ECRWSS PRSRT STD US Postage
PAID
Permit #15 Williston,VT 05495 POSTAL CUSTOMER
AUGUST 27, 2020
WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
Town clerk, treasurer and hero Deb Beckett dies By Jason Starr Observer staff
One of Deb Beckett’s many roles of service to the Town of Williston was holding a seat on the Tax Abatement Board. This is the board that hears requests for property tax forgiveness based on financial hardship or extenuating circumstances. Beckett, the longtime town clerk and treasurer, served on the board with other town leaders, like selectboard members and legislative representatives. But for her, the seat was more than a responsibility of local leadership. It alerted her to who in the community was struggling, and gave her an opening to help. Observer courtesy photo “I can’t even count the numerous Williston residents she went Beckett was a soldier with the Vermont National Guard. Her service included out of her way to ensure were re- two wartime deployments, one in Kuwait and another in Iraq. ceiving all the breaks and benefits allotted to them,� said Sarah Mason, who has succeeded Beckett as ett’s involvement in Williston. ing Corps. That experience led She was a Boy Scout counselor, a her into service as a soldier with town clerk. Beckett’s wife Toby Rockwood participant in several committees the Vermont National Guard. Her and children, Sean and Ellie Beck- at Williston Federated Church, a service included two wartime deett, were together Tuesday in the member of the American Legion ployments: a 2004 tour in Kuwait home Beckett and Rockwood and the local Rotary club, presi- and a 2010 tour in Iraq. Cancer developed in 2017, shared in Williston. Four days af- dent of the community food shelf and a Habitat for Humanity board a result of exposure to toxic ter Beckett’s death from complimember. She also served on the trash-burning pits at army bases cations of cancer brought on by Development Review Board, as in the Middle East. She became an exposure to toxic burn pits during Justice of the Peace and the Cemeadvocate for fellow veterans seeka tour of duty with the Vermont tery Commission. ing recognition for burn pit expoNational Guard in Iraq 10 years Sean Beckett marveled that, sure from the U.S. Department of ago, the trio was hosting condowith all she had going on, whenVeterans Affairs. lence calls and reminiscing about Beckett continued to work in the Beckett’s quiet, fierce spirit and ever he called to get together, she would be available. Earlier this town offices as she battled cancer multi-faceted social, civic and promonth, Beckett officiated her son’s with surgeries, radiation and chefessional life. wedding. motherapy. Mason, who worked Rockwood said that when Beck“I’m learning so much about my under Beckett as assistant town ett couldn’t find the right resources mother that I didn’t even know she clerk, described her as a guiding to help a resident resolve a tax relief request, she would sometimes was involved in, and I’m sure that light in the town offices and among will continue, � Sean said. “Her the statewide community of town take matters into her own hands. “She would comb every area to love for her family and the com- clerks and election officials. “Deb always had an answer you get overdue taxes paid, especial- munity didn’t fall into one category.� could trust, guidance you could ly for veterans,� Rockwood said. A native of Massachusetts, follow and words to believe in,� “On a few occasions, she paid Beckett attended St. Michael’s Mason said. “(She) has always them out of her own pocket.� College, where she was a membeen a true hero in our midst who 1 7/29/20 3:40 PM The seatCSWD on ScrapFoodWaste-10-25x3-Hv2-snap.pdf the Board of Abateber of the Reserve Officer Trainhas done more for the community ment was a small piece of Beck-
than anyone else I know. She did it all selflessly, quietly, stoically and often times without any thanks or acknowledgement.  “I do not even know how she kept up with all of her duties and responsibilities and also managed to be a fun, funny and active partner, mother, sister, aunt, daughter, neighbor, boss, mentor and friend.� Beckett’s retirement last March was planned, but what wasn’t planned was the simultaneous deterioration of her health — and the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Beckett attended her final Town Meeting in March, and accepted well wishes on her retirement. Despite worsening health, she also spent time at the polls the following election day. “She was so sick,� Rockwood said, “but she was not going to miss that Town Meeting.�
Observer courtesy photo
Toby Rockwood and Deb Beckett.
barn on Oak Hill Road. Masks and physical distancing will be required and guests will be asked not to linger in the barn. The family is
Observer courtesy photo
Earlier this month, Beckett officiated at the wedding of her son Sean.
The pandemic made it impossible to have a proper retirement party in the spring. The Beckett family invites the public to a gathering in Beckett’s honor Friday, Sept. 4, from 5-7 p.m. at the Isham Family Farm
FOOD SCRAPS
also plannwing a private service. Next year, town officials plan to have a larger celebration of Beckett’s life during the annual Fourth of July festivities — one of Beckett’s favorite Williston events.
LET’S
SCRAP FOOD
WASTE
COUNTER TOP any sealable container
DROPďšşOFF at CSWD center
BACKYARD COMPOSTER OR DIGESTER
PAID PICKďšşUP SERVICE OR HAULER COLLECTION
NEVER TRASH
YOU HAVE OPTIONS AND WE CAN HELP YOU! VISIT CSWD.NET/ScrapFoodWaste