Congdon remembered at service

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(Host) About two hundred people gathered at Barstow Memorial School in Chittenden Saturday to remember Bernard Congdon Jr. Congdon was the local select board member who was shot and killed at his home May 3rd. Police say his 16-year-old son, Aaron, confessed to the crime and is now in jail on charges of first degree murder.

VPR’s Nina Keck has more.

(Keck) Local leaders remembered Bernie Congdon’s hard work for the community – both as a Select Board member and as a snow plow driver in the winter and landscaper during the summer. Because the 53-year-old spent so much time driving around in his truck, friends say just about everyone in town knew him.

Reggie Dubin is a long time Chittenden resident.

(Dubin) “Bottom line is he was a great guy. He had a lot going on in his life. We knew there were difficulties with Aaron, but God, nobody worked harder to. . . . as the pastor was saying, he loved his son and he was a very important part of his life. Bernie was always there for other people. He’s going to be missed. It’s a tragedy for the whole town.”

(Keck) Bernie Congdon’s stepsister, Lisa Williams Ackley, told those at the service that the best possible tribute people could make to her brother would be to reach out to someone in need – especially a troubled teen.

(Ackley) “He reached out to others. He was so concerned about other people and caring about other people. He believed that love conquered all. This is hard for me to say because I haven’t reached that point yet. My brother loved his son and he would want people to try and forgive him.”

(Keck) One of the most moving moments of Saturday’s service came after Ackley finished speaking and began to sing.

(Ackley sings Amazing Grace)

(Ackley) “I love you little brother. . . . now, would everyone sing along with me?”

(Group sings)

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