FUNERAL HELD: Hibbard Homer Pudvah

DATELINE: Swanton / Montgomery Center

The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at 10 a.m. from The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Thomas D. Nadeau was the celebrant and homilist. Eugene LaBombard and Cleo Yandow served as Ministers of the Altar. Music was provided by organist and soloist, Mary Jo Gillilan. Special Music was offered by Andrew LaRocque. Members of the Franklin County International Firefighters Association and the Vermont State Firefighters Association provided both a color guard as well as a large guard of honor. Also participating in the honor guard were members of the Knights of Columbus, Saint Edmund of Canterbury, Fourth Degree Assembly 2207 Swanton, American Legion, Green Mountain Post 1 St. Albans, Highgate Volunteer Fire Department and Missisquoi Valley Rescue. Among the other large delegations in attendance were representatives from the, Swanton Village, Saint Albans Town and City, Georgia, Cambridge, Clarenceville, St. Armand, Bedford, Milton, Richford, Enosburgh Falls, Franklin, Newport, Eden, Burlington, Colchester, and Sheldon Fire Departments, 911 St. Albans Central Dispatch, Swanton Village Police Department, Highgate Town Offices, Swanton Village and Town Offices, Highgate Historical Society, Highgate United Methodist Church, O.C. McCuin and Sons, Enosburgh Falls High School Class of 1953, Dan Hazard and Son Excavating, Desorcie Emergency Products, Laroche Auto Repair, Northwestern Medical Center, M&C Transport, Desorcie’s Store and the parish community of Nativity / St. Louis and St. Isadore. The White Funeral Pall was draped over Hibbard’s casket by his sons, Wayne and David. The Crucifix was placed by his wife Betty. Elwin Sweeney and Susan Ferland proclaimed The Old and New Testament Readings. The Offertory Gifts were presented by daughters, Sally and Denise and grandchildren, Joshua and Chris. Special Words of Remembrance were shared by Past Milton Fire Chief, Randy Carey. Hibbard’s Signature Western Hat was carried and placed on the Sanctuary steps by grandson, Joshua Sweeney. The Rite of Committal and Interment followed at the Pudvah family lot in St. Isadore Roman Catholic Cemetery, Montgomery Center with Father Nadeau reading the committal prayers. Pastor William Simmons, Chaplain of the Franklin County Firefighters Association also offered prayers as well as special words of comfort. The National Fire Department Flag was folded and presented to Mrs. Betty Pudvah by Past Highgate Fire Chief Keith Ploof. The bearers were, Christopher Bushey, Joshua Sweeney, Billie Davis, Robbie Gendron, Keith Ploof, David Desorcie, Lloyd Touchette and Christopher Uzell. Following The Prayers of Committal a reception was held for family and friends at the St. Isadore Parish Center hosted by members of the parish. On Monday evening during the visitation members of the Franklin County International and Vermont State Firefighters Association held a short prayer service led by their president, Timothy Girard.