.

Fair winds, smooth seas and Godspeed.

View L Dennis Farmer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/27/2026

Obituary Announcement for Lawrence A. Barker. To leave a message for the family, please follow the link to halefuneralhomes.com

View Lawrence A. Barker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/17/2026

Michael Warren Johnson

"Rejoice in hope, persevere in prayer, endure affliction" (Romans 12:12). These words of St. Paul truly defined the life of Michael W. Johnson, who died at his home in Fairlee, VT July 14, 2026, at the age of 77.

Mike was born October 2, 1948, in Robbinsdale, MN, the eldest of two sons born to Warren (Bud) and Lorraine Johnson. Mike described growing up in the 50's as idyllic with a neighborhood full of children to play with, summers at the farm where his mother grew up or at Boy Scout camp which he attended as both a camper and a counselor.

Mike attended St. Thomas Academy in St. Paul, MN graduating summa cm laude in 1966. Following graduation, he accepted a commission to the US Military Academy at West Point. West Point was a challenge in endurance - academically, mentally, and physically - he liked to say, 'a million-dollar education jammed down your throat nickel by nickel.' Mike rose to the challenge and graduated in 1970 with a degree in Nuclear Engineering and a minor in Russian Studies. Mike formed strong bonds at West Point and in his later years very much enjoyed reconnecting with these friends in person and through Zoom.

Following graduation Mike spent 9 months in Ranger Training, another grueling test of his strength but an experience that would see him through much tougher years in the future. Mike married his first wife, Jeanine Tyldesley, in 1971 and together, courtesy of the US Army, they traveled to Germany where they lived for 3 years. Their first son, Benjamin, was born in Germany. Mike had chosen Military Intelligence and was a control guard along the former East/West Germany border, effectively monitoring the actions of the Russian military. While in this role he earned several letters of commendation and his first Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Mike also earned a Master's degree in Political Science during this time, with an emphasis on Russia and the Middle East.

Mike's intelligence work eventually came to the attention of then Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who recalled Mike to the United States where he served as Sr. Military Analyst on the State Department's Middle Eastern desk. Mike thrived on the intellectual challenge and opportunities this position offered. During this time, he received a letter of commendation from Dr. Kissinger and earned his second Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.

After the military, Mike accepted a position as a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch and moved with his family to the Boston area. Mike and Jeanine's second son, Joseph, was born here and 4 years later they adopted their daughter Katherine from Bogota, Colombia. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce, but Mike remained committed to being an active dad in his children's lives.

Mike had a successful career with Merrill Lynch and was able to pursue his PhD part-time at MIT, completing this in 1984. His work as a stockbroker evolved to Sr. International Relationships Specialist which allowed him to use his knowledge of Russia and the Middle East to solicit trades with financial money managers, marrying his passion with a successful career. Mike began to publish a newsletter, The Geopolitical Strategist, and was a sought-after speaker who traveled throughout the United States and Canada commenting on the current political situation in Russia and Middle East and its potential impact on the financial markets and the oil industry.

It was on one of these trips that Mike, at the age of 38, suffered a massive and debilitating stroke that would define the rest of his life. For 4 weeks Mike was hospitalized, and it was uncertain if he would survive. By the 5th week he had overcome great odds and moved to a rehabilitation facility, but the prognosis was grim. He was paralyzed on his right side, confined to a wheelchair with no prospect of walking or driving. It was uncertain whether he would regain the ability to speak.

The weight of this diagnosis would be crushing for most people, and Mike was discouraged, but he did not allow that to stifle his determination to regain as much bodily function as possible. He was committed to get well 'for his children.' With the assistance of a team of dedicated therapists Mike overcame his right sided paralysis, learned to dress and feed himself, and to speak again. After 3 months, he walked out of the facility with the aid of a walker. His physical therapist continued to provide therapy in his home, helping Mike to walk unassisted again. Miracles do happen!

Sadly, Mike was not successful returning to his prior work. His ability to perform complex analysis of world events had been damaged by the stroke. This, coupled with the collapse of the financial markets in 1987, prompted Mike and his fiancé, Debbie, to leave Boston for a quieter life in Fairlee, VT.

The change from life in a city and constant travel to a life of quiet solitude was dramatic, but Mike crafted a new life for himself and his growing family. Mike and Debbie were married in 1991. In 1995, they adopted their son, Maximilian and in 1998 a second son, Scott, both from Russia. Mike returned to his Catholic faith, becoming an attendee at daily mass in Bradford, VT and turning his focus to prayer and contemplation.

A commentary about Mike's life in Fairlee would not be complete without mentioning his daily ritual of breakfast at the Fairlee Diner and his constant complaints about the food, the prices or something else! His banter with the owner and cook was legendary and as politically incorrect as possible.

Mike was grateful to all who provided assistance to him while he lived in Fairlee. Convenience store workers who delivered his paper and milk to him in his car, residents who held doors open for him, picked up his mail for him, or helped him after a fall. He was grateful for the support of a neighbor getting him to doctor's appointments, and especially grateful to his brother, Jim, who made frequent visits to see him.

The pride and joy of Mike's life was always his children and grandchildren, each wonderfully unique and special. Throughout his life his priority was supporting his children in their activities, adventures, and passions. How proud he was of each and every one.

Mike is survived by both his current wife, Debbie, and his first wife, Jeanine Brady; his brother, Jim, and his wife Debbie; his children Ben; Joe and his wife, Shen; Kate and husband Jesse; grandchildren Jacob, Kaiden, Zane and Violet.

Should you wish to remember Mike with a memorial gift, please consider a donation to your local food bank.

There will be calling hours held at Hale Funeral Home 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT, on Tuesday July 21, 2026, at 5 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 22nd at 11:00 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bradford, VT.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com

View Michael Warren Johnson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/05/2026

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has reached out regarding Kathleen Spitzschuh's family. Your support and efforts in connecting with them are deeply appreciated. It's inspiring to see such a wonderful community come together. We are grateful for every bit of assistance and every shared contact.

As of now family has been contacted.

Your kindness truly makes a difference.

07/04/2026

06/14/2026

On this day in 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution declaring the creation and design of the U.S. flag. It proclaimed “that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."
May the flag forever wave over our nation, proudly protected by Veterans who have bravely fought for our freedom.