BERNARD H. BRONSON BRIDPORT, VT. - Bernard H. Bronson was born in Bridport on Feb. 25, 1921, the son of the late Horace A. and Alice (Myrick) Bronson, died on March 30, 2009, in Rutland Healthcare and Rehabilitation. He attended schools in Bridport, Shoreham, and Whiting. On Sept. 27, 1943, he married Ellen M. McGinn in a service at St. Bernadette's Church. Bernard was a farmer living in Middlebury and Bridport. He was active in his community playing baseball for the Bridport and Panton teams. He drove truck for the town and for LaRocque's trucking. Bernard was a charter member of the Bridport Fire Department, organized in 1948. He served as president of the Addison County Firefighters in 1952, becoming a life member. A Grange member for over 70 years, he held several offices including Master in Bridport and offices in Pomona and State Granges serving on the Agriculture and Fair Committees. He was also a member of the Bridport Historical Society and a life member of the Bridport Sno-Birds. Bernard is survived by a son, Francis Bronson of Bridport and a daughter, Barbara and her husband Andre Mercier of Bridport. He had four grandchildren who gave him lots of love during his life, Bailey Bronson, who shared Grampa's love of sheep, as well as Jason, Raymond, and Renee Mercier, "Grampa's Shadow." He is also survived by brothers, Horace A. and wife Joyce of South Burlington, Malcolm and wife Isabelle of Bridport, Thad and his wife Virginia of Bridport, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Ellen; his brothers, Wymond and Lloyd; and a sister, Thelma LaRocque. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at 11 a.m., in St. Bernadette's Catholic Church. The Rev. William R. Beaudin, Pastor, as celebrant. Burial will follow in Bridport Central Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 3, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m., in Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home, 117 South Main Street, Middlebury, VT . In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Bridport Fire Department, P.O. Box 125, Bridport, VT 05734. Online condolences at www.Sanderson funeralservice.com .