Wayne Roland Meredith died peacefully at North Countryl Hospital on Thursday December 8, 2016 following a long period of ill health. Wayne, son of Norma Meredith and Roland Meredith, was born in Island Pond, VT on January 9, 1943. The third of five children all very close in age, he grew up very bonded to his sisters.
Wayne graduated from Brighton High School in Island Pond in 1961. During the high school years, he was a part of the basketball team as manager, in music activities with his trombone, and was a crossing guard.
He attended Clark University briefly before joining the Navy where he trained in dentistry. One of his commanding officers noticed his skill and aptitude for hand coloring dentures and encouraged him to go to school for this specialty, a very profitable specialty. Upon discharge from Navy, he proceeded to Middlesex Community College, where he obtained his Associates Degree in Dental Technology in 1984. He was employed at a dental practice and lab in Rutland for a couple years, which he then left with an interest in setting up a dental lab of his own.
Returning to Island Pond while he researched his business interest, he became bartender and then manager of the American Legion Post 80 for several years. A proud member of the American Legion, of his military service and of those who serve, he actively participated in such events as parties honoring Legion members and their families, and the Holiday Parades. He particularly enjoyed wearing the beautiful Colonial uniforms that his mother, Norma Meredith had made. His request that these uniforms be donated to the Island Pond Historical Society in the 2017 Summer meeting.
When he left the American Legion position, he became a postal clerk in Island Pond, where he learned the postal system and regulations. He enjoyed more than fifteen years of serving the people of Island Pond. When he was to be promoted to Post Master which would move him an out of town office, he declined…because he wanted to stay in Island Pond!
Island Pond was “home”. A true “dyed-in-the-wool” Vermonter. He loved the town, the Vermont lifestyle. Consequently, his sisters and families did not have him as a visitor very often! He liked his home. He would arise very early in the morning to drive around the area to see the plentiful wildlife. One day he saw a deer taken down by a black bear up by the overpass on the Norton Road. Would see deer, moose, wild turkeys cross his and adjacent yards.
Evenings he could be seen parked by the railroad station-bank building in his little black Solstice car or other vehicle, often with his significant other Brenda Stebenne, just relaxing and watching the activity around town. Would visit the Legion many late afternoons for a little socializing before retiring.
Wayne also enjoyed cooking and got afair amount of notice for his giant blueberry muffins, salads and hot dishes. He could be seen frying donuts on his porch. His impromptu deliveries of birthday cakes and goodies to his mother at Glover Nursing Home for her to share.
We can agree that he had a keen sense of humor and that he enjoyed teasing and tormenting people. Ifhe teased someone, it was a sign that he liked them. Hewas blessed with many friendships. He could be heard saying he had wanted to be called “Cedric”. Nobody knows why. Goodbye, Cedric.
Though he was always fiercely independent, he came to realize his need for their kind and generous assistance in getting him to his many trips to Newport Hospital and Dartmouth Medical Hospital for appointments, testing, surgeries over the past couple years. A special heartfelt thank you to Alan and Ginny Wing, “Buster” and Carol Reilly, ‘Skeeter” and June Lougee. And sincere thank you to Dr.Premeau for his assistance and guidance in during Wayne’s journey.
Wayne is predeceased by his mother, Norma Meredith in 7-09-13; father Roland Meredith on 1-20-09, and his brother Scott Meredith on 3-01-15, his brother-in-law Douglas Nadeau on 12-29-12.
Wayne is survived by sister Barbara Hodsden, husband Wayne Hodsden, Raleigh, NC; sister Sandra Nadeau, Fitchburg, MA ; and sister Brenda Johnson, husband Paul Johnson of, Milford, MA.
And three nieces and five nephews: Merrick Hodsden, Brett Hodsden, Heather Hodsden Dionne; Dean Nadeau, DeeAnne Nadeau Aylotte, Christopher Nadeau; Justin Johnson and Meredith Johnson .
Funeral service will be held in the Spring, due to the expressed wish of many of Wayne’s friends who are away for the winter months.
The family would love for you to share your memories of Wayne online at www.awrfh.com.