White River Jct., VT Roger A. Burnham, 87, died Monday, Sept. 17, 2012 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. He was born Oct. 31, 1924 in Hartford, VT the son of Wayne and May (Harrington) Burnham. He grew up and attended schools in Hartford. He was married to Clara L. Campbell on August 28, 1946. Roger and Clara made their home on Center of Town Road where they raised their nine children. Roger was a lifelong farmer but throughout his farming career he also held down several other jobs to help make ends meet. He worked for a time at Cone-Blanchard Machine Tool Company in Windsor, VT. Roger was the herdsman at the Maplewood Farm in Woodstock, VT. During the construction of the North Hartland Dam he operated heavy equipment for Perini Company. He also worked construction for Pizzagalli Company while they were building the interstate. Later he worked for Mower's News in White River Jct.,and in the mill for Green Mountain Box Company. Following his retirement he and Clara wintered in Fort Myers, FL for nine years.

Roger and Clara opened their home to over fifty foster children and countless "Fresh Air Kids" throughout the years.
Roger enjoyed fishing, camping at Jellystone Camp Ground in Ashland, NH and playing horseshoes at the Burnham family reunions. He loved his dog Heidi and most of all spending time with his grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a son, Robert Burnham, a grandson, David Grady, ten brothers, Vernon, Roy, Stanley, Reginald, Wayne, Hazen, Morris, Eldridge, Earl, Wendel, and three sisters, Helen Luce, Hazel Therriault, Hilda Smith.

Roger is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, six sons, Stephen Burnham of White River Jct., Stanley Burnham of White River Jct., Jim Burnham of West Lebanon, NH, Ron Burnham of Plainfield, NH, Thom Burnham of Bradford, VT, Rodney Burnham of Harrington, DE, two daughters, Linda Mallett of Killeen, TX, Patricia Grady of Hampton, NY, 21 grandchildren, forty-two great grandchildren, a brother, Fay Burnham of White River Jct., VT, a sister, Katherine Vaughan E. Montpelier, VT, and many nieces and nephews.

At his request a private committal service will be held at a later date in the Hartford Cemetery in White River Jct., at the convenience of the family. A memorial reception will be held at Stanley Burnham's residence on Center of Town Road on Saturday Oct 6th, 4-7pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748.