Philip Dunham

Dr. Philip Harold Dunham 1923-2011 BRATTLEBORO Dr. Philip H. Dunham, 88, of 799 Upper Dummerston Road, Brattleboro, passed away peacefully at his home on November 10, surrounded by his loving family. Phil, a native of Brattleboro, was born on July 5, 1923 in his family living room at 12 Highlawn Road. He is the son of Bertha Penley Dunham and Harold Hiram Dunham of West Paris, Maine. Phil was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro High School in 1941. He received his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1946 following two years of pre-dental training at Middlebury College in Vermont. During his time at Middlebury, Phil earned varsity sweaters in skiing, ice hockey and tennis. After finishing dental school, Dr. Dunham served 2 years as a Navy Dentist in Newport, Rhode Island and Norfolk, Virginia Naval Stations. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Mary Gordon, who was working at Virginia Beach for the summer after she graduated from Hood College. In 1948, Phil was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Brattleboro to begin his dental career in his home town. On February 5, 1949, Phil was married to the love of his life, Mary Gordon. Professionally, Dr. Dunham was a well-respected dentist who practiced in Brattleboro for 40 years. He served on the Board of Dental Examiners in Vermont from 1983-1987 and was chairman of the Board in 1987. He also served on the Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners for 13 years. Outside of the office, Phil was known as the "Flying Dentist" and was 9-times the Eastern Veterans Ski Jumping Champion and National Champion in 1961. Phil had a strong sense of community and was very active within the community. He was a charter member of the Brattleboro Rotary Club which was established in 1950. He was President of this club from 1990-1991 and was also a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow Award. Phil and his wife, Mary, were very active with the Brattleboro Outing Club (BOC). Together they were instrumental in the club's ski programs at Living Memorial Park, Hogback Mountain, and the Brattleboro Country Club. The Dunham's were a main force behind the Brattleboro Outing Club's popular annual ski/skate exchange. They dedicated their time and energy so that children would have equipment and training for outdoor activities regardless of financial means. Phil was one of the founders of the Brattleboro Outing Club Educational Foundation (BOCEF), which is a tax deductible foundation established to raise funds for training, lessons, and meets for downhill skiing, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, tennis, or other BOC activities. Phil and Mary were board members of the BOC for many years, with Phil serving as President for 16 years over several different terms. They both chaired the tennis program for 15 years. Phil was also involved with many other community activities in Brattleboro. Over the years, he was on the School Board, Town Finance Committee, Town Meeting Representative, Boy Scout Troop Committee Chairman, Active Scout Leader, Recreation Board, and a Life Long Member of All Soul's Church (Universalist, Unitarian). Besides his loving wife of 62 years who survives, Phil leaves four sons whom he was very proud of: Jeffrey Gordon Dunham and wife Betsy Emmel of Starksboro, Vt.; Steven Philip Dunham and wife Cindy Friel of Fairfax, Vt.; Craig Thomas Dunham of Ithaca, N.Y.; and Scott Thayer Dunham and wife Mari Ostendorf of Seattle, Washington. In addition, he leaves seven grandchildren, Jesse, John, Anne, Molly, Carol, Ben and Hallie, whom he adored. He was predeceased by his sister, Marion Dunham Osborn. FUNERAL NOTICE: A Celebration of Phil's life will take place on Saturday, November 19, at 4 p.m. at All Soul's Church in West Brattleboro. The Brattleboro Outing Club Educational Foundation (BOCEF) has established a special scholarship fund in honor of Phil and Mary's years of service to the Brattleboro Outing Club. The funds will be used for children in the area to be able to participate in BOC programs and other related activities. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to BOCEF/ Phil and Mary Dunham Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1383, Brattleboro, VT, 05302. To sign an online register book or send messages of e-condolence please visit www.atamaniuk.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.