Alva Pratt “Bill” Estey

Weathersfield, Vt. — Alva Pratt “Bill” Estey, of Ascutney died on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, at Cedar Hill Care Facility in Windsor after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. He was 87.

He was born in Windsor on Aug. 24, 1927, the son of Alva Peck and Marion Pratt Estey. He attended schools in Windsor, Plainfield, N.H. and Springfield, Vt., graduating from Springfield High School.

Mr. Estey participated in the early graduate program at Springfield High School and served in World War II in the Pacific Theater.

He married Eda Frances Bickford on June 15, 1947. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary earlier this year. They made their home in Springfield until 1970, when they moved to Weathersfield.

Mr. Estey was employed his entire life by Bryant’s in Springfield. He retired in 1990 after 47 years of service as a supervisor on what was known as the “test floor,” in the Quality Control Department. He took great pride in testing each machine to a very high standard before shipment. He was a longtime member of the Bryant Quarter Century Club.

He was a lifelong sportsman enjoying both hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, and spending time with his family. For the past five year he had been the devoted caregiver of his wife.

Mr. Estey is survived by his wife, Eda; two sons, Gregory D. and his wife, Lori, of Meriden, N.H., and Jonathan A., and his husband, Lou Waryncia, of West Claremont, N.H.; and one grandson, Gavin D., of Newton, Mass. He is also survived by one sister, Doris Zaleski, of Windsor; along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by one sister, Marjorie Estey, one brother, Donald Estey, and his beloved housecats, Kaiser and Tootsie.

 Funeral services will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to the Springfield Humane Society. The Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont, N.H., is in charge of arrangements.