G. Lester Corwin II

SOUTH ROYALTON—Grant Lester Corwin, II, 58, died at his home, Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, of an apparent heart attack.

He was born March 9, 1949, in Hanover, N.H., the son of Grant L.M. and Barbara Read McIntosh Corwin. His childhood was spent on the family farm in South Royalton. He was an active student in high school, taking part in many extra-curricular activities including completing the requirements to become an Eagle Scout.

He graduated from South Royalton High School in 1967 and attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in France and Belgium from 1969-71. He returned to complete his undergraduate education at BYU, then received a JD from the Delaware Law School.

He worked for lawyer Norman Case of Bethel before going to work at the Hartford District Court in White River Junction. After he was admitted to the bar in Vermont, he had his own practice until his death.

He married the former Merrily Harston in 1972, with whom he had three children. He was later married for a time to Alana Weir and very briefly to Elizabeth Lansing.

He spent a great deal of time in service to others from his teenage years on, and took much joy in helping old ladies, serving in his community, and serving in his church. He was extremely "handy" and could do electrical work, carpentry, landscaping, etc, and was always willing to share his numerous skills. He had strong convictions which he stuck to, whether they were popular among his associates or not. He also had a great love for the United States of America and counted the Constitution a sacred document.

He ran for several local and state political offices over the years, most notably for the Vermont Senate. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the John Birch Society, the South Royalton Town Band, the Mad Bavarian Brass Band, the Grange and the Odd Fellows.

Survivors include a son, Marshall Corwin of Utah; two daughters, Mindy Sutton of Lehi, Utah, and Mitsi Corwin of Wyoming; four grandchildren; a brother, William Corwin of South Royalton; two sisters, Patricia Crossett of East Thetford and Jessie Corwin Mullines of Springville, Utah; aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and his two brothers, Everett and Gerald.

Calling hours were held Sunday evening, Oct. 7, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Dairy Hill in South Royalton. A funeral service was held Monday, Oct. 8, at the church with Bishop Gary Cass conducting the service. As friends and family gathered, an audio/video presentation projected photos of him throughout his life. The music and retrospective was prepared by his nephew and his nephew’s wife, Jonathan and Alissa Crossett. Organist Elaine Soule led the congregation in one of his favorite hymns, "Because I Have Been Given Much," followed by an invocation by Bishop Owen Hamilton.

A church member and family friend, Virginia McShinsky, reflected on his life and spoke of his many contributions. Members of his family, including his two daughters, then offered a special musical tribute, "I Stand All Amazed." His nephew, Jeremiah Curtis, gave the eulogy, and his friend, Bill Sharp, said a few words and led the congregation in singing "The Unclouded Day." Bishop Gary Cass also shared his thoughts and memories of Lester. The service closed with the hymn "God Be with You Till We Meet Again" and Bishop Frank Perron gave the benediction.

His brother, Bill and his nephews served as pall bearers. On the way to Riverview Cemetery, the funeral procession drove through South Royalton village and around the town green where he had ridden his bike with his Sousaphone on his back. In honor of him, members of the South Royalton Town Band gathered at the gravesite and greeted the procession as the family entered the cemetery. The graveside service consisted of an invocation by Jonathan Crossett, words from Bishop Cass and dedication of the grave by Lester’s son, Marshall, and three songs from the town band. Following the service, family and friends were invited to share in fellowship at the church hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to the South Royalton Town Band, in care of Carol Greene, South Royalton, Vt., 05068.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home, Main Street, Chelsea.

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