11/10/2004RICHARD A. MESSIER WILLISTON - Richard A. Messier, 67, died Monday, Nov. 8, 2004, at his home after a short and courageous battle with renal cancer. He was the son of Lionel and Jennie (Camolli) Messier, both deceased. He was a special mixture of Canadian French and Old World Italian. Dick grew up in Waterbury and attended schools there. This past June he enjoyed a 50th reunion with classmates from Waterbury High. After high school he followed in his father's footsteps and attended barber school in Nashua, N.H. His barbering career took him from White River Junction to his father's shop in Waterbury, to several shops in Burlington, and back to Waterbury to operate that shop after the death of his father. For the last five years, he had worked at Garfield's until his retirement in June. His flattop was known to be one of the best in the state. Dick's spirit was fulfilled and his life enriched because of the times he spent in the out-ofdoors here in Vermont. Always glorious were the days he got to spend on the mountaintops with his downhill skis. Regardless of the conditions, each ski day was better than the last. The last several years were made even more enjoyable because of the friendship and camaraderie of his pals in the 55+ Ski Club at Smugglers Notch. Peaceful and reflective times were experienced when he hiked the logging trails in and around Camels Hump every November as he searched for that trophy buck. Exciting were those opening day preparations of equipment and preseason treks and gun sightings with his hunting pals. And then there was the golf game that was a never-ending challenge for his body and soul. Over his golf career of 35 years, he never stopped searching for a way to gain greater distance. Even as he struggled with cancer he continued to work with his golf pro on swing and club adjustments. Much satisfaction came, too, from helping others with free golf instruction tips gleaned from stacks of golf books and magazines. Many happy hours were spent in his workshop regripping clubs and building new ones for family and friends. Dick also fulfilled every golfer's dream when he played The Old Course at Ballybunion in County Cork and the Old Course at St. Andrews. Dick is survived by his wife and friend, Ellie Messier; his two daughters, Julie Jennings and husband Andy of Boonton, N.J., and Michelle Dort and husband Austin of Largo, Fla. He also leaves two very special granddaughters, Morgan Thuy and Alexandra Nicole. He leaves his cousin, George Gale of Barre, who took the place of an older brother growing up. Special, too, were his wife, Carmen, and their group of five children and spouses. He also leaves his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Mary Bronson of St. Albans; and his two nephews, David and Bill Bronson. He will be dearly missed by many golf, ski and hunting buddies. There will be a celebration of Dick's life, which will be held in The Conference Center at the Windjammer on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. At Dick's request it will be an informal gathering of friends and family. Bring your fondest memories, stories, and a joke or two to share. Those desiring may send donations in his memory to Hospice of the Champlain Valley, 1110 Prim Road, Suite 1, Colchester, Vt. 05446. Arrangements are being handled by Stephen C. Gregory, Cremation Service, Shelburne