David Leslie Philipsen

BRANDON:

David Philipsen, age 83, died August 3, 2024, at his home in Brandon; following a long, valiant struggle with Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s Disease.

David was born at Proctor Hospital, on July 31, 1941, the son of veterinarian Dr. William and Marion (Mills) Philipsen. He was a lifelong resident of Brandon, as was his father Dr. William Philipsen. His grandfather, Dr. Herman Philipsen (also a veterinarian) immigrated to Brandon from Denmark in 1894. A maternal fourth great-grandfather was an early settler of Brandon, coming from Massachusetts about 1805. David graduated from Brandon high school, class of 1959. At first, unsure of his career path, he studied at UVM, Boston University, and Northeastern University, finally earning a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Social Science from Castleton State College in 1970. He became a public librarian in Manchester; a college librarian at Castleton State College, a traveling school librarian, for seven schools in the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union; and lastly, at West Rutland’s K-12 School, from which he retired in 2003 following 20 years of service. Many years ago, he served on the board of directors of early daycare centers in Castleton and Brandon. He was a member of the Brandon Historical Society. At different times of his life, he enjoyed reading, genealogy, using computers, photography, listening to music, playing the piano, gardening, and in earlier years skiing, hiking, kayaking, golfing, and bicycling. He had a wonderful sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife/care provider; Maryann (Groeger) Philipsen of Brandon; whom he married at St. Mary’s Church in Brandon, on July 31, 1977. He is also survived by his feline companion, Lily and by many special friends. Additional survivors include his brother Doug’s wife; Mary, niece Marion, nephews Chris, Kevin, and Doug, and Maryann’s sisters; Holly and Nancy and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother; Bill and sister-in-law Barb and brother Doug.

His family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the wonderful care given Dave by Julie Lonergan, his many doctors through the years, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, and recently by the staff in the Special Care Unit at the Meadows in Rutland

Following his instructions, there will be no calling hours or public funeral service. A private graveside committal service and burial will take place, at a later date, in the family lot, at Pine Hill Cemetery.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in his memory to; Brandon Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 232, Brandon, VT or to the Brandon Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 25, Brandon, VT 05733.

“It is in the shelter of each other that people live” Irish Proverb.

As Dave, in his 83 years, lived in the shelter of so many, receiving a special memory would be most welcome.

Arrangements by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon.