Bruce Kirk Byers, 90, of Cornwall

BRUCE KIRK BYERS

CORNWALL – Bruce Kirk Byers, 90, of Cornwall, Vt., passed away peacefully surrounded by family and his dog, Maple, on May 9, 2024.

Born in New York City on October 3, 1933 to John RB Byers and Marjorie Newman Byers, Bruce grew up in Rutherford, NJ with summers spent in Green Pond, NJ. Graduated from Blair Academy (1951), Middlebury College (1955). ) and Cornell Law School (1958). He was in the Army Reserve from 1958-1964.

At Middlebury College, Bruce met the love of his life, Suzanne Heyer, to whom he was married for 67 years. A stellar college athlete, he played basketball, baseball and football, helping a classmate who in 1954 organized Middlebury’s first football team, which won every game that season. He excelled in his studies in college and law school and was active in a variety of clubs and committees. Bruce enjoyed his time at Middlebury College so much that he and Sue retired to nearby Cornwall in 2000.

In 1962, Bruce opened his own law firm in Ridgewood, NJ. He and Sue very quickly, as with everything in their lives, became involved in all things Ridgewood. Bruce was deeply committed to public service. He was a lawyer for the Planning Board, a local councilor and mayor. He has always said his favorite role as mayor is performing marriage ceremonies. His generosity extended to pro bono legal work for numerous organizations. He was chairman of the board of Holley Child Care Center and led a large senior housing project and the restoration of a city park. This dedication to the community continued after Bruce and Sue moved full-time to Cornwall after being weekend travelers since 1986. As Middlebury College President Laurie Patton described in John and Bonnie McCardell Citizen’s presentation Award in 2016, the Middlebury community is “privileged to have Bruce’s selflessness and zest for life in our midst.” Over the years, beneficiaries of this zest have been Porter Hospital, Charter House, Open Door Clinic, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Middlebury Dog Park, Cornwall Planning Board and HOPE. One of his passions was the restoration of the Town Hall Theatre. He served on the board, helped raise funds and provided pro bono legal work for whatever was needed to bring this historic gem of the city back to life.

Gratitude to his alma mater was reflected over the years in his capacity on the alumni board, as alumni interviewer for hopeful candidates and as class agent, as well as co-chairman with Sue of several reunions. At the 50th reunion, he was the recipient of the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Service to the College award. An annual highlight for the past 20 years has been the Alumni College on the Bread Loaf campus, with a cohort of beloved colleagues from near and far.

Bruce was good at checking things off his bucket list, including getting his Town Hall Theater bartender’s license at age 70, taking woodworking and pottery classes, throwing legendary Kentucky Derby parties to benefit Porter Hospital, launching coed softball for Natural Foods Coop. team, driving a succession of convertibles and hosting international students from Middlebury College (who have become “family”). She loved her sports, especially anything involving competition and a ball: tennis, golf, softball, paddle tennis. His paddling court was open to all.

He had a knack for making people feel comfortable. He will be remembered for his unbridled laughter, energy, generous spirit and friendship, his love of maple cremees and chocolate and Springer Spaniels. He never lost his inner child, sharing his sense of fun with his children and later his grandchildren, such as giving him individual summer outings to an arcade game, mini golf, go-cart tracks, with always a grand finale. at an ice cream and candy store.

Bruce leaves a legacy of kindness, community service and love of life. He is survived by his wife, Sue; daughter, Anne Lockwood (Michael); son, Christopher Byers (Stephanie); grandchildren, Chris Lockwood (Caroline), Kyle Lockwood (Michelle), Cara Lockwood Rohrer (Jeff), Keely Lockwood and Natalie Byers. He was so loved by his extended family and many dear friends. He will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at American Flatbread, 137 Maple Street, Middlebury, Vt., on June 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. All are welcome.

Contributions in Bruce’s name may be made to the Charter House Coalition or the Town Hall Theatre, both of Middlebury. ◊