Ware, MA-William M. Bertrand, 56, formerly of Woodstock, died unexpectedly on Sept. 3, 2009.
Bill was born at Fort Devens, MA he was the son of the late Charles H. Bertrand and the late Beryl L. (Prentice) Bertrand. He grew up at Fort Devens and on Okinawa before his father retired from military service in 1966 and settled on Rocky Hill Road in Woodstock. He attended Woodstock Public School and Woodstock Academy, graduating in 1971. Bill was a three-sport athlete at the Academy, playing soccer, basketball, and baseball. He also studied and played basketball at Manchester Community College.
He pursued a variety of occupations during his life, including several years at Glass Container Co. in Dayville. He also worked in fiber optics technology at manufacturers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He sold new and used cars for several years at two dealerships in Auburn, Mass., and most recently was a sales representative for Century 21 Moulton Real Estate in Ware, Mass.
An accomplished golfer, Bill enjoyed his happiest times with friends on the golf course. He was a member of Dunroamin Country Club in Gilbertville, Mass., and Scottish Meadow Golf Club in Brimfield, Mass. He also followed professional and collegiate sports, most notably University of Connecticut basketball.
Bill, who cared for his mother in her final years before her death in 2003, is survived by three sisters, Karen Leduc of Putnam, and Cheryl Reynolds and Carol Case, both of West Plains, Mo.; a brother, Charles L. Bertrand of Colchester; and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bill’s family from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, September 11, 2009 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A memorial ceremony will be held on Oct. 25, 2009 at Dunroamin Country Club, which will dedicate its season-ending tournament on that day to Bill’s memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions made payable to the Woodstock Academy William Bertrand Scholarship may be sent to Karen Leduc, P.O. Box 135, Putnam, Conn. 06260.
Janice (Dodge) Alton
Karen and family….
So sorry to hear that Billy had passed. So many years have passed since the old days of “Rocky Hill Rd”…seems like forever, but when we lose someone it brings it all back….Billy was a good kid with a great smile! Sincere sympathy to you all and may your great memories of Bill get you all through this difficult time. Janice (Dodge) Alton