William P. Bedard

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of William "Bill" Bedard, 82, on the first day of May 2025. He was holding Linda's hand, his wife of 61 years. Both of his daughters and his first grandson were by his side. It was a beautiful spring afternoon in Vermont, with the flowers in full bloom, the exact kind of day he loved. Bill Bedard is survived by his wife, Linda Bedard, his two daughters Melissa Bedard & Martha Missale, and his four grandchildren Amanda Oles, Jacob Oles, Luke Missale and Tucker Missale. He is also survived by his younger brother Joseph Bedard (Gail). He is predeceased by his older brother Edward Bedard. Bill or Billy, as he was affectionately known, was a "true son" of Brattleboro. The second born of George and Annie Bedard; he grew up in Estyville. Bill attended Brattleboro High School where he excelled in sports, receiving numerous accolades. He was co-captain of the baseball and football teams and in 1961 he represented his school in the 8th Shine Maple Sugar Bowl. His outgoing personality, coupled with his leadership skills earned him the honor of being voted 1961 Class President, a role in which he took great pride. After high school Bill attended Maine Maritime Academy for 2 years where he played in the Ship's dance band. Those who knew Bill recognized his passion for music. Not satisfied with being just "Class Crooner" he formed the first ever rock and roll band at school, Billy and the Boosters. Bill played the guitar in several bands over the years. In his 20's, he performed with the Valiants, whose claim to fame was playing back up for Little Richard, The Coasters, and Little Anthony and the Imperials at Mt Snow. But most around town will remember him and the Solid Gold Cadillacs. They kept Brattleboro "Rockin' Around the Clock" and "Splish Splashin'" until taking their farewell bow in 1995. Even in his final days, he could be heard humming a tune. Bill was also an avid outdoorsman who loved the woods, lakes, and rivers of Vermont. He looked forward to hunting camp every fall and loved nothing better than waking his girls to go in search of nightcrawlers, fishing for trout, and adored watching the birds gather at their feeders from his seat in their dining room. And let us not forget his absolute joy in cheering for Tommy Brady and the NE Patriots! He had an unwavering loyalty and commitment to his beloved town Brattleboro. He always endeavored to participate in any way that would better his community. He served as President of the BUHS Alumni Associations twice. At 21, he became the youngest member of the Rotary Club and was a member in good standing for over 50 years. He received the Paul Harris Rotary Fellow Award twice. In 1967 he was asked to join the Town Crier newspaper where he worked for 32 years, 25 of those as Publisher and Vice President. He was chairman of the Community Chest in 1969 and President of the Winter Carnival in 1971. He was an active member of the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce, becoming Chamber President in 1975. He was a trustee of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, and was involved in the Windham Red Cross, serving as second vice chair, where he received their merit award. In 1973 Bill was given the Distinguished Service Award by the Brattleboro Jaycees as "Young Man of the Year" for his "loyal and faithful efforts resulting in lasting contributions to the community". Other community services included Chairman of the United Way (1974), Town Representative (1981), the Board of Directors of the Brattleboro Savings & Loan, Corporator for Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as well as serving on the Board of Directors. In 1995 the town honored him when the Chamber of Commerce named him "Person of the Year." He said, "I can't believe you're giving me an award for doing something I love." It was in 2002 that he followed his mother and wife's legacy by joining the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as their Executive Director of the Development Office where he retired in 2009. Bill was also a proud member of the Elks, Masons, and Shrine Clubs throughout all those years as well as a long-standing member of the First Congregational Church. Not only was Bill a cherished member of the community, but he was also a devoted and loyal family man and friend. These are the roles he was most proud of. He met his wife, Linda Rogers, in 1963 when visiting his mother, Annie, working at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. When asked the secret to a long marriage he said, "Patience" with a twinkle in his eye. He was a tremendous role model and cheerleader to his daughters, his grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill never missed a baton, flute, or dance recital, play, or pee-wee football game. One of the happiest moments of his life, though, was watching his granddaughter Amanda marry her husband Steve this past September. Bill will be remembered as a kind, gentle, unassuming man with a broad, ever-present smile and a kind word for all. He radiated positivity. Bill carved out a rich, happy life that was full of love, laughter, and joy. These amazing qualities will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; The National MS Society, New England Chapter, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090; or the charity of your choice. It was his wish to "pay it forward." Calling hours will be held Friday, May 16th from 4-6 PM, at Atamaniuk Funeral Home, Terrace Street, Brattleboro. Church Services will be held at the First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro Saturday, May 17th at 10AM. Graveside committal services will follow at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Please join us to celebrate his life at the American Legion from 12:00-3:30 PM May 17th. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.