Jason G. Doubleday

DUMMERSTON -- Jason G. Doubleday, 91, of Rice Farm Road, died on Saturday Oct. 21, 2006, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital from complications resulting from an accident while riding his ATV in the woods near his home.

Born on May 19, 1915 in Springfield, Mass., he was the son of the late Herbert and Emma (Riffelmacher) Doubleday.

Mr. Doubleday graduated from Technical High School in Springfield. He started his working career as an apprentice toolmaker and went on to the position of supervisor. Taking night classes while working, he received a Masters of Business Administration from American International College in Springfield.

In 1935, Mr. Doubleday married Marjorie Williams; they had two children together. He and his family moved to Brattleboro in 1960 where he assumed the position of plant manager at C.F. Church Co. on Flat Street. Two years later, corporate restructuring caused the closing of the Flat Street plant and he was forced to move back to Massachusetts. However, his heart remained in Vermont and in 1965 he returned to Brattleboro.

Upon his return, he started his own business, Melsur Corp., on Old Ferry Road where he served as president until 1988.

In 1990, Marjorie, his wife of 55 years, died. In 1996 he was remarried to Pearl (Stires) Doubleday.

Having read Foley Mowat's book, “The People of the Deer,” he became fascinated with the idea of the “living river of animals” seen in the Arctic caribou migration. During his retirement, Mr. Doubleday was able to pursue viewing the phenomenon. He took many trips to Northern Quebec and the Brooks Range of Alaska where he camped and was at one point close enough to touch the moving animals.

He was known to many as an animal lover, an inventor who held several patents, a member of the Gideons and the Community Bible Chapel, a Dummerston Selectman, story teller, poet, friend to many, loving husband and a great father.

Mr. Doubleday is survived by his wife Pearl; his son, Jason Peter Doubleday and his wife Deborah of Dummerston; his daughter, Lynn Marjorie Kuralt of Brattleboro; and a sister, Alice King, of Greenfield, Mass.

He also leaves seven grandchildren, Bonnie, Kristin, Thomas Jr., Paul, Joshua, Melissa and Jessy; 13 great grandchildren, a niece, a nephew, and his black Labrador retriever “Luke.”

He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie Williams Doubleday, a son-in-law, Thomas Charles Kuralt, and a granddaughter, Deborah Twaddle.

Funeral services will be on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Community Bible Chapel at 38 Atwood Street in Brattleboro.

Burial will follow at the Doubleday Cemetery on Rice Farm Road in Dummerston. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Bible Chapel, 38 Atwood St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.

Arrangements are under the care of the KER- WESTERLUND & FLEMING FUNERAL HOME, 57 High St., Brattleboro.u