Royce H. Gage

ROCHESTER- Royce Howland Gage, 78, died Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at his home.

He was born March 26, 1929 in Lynn, Mass., the son of Harold and Letha (Kirby) Gage.

He moved to Rochester at an early age and attended Rochester schools. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II and had been stationed in Japan. Following his discharge from the service, he attended Syracuse University. He married Patricia Bagley in September of 1949.

He later married Shirley (Brown) Champion in Rochester in December of 1974. He worked at Eaton Lumber Co. in Hancock for 25 years. He later worked as a clerk for the U.S. Forest Service in Rochester and was a rural mail carrier until 1997.

He was a member of the Rochester Federated Church since 1943 and had served as clerk and church historian, as well as serving on various committees. He belonged to many organizations including the Lion's Club, the Masons, where he had served as secretary for 10 years; and American Legion Post #43, and had served as treasurer for the local Boy Scout troop. He was active with the Rochester Historical Society and in earlier years, had been a volunteer fireman. He had also served as a lister for the Town of Rochester.

He enjoyed gardening, especially planting peas; skiing, attending plays and was an avid Boston sports fan.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Gage of Rochester; two sons, Dr. Craig Gage of Tampa, Fla., and Kern Gage of Ocoee, Fla.; two daughters, Gail Severy of Merrimack, N.H., and Kim O'Malley of Tampa, Fla.; two step-sons, Bruce Champion of Mt. Holly and John Champion of Rochester; two step-daughters, Brenda Downs of Rochester and Janet C. Whitaker of Stockbridge; 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a cousin, Dick Kirby of Brandon, who was like a brother to him.

Funeral services were held Sunday, June 10 at the Rochester Federated Church. Rev. Greg Homan officiated and Susan Bushnell was the pianist. The eulogy was given by Royce's son, Dr. Craig Gage. Several family members and friends offered remembrances. The congregation sang "Open My Eyes, That I May See," "Hymn of Promise," "Amazing Grace," and "Shall We Gather at the River?" Pall bearers were Gordon, Philip, Willard, Richard, Earl and Keith Mills. Burial, with full military honors conducted by the Vermont Army National Guard, followed at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Rochester. A reception was held at the church's fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Rochester Federated Church, Rte. 100, Rochester, Vt. 05767.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Day Funeral Home of Randolph.

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