Town loses three community pillars in one week

Beyond Words (column)

By Deborah Rose

The end of 2023 hit with a punch – a hard one.

Within the span of six days, New Milford lost three prominent residents: Dr. David Lynch, D.D.S., Laurence “Larry” Tripp, and George Buckbee.

All three men served as pillars in the community in their respective careers and civic interests.

Dr. Lynch, 81, died Dec. 24, followed by Larry, 90, Dec. 27 and George, 84, Dec. 30.

Each death struck me in its own way. Compounded, I was dumbfounded when I sat back and thought about what each contributed to the community.

The depth of knowledge and professionalism these men exhibited and the number of lives they touched in their lifetime is significant.

*

Dr. Lynch and I went way back – back to when I was in my mother’s belly.

My family (immediate and extended) first met Dr. Lynch when one of my aunts assumed a role for several years as his practice’s receptionist beginning in 1973.

Numerous family members became Dr. Lynch’s patients and remained so – even after my aunt sought another job – because he was highly skilled in the field, confident, and personable.

He had a knack for making patients feel comfortable in the chair. His deep tone of voice and the stories he shared set an individual at ease in the dental chair for more than 50 years.

He always asked about family members, and remembered their names and latest activities. 

Dr. Lynch simply loved his profession, and it was evident to those around him. In fact, he was twice appointed by the governor as a commissioner for the State of Connecticut Dental Commission.

In addition, he was a long-standing member and examiner with Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners and an active member of many dental organizations.

There is no doubt the majority, if not all, of his patients heard him share a story or two about what it meant to him to be on the dental examiners board. He took pride in witnessing the rise of future dentists and instilling in them core values and skills.

In more recent years, I asked him about retirement whenever I saw him. His reply was always the same – a twinkle in one eye.

I knew what that meant. He would continue working as long as he could – and he did, right up until weeks before he died.

Rest in peace, Dr. Lynch.

*

Larry Tripp was a consummate gentleman who carried himself with poise and humility, and was rarely seen without a smile.

If he wasn’t smiling, it would only take a “hello” to bring his warm smile back to the surface and a spark of light to his eyes.

In conversation, he was attentive and engaging, and he appreciated wit.

These traits bode well for those with whom he came in contact in the community through his commitment and service in town government and emergency services, and his career as a math teacher at New Milford High School.

Larry joined the math faculty at NMHS in 1962, a year after he and his wife, Pat, moved to town. He worked there until he retired as department chairman in 1992. And he was inducted into the New Milford High School Hall of Fame in 2005.

As a resident, he quickly became a part of the fabric of the community in numerous ways, most significantly as a steadfast volunteer.

He was faithfully active at the New Milford United Methodist Church, was a member of several nonprofit organizations in town, was a longtime volunteer with the American Red Cross, and was a longtime member and active EMT with New Milford Community Ambulance.

Larry also served for many years in town government, serving on the Board of Finance, and the former Building Committee for the new NMHS which opened in 2000.

He earned many accolades for his work, volunteerism and commitment to public service. Among them, a Realtor of the Year Award, and with his wife, a Rotary Club of New Milford Award, and a Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.

Larry, you deserved those awards and many more because you impacted so many lives.

Keep smiling, Larry.

*

George Buckbee lived and breathed New Milford.

He knew every inch of the town, and he knew its people even better.

George became involved in the community as a teen, first joining the New Milford Civil Defense Patrol.

Over the years, I enjoyed listening to him share stories about his early days of driving an ambulance for the New Milford Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

The town and its people were different in his youth, and he witnessed and experienced some things that made my jaw drop and made me laugh.

Being of service to others came naturally to George. That’s why the Air Force veteran became a dedicated member of the New Milford Ambulance Association, where he held several positions during his 70 years with the organization, and later joined Water Witch Hose Company #2. 

George wore that red Water Witch uniform with pride. And he served as a Freemason for 50 years with just as much pride.

It was easy to spot George wherever he went. His larger-than-life teddy bear-like presence could not be missed.

Many times I was swallowed up in a hug by his welcoming arms.

And, more often than not, after a hug, I would find myself laughing because of a joke or sarcastic comment he made.

He was good for both, and for telling stories.

George could be found out and about, especially after he retired from his lengthy careers with the U.S. Postal Service and the Town of New Milford, where he served as town clerk.

He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and could be spotted out enjoying a meal at local diners and restaurants, including the former Chuck Wagon, and the Gaylordsville Diner, among others.

Dining out will be no more. 

But memories of the dedicated man who loved his family and community, and gave of himself day after day will endure.

George, I’ll forever see you, driving your pickup truck and offering me a salute-wave through the open driver's side window as I pass by.

From left to right, David Lynch, DDS; Laurence "Larry" Tripp; and George Buckbee.