S ome traditions are worth saving


I would assume almost everyone in St. Albans would know Heald Funeral Home. I didn't know the first Winslow Heald but I did know the first Raymond Heald and the tremendous way he supported my St. Albans Family when my Aunt died at a young age in the 50's. After that it was Bud and Win that took care of my family in the 60's, 70's, 80's. As a local minister for 14 years, I also worked with the Healds in many tough situations.

This past November my husband, another local minister in St. Albans for 14 years died and his wishes had always been for Heald Funeral Home to be in charge. I am quite sure he never thought that he would outlive Bud and Win but as it turned out, he did. So, it was Rhett and his colleague, Lucien Hayes, that were in charge. They came cross State to Wells River to take care of my family this past winter and to make sure that everything went smoothly for my husband's funeral in Orford, NH.

We buried my husband, the Rev. R. Ward Wilson, this past Sunday, Father's Day, at Greenwood Cemetery. Sometimes a family business goes down hill as the next generation assumes the leadership role but certainly not in this case. The Heald Funeral Home excels in compassion and professionalism at the time of a death and when you have known them for awhile, it is as if "family" were taking care of you. It has always been that way and it still is that way. As our world becomes fixated on technology, a faster way of life and financial greed, isn't it remarkable and wonderful that there is a family business that continues to get the human condition and offer the appropriate care when a family is in its worse crisis.

Thank you Healds and all other small businesses that continue to put people and service first.

Rev. Jane E. Wilson
Wells River, Vermont