Bartley Bonfield Nourse, Sr., 91, of Middlebury, died peacefully of natural causes on January 25, 2017. He was born on May 12, 1925, in Worcester, MA, the son of James Percival Nourse and Mary Priestley (Bartley) Nourse. Bart graduated from North High School in Worcester and joined the U.S. Navy, completing the V-12 program at Dartmouth College as an aviation cadet. He served in the Naval Air Ferry in Chapel Hill, NC, and Pensacola, FL. Released from active duty in September 1945, Bart attended Middlebury College, graduating in 1948 with a B.A. in American Literature. While at Middlebury, Bart fell in love with Helen Tiffany Clark, Middlebury 47, of Winsted, CT. The two were devoted to each other for seven decades, marrying on June 26, 1948, at the Clark family home in Winsted, CT. Bart so loved his times with Tiffanys family. After working briefly for Liberty Mutual Insurance, Bart launched his career with the professional staff of the Boy Scouts of America in January 1949. He served as a Scout Executive for the Green Mountain Council of Vermont (1961-65) and the North Shore Council in Salem, MA (1965-1972). In 1972, Bart became the National Director for Professional Development at Schiff Scout Training Center in Mendham, NJ, and Irving, Texas. His BSA career spanned 37 years, and he retired in 1985. Bart and Tiffany moved back to their roots in New England, to Cape Cod, into a house designed by themselves and built by sons Jim and Bart, Jr. For 20 years they lived the "good life" in their cherished Brierpatch. Bart was active in the Brewster School Building Committee, at the Dennis Union Church as Moderator, as President of the Brewster Mens Club, and at the Captains Golf Course. In 2005, they returned to Middlebury, VT, where Bart served the College Class of 48 as Secretary and Agent for many years. Bart loved the natural world the mountains of Vermont, the coastlines of Massachusetts. He cared meticulously for his yard. He enjoyed long walks with his bride. He painted watercolors. He was an avid letter writer, and his handwriting was an art form. He read voraciously about his heroes Jefferson and Lincoln. He studied The Bible daily. He led his family by example, true to his Christian faith and Scout Oath: "On my honor I will do my best." As with Jefferson, in matters of style Bart swam with the current; in matters of principle, he stood like a rock. Family gatherings were Barts true joy, where his humor and zest delighted all. Bart was predeceased by his two brothers, James Bartley Nourse (Jane) of Cary, NC, and Kenneth Armstrong Nourse (widow, Pat Todd), of Middlebury, VT, both alumni of Middlebury College. Bart is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen Tiffany (Clark); son James Hallett Nourse (and spouse, Sarah M. Shipton, Lyme, NH); son Bartley Bonfield Nourse, Jr. (Marion, MA); and daughter Jane Tiffany (Nourse) Sargent (and spouse, Bill Sargent, Ripton, VT). "Grandpa Cod" loved and was so proud of his seven grandchildren Sarah Sheppe Okun (CA), Andrew Sheppe (NH), Katharine Nourse Moore (NH), Rebecca Nourse (NH), Jared Nourse (MA), Hallett [Hallie] Sargent (VT), and Asa Sargent (VT) and five great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Middlebury United Methodist Church, 47 North Pleasant Street, on February 3 at 11:00am. Those wishing to add their remembrances can do so at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com. Donations in Barts name may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice. SERVICES Memorial Service Friday, February 3, 2017 11:00 AM Middlebury United Methodist Church 43 North Pleasant St Middlebury, VT 05753