John W. Brigham

John W. Brigham, 73, of Newport died suddenly December 30, 2008 at his home. He was born November 5, 1935 in Newport the son of Allen and Doris (Reid) Brigham. He graduated from Newport High School and entered the Army during the Korean War. On September 26, 1959 he married Joyce Smith who survives him.
Upon his return from the Korean War, he went to work at North Country Union High School as an industrial arts teacher for a brief time. John was the Rail Supervisor for C.P. Rail in Newport for over 40 years until his retirement.
John was an active member of his community. He was a member of the United Church of Newport for more than 50 years holding many positions in the church. John was a Scoutmaster thru the church, taught Sunday School and was the Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Mr. Brigham was a charter member of the Newport Jaycee’s, a volunteer at the Chamber of Commerce Tourism booth and recently retired from the Newport City Fire department being a volunteer fireman for 41 years. John served on the Newport City School Board as chairman for 20 years and he was a chairman of the O.E.N.S.U. Board. John was a member of the American Legion Post #21 for more than 30 years and was the Secretary/Treasurer for the Brotherhood of Railway and Steamship #50.
He was most proud of building two houses for his family and especially the lake house. John enjoyed traveling south the Myrtle Beach, SC with Joyce in the wintertime and he enjoyed taking organized bus trips with Joyce. John liked to repair and tinker on many different projects and he was always willing to give a hand to his family, friends, and organizations that he belonged to. He was a card-carrying member of the Herb March Coffee Club at Wendy’s and he was a very devoted family man.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Joyce Brigham of Newport; four children; Allen Brigham of Manchester, NH; John D. Brigham of Framingham, MA; Eric Brigham and his wife Jayne of Barre and Janna Brigham of Rutland; by the following grandchildren, Jessica Elie, Kayla Brigham, Jake Brigham, Jay Joslin Jr, Justin and Jacob Joslin and Cassie and Caleb Brigham; and by two great grandchildren, Kameron Lill and Griffin Goodhue. Also survived by two sisters, Joyce Bianchi of Newport and Jean Carey of Texas. He is further survived by a special nephew Steve Shoff of Montpelier and by other nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 3-6 P.M. on Saturday January 3, 2009 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday January 4, 2008 at the United Church of Newport with the Rev. Martha Peck officiating. Spring interment in Pine Grove Cemetery. Should friends desire; contributions in his memory may be made to the Newport Fire Department Scholarship Fund, in care of David Parenteau, Main Street, Newport,Vt 05855 and the United Church of Newport. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.