Nelson Whitney

TUNBRIDGE—Nelson H. Whitney, 76, died early Wednesday morning, May 16, 2007, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. after suffering a heart attack. He was born May 26, 1930 in Tunbridge, the son of Harry S. and Hilda (Merrill) Whitney.

He attended schools in Tunbridge and then as a young man went to work with his father on the farm. He married Rose Russell in 1955, the same year he went into the service. He was stationed in Germany, serving with the US Army.

After returning to Vermont, he hauled milk and farmed until 1964, when he went to work at the Indian Head Veneer Mill in Bethel. He was divorced in 1973.

From 1971 to 1979, Nelson worked as a farm hand on a dairy farm in upstate New York. Later, he returned to Vermont and worked at HEB Manufacturing in Chelsea, retiring in 1991.

He enjoyed woodworking, working on anything that had an engine, and fixing things for his family and friends. He also liked to hunt, fish, go to yard sales, and spend time with his family.

Survivors include his companion, Eleanor Campbell of Chelsea; three sons: Nelson B. "Pee-Wee" Whitney and his wife, Donna, of Tunbridge, Randy W. Whitney of Roxbury, and Lee A. Whitney of East Randolph; three daughters: Annette C. Sargent and her husband, Charles, of Roxbury, Tammy J. Legacy and her husband, Scott, of Roxbury, and Lynn A. Keene and her husband, Thomas, of Brookfield; 14 grandchildren, Jason and Jessica Whitney of Tunbridge, Adraenne, Jonas, Brie-Anne, Jonathan, and Niklass Sargent, James, Andrew, and Christopher Legacy all of Roxbury, and Tyler, Bryant, Andrew and Emma Keene of Brookfield; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Ralph Whitney of Tunbridge; a sister, Margaret Moody of Tenn. and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by four brothers: Ernest, Forrest, Carlisle "Bill," and Warren Whitney; and two sisters: Annette Whitney and Madeline Whitney.

There will be no calling hours. A graveside service with full military honors will be Thursday, May 24, at 1 p.m. at the Spring Road Cemetery in Tunbridge, with Pastor Ron Rilling officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Voluntary Services, 215 North Main Street, White River Jct., Vt. 05009.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea.

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