Bruce Bellows Talbot, 61, of Moretown, Vermont, died peacefully on January 23, 2011.
Bruce was born and grew up in Wisconsin. He graduated from the
University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1971 with a bachelor of arts and
Northwestern University in 1973 with a master of science, both in
journalism.
Based on his freelance reporting from the Democratic and Republican
Conventions in Miami Beach in 1972, Bruce was offered a wire service
correspondent position by United Press International, at a location of
his choice. He chose Vermont and spent the rest of his life here.
Bruce was married to Martha Fitch of Montpelier from 1976 to 1983, and
they had a son, Peter, in 1981. In 1993, he married Judith Sutphen of
Putney and together they adopted Alejandro and Sofia as infants, in 1992
and 1995, respectively. Bruce is also survived by his brother and
sister-in-law, Jack and Marilyn Talbot of Thousand Oaks, California, as
well as their four sons and families.
From 1978 to 1983, Bruce was a beloved teacher at Montpelier High
School, and he continued to teach both young people and adults in
various capacities throughout his life. From 1983 to 1987, he was the
editor of company publications for the National Life Insurance Company,
and from 1987 to 1989 he was the manager of public relations for the
Barre Granite Association. In 1993, he organized and managed the
cultural heritage factory tour for the nation's oldest basketmaking
company, Basketville, Inc.
In the 1970s, Bruce became a devotee of Maharaji, Prem Rawat, and
established a lifelong daily meditation practice. Bruce believed that
this practice allowed him to see the beauty inside of himself and,
therefore, of others. There was always abundant laughter with Bruce
around with his intelligence, roguish humor and sense of irreverence;
therefore, it is impossible to remember him without a smile.
In the 1990s, Bruce became a serious student of the Landmark Forum,
formerly known as est. Taking its life-transforming philosophy very much
to heart resulted in Bruce co-producing five concerts throughout the
1990s of the New Hope Baptist Church of Newark, New Jersey, 100-member
choir, bringing their awe-inspiring gospel music to thousands of
Vermonters. He also co-led tours to Newark, New Jersey, and Harlem, New
York, to introduce Vermonters to African-American culture and landmarks.
In 1994, at the age of 45, Bruce was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
He chose to transform his disease into a contribution to his own life
as well as others and began by founding and serving as the president of
the Vermont chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association.
During the 16 years his disease progressed, Bruce became central to the
Vermont Parkinson's community, as well as active at the regional and
national level. In 2007, Bruce was honored to be named to the first
national patients' advisory council of the Parkinson's Disease
Foundation.
In February 2010, Bruce was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor, a
glioblastoma. His reaction to his diagnosis was, "I've had a wonderful
life." His family, friends and community throughout the country and
around the world surrounded and supported him in his illness, and he
passed away very gently. In the heart of the pain is great joy and we
love Bruce just for being Bruce and making such a difference in our
lives. Bruce's book on his philosophy of life and his journey with
chronic illness, <MI>The Heart of the Matter<D>, will be
published posthumously.
A memorial celebration to honor Bruce and his life will be held at the
Barre Opera House on Sunday, February 13, at 4:30 p.m. All are invited.
Tax-deductible gifts in Bruce's honor can be made to the University of
Vermont College of Medicine Department of Neurology - "In honor of Bruce
Talbot" on the message line - Medical Development and Alumni Relations,
89 Beaumont Avenue Courtyard at Given, Burlington, Vermont 05405. Our
hope is to establish the Bruce Talbot Fund to enhance Parkinson's
disease research, education and care in Vermont with a minimum goal of
$100,000.
You are invited to share your memories and online condolences by
visiting www.caringbridge.org/visit/brucetalbot or
www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.
