featured-image

OLD BENNINGTON, Vt. — On Friday, Vermonters mourned a longtime voice for Bennington who proved instrumental in its state Senate. A contingent of friends and colleagues from politics, social services and other walks of life gathered at Old First Church to mourn the late state Sen.

Dick Sears, who passed away June 1 at age 81. Sears’ friend and Senate colleague, Brian Campion, led in organizing the service. The Rev.



Kenneth Clarke, pastor of First Congregational Church, conducted it. Former Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin (2011-2017), a close friend of state Sen.

Dick Sears, gave the eulogy at his memorial Friday at the Old First Church in Old Bennington, Vt. Speakers told of a man from humble beginnings who cared passionately for the disadvantaged, a man of sharp political acumen who in his 30-year state senate career authored 617 bills, 128 of which became law. Clarke said they gathered to “remember the life of a remarkable man, a public servant, a kind father, a man who meant so much to this town and this state.

And so, we gather in gratitude for the life of Dick Sears.” Speakers at the event included Campion and retired Sen. Jane Kitchel, another friend and colleague.

Many of Sears’ fellow Vermont state senators attended. Gov. Phil Scott spoke and former Gov.

Peter Shumlin, a close friend of Sears, gave the eulogy. Speaking last was Sears’s son John Murphy, accompanied by Sears’ two granddaughters, Kadin and Delilah Murphy. “You guys were just as much his family.

.

Back to Beauty Page