Lawson H Stoddard

Rochester, NH-Lawson H. Stoddard passed away peacefully at the Studley Home in Rochester, NH Thursday, May 30, 2019, following a long illness. He was born October 30, 1929 in Randolph, VT, the only child of Herman E. and Ruth (Trask) Stoddard. He resided on the family farm in Brookfield, VT until 1946 when he graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre, VT.  He joined the US Regular Army January 8, 1947, serving 18 months before joining the US Army Reserve in June, 1948. Lawson served 33 years in the active reserve. For 27 of those years, he was a civilian administrator.  When he retired December 31, 1988, he had served as Staff Administrative Assistant and respected Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Brigade, 76th Division. On March 24, 1950, Lawson married Pauline G. Eastman in Barre, VT, a marriage that spanned 65 years. They became the proud parents of three daughters, settling in Rochester, NH in 1962 where they remained.  Lawson was an avid gardener, employing organic gardening techniques and building raised beds for his garden in town. Many people enjoyed the fruits of his labor.  During the winters of his retirement, he traded gardening for woodworking, creating household furniture for every room.  He also enjoyed touring the country and taking numerous trips to Hawaii with Pauline. Lawson is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Pauline. He is survived by three daughters: Laura P. Poole and her husband, Adrian, of Wolfeboro, NH, Irene R. Moore and her husband, Gary, of Conyers, GA, and Louise M. Stoddard and her husband, Rick Apt, of Milton, NH.  He was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren; Carey E. Moore, Christopher Poole and his wife Kaela, Stephanie Poole-Walker and her husband Steven, and Eduardo Apt.  He had one great-grandson, Benjamin Poole-Walker. A private graveside service was held June 3, 2019 at the Franklin Street Cemetery in Rochester.  Condolences may be expressed in the online guest book at www.edgerlyfh.com.  Those who choose to may honor Lawson's memory by sending a donation to the Studley Home, 34 Eastern Avenue, Rochester, NH 03867.