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William Morse Obituary
Born Jan. 26, 1942, to Lois (Cochran) and William S. Morse, he grew up in Woodstock, Vermont, attended UNH, graduated from Lyndon State College and earned a master's degree from Temple Univeristy.
As part of the Teacher Corps, Sandy taught in inner city Philadelphia, middle school in Vermont and later, directed a Planned Parenthood chapter and BROC programs.
Sandy was also an accomplished chef, but music held a special place in his heart. He was an avid student of folk music, playing guitar, mandolin and banjo, profoundly affecting many younger musicians who shared his interests. Over the years, Sandy played with numerous musical groups and became a fixture in the local music scene. Sandy, Peter and Kris Cady later formed "Woodchuck's Revenge," a popular trio singing and playing guitar, fiddle, mandolin and banjo, sometimes fueled by "endless plates of barbecue, and the occasional pitcher." Sandy also worked for years at Be Music, the local music store and hub. Sandy's performances were curtailed in 2015 due to health problems.
Survivors include daughter Dee (Todd) Fillmore, of Shrewsbury, Vermont, granddaughters Shelby and Ashley, great-grandchildren Aiden and Laelynn; brother Larry Morse, of Florida; former wife Bev Peterson; special friend Sharon Webster; and band-mates Peter and Kris Cady, of Woodchuck's Revenge.
Sandy lived what could be called a "3G" Life – Good Friends, Good Music and Good Food. His hearty laugh, gentle nature and infectious love of music will be missed by many.
A celebration of Sandy's life will be planned for this spring.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Morse
Ken Nalibow
February 25, 2018
We were the best of friends all through High School. What a sad loss...
Faith Stevens
February 19, 2018
Dee, I just heard from one of my H.S. friends about "Sandy". Although I haven't seen him since H.S. I remember many great times traveling around in his Jeep. I'm reminded of fun trips. I was glad to read that he had a good and full life but saddened to hear of his passing.
Steven Kyhill
February 12, 2018
I only remember you as a kind and helpful person, good musician and good guy, sad to see you go.
EOIN DALY
February 11, 2018
I was lucky enough to have met Sandy at Be Music. A truly impressive individual. I love seeing all the boys at Be Music and Sandy was just that one of the boys. I loved talking to him about the various Texas singer-songwriters such as Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Joe Ely. I learned a lot from him about music but I learned a lot in general from him. I am learning even more in his passing. He was an extremely humble man and extremely kind. A true peach of a man who dealt with what came his way with grace and dignity. He will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to have shared his company. My condolences to his family, to the staff at Be Music and all who knew him.
Boaz Cohen
February 11, 2018
Sandy was a very fine man and a talented and knowledgeable member of the local folk music community in Rutland. VT. He will be sorely missed by all of us. Dee, and family, may the memories of your joyous times together prevail.
Susan Gladding-Heitzman
February 4, 2018
Sandy will be missed so very much, by so very many. He was truly a kind, loving, and generous man and it was an honor to have known him. I feel even more honored to be able to consider him as a second father; he provided a wonderful example of what a father, dedicated family man, and just an all-round respectful adult should be.
Gina (Patin) Brooks
February 4, 2018
Dee I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad well when we were teenagers.
Joann Connor
February 3, 2018
Sandy was the best.
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