Erlon "Bucky" Broomhall

1931 - 2024

Erlon, "Bucky," Broomhall, 93, formerly of Shaftsbury, Vermont, passed away on December 29, 2024. He had most recently resided at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, Vermont.

He leaves behind his wife Frances of Brookdale Senior Living, his son Matthew and wife Beverly of Goffstown, NH, and his daughter Natalie and husband Neil of Aromas, California. He also leaves behind his granddaughter Alison Broomhall-Leary, her husband Kevin and their children Owen, Jack, and Ciara. In addition, he leaves behind his grandson Riley Klepeis. He is survived by his brother Raymond of Maine and sister Ethelene of Florida. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews in both Rumford, Maine and McAdam, New Brunswick, Canada.

The son of Ethel and Arthur Broomhall, Bucky was born on December 7, 1931, the 12th of 15 children. He was raised and educated in Rumford, Maine, graduating from Stephens High School, Class of 1950.

Growing up in Rumford, Bucky and his brothers Ray, Chummy (Wendall), and Slim (Charles) developed their infamous skills as cross-country skiers! Later in life, this foundation served Bucky well as both a competitor, coach and race official.

After graduating from high school, Bucky joined the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Siboney escort carrier during the Korean War. After serving honorably from 1951 to 1955, Bucky returned to Rumford, Maine and married his sweetheart, Frances McCulley on June 4, 1951.

As a young couple, they moved to Gunnison Colorado where Bucky attended Western State College on the GI Bill, graduating in 1959. While attending Western State, Bucky excelled in cross country skiing and jumping for their Nordic team. During his time at Western State, he helped his team defeat the NCAA heavy weights in the NCAA championship in 1959, finishing 7th in the nation in cross country and 20th in jumping. This performance earned Bucky a spot in the 1960 Olympic Trials in Squaw Valley. He later returned to Western State College twice to be inducted into the Western State College Athletic Hall of Fame as a team and later as an individual.

In 1962, Bucky and Frances returned to Maine, and he coached at Fryeberg Academy. While there he found time to compete and earned first place as the State of Maine Combined Champion.

In 1965, Bucky, Frances, and their children moved to Shaftsbury, Vermont. It is here that Bucky had the greatest impact on the world of cross-country skiing! Bucky was a force of nature as he brought cross country skiing to Bennington. While coaching at Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington, his cross country and jumping ski teams won 5 Vermont State High School championships. He was the first in the nation to coach a girls' team - beating Title 9 by several years, but also was the first to bring a girls' team to the Junior Olympics in 1968. In 1969, Bucky started the Torger Tokel League, (now known as the Billy Koch Ski League) in order develop talent for skiers not yet of high school age. He retired from coaching with a 210-76 record.

Outside of coaching, Bucky taught Physical Education at Catamount Elementary School, Monument Elementary School, and Sacred Heart Elementary School. He retired from teaching in 1987.

Outside of his recognition at Western State College, Bucky has also been inducted into the Vermont Ski Museum Hall of Fame, the Vermont Principal's Association Hall of Fame, the Maine State Hall of Fame, and was most recently recognized for his contributions to Fryeberg Academy's ski program. Beyond the world of cross-country skiing, Bucky volunteered his time and talents for Habitat for Humanity, the Shaftsbury Town Select Board, and the Kitchen Cupboard.

Bucky was also an avid gardener, poker player, producer of maple syrup, and a skilled woodworker. With the help of his dear friend Dave Palmer, Bucky was able to continue his passion for woodworking until his passing.

On behalf of Bucky's family, we would like to thank the staff of the Vermont Veterans Home for their wonderful care of Bucky. We would also like to thank all his friends who took the time to visit Bucky, especially Dave and Joanne Palmer for their loving commitment to Bucky. His poker buddies visited frequently and for this we are most thankful. Finally, we would like to thank the Bennington community for supporting Bucky as he worked to bring cross country skiing to students and families.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Activities Fund at the Vermont Veterans Home, 325 North Street, Bennington, VT.