RUTLAND, VT — Brian R. Follensbee, 70, of Rutland, VT, passed at his family’s home in Lebanon, NH on November 1, 2019. Born on July 17, 1949 in Lebanon, NH, he was the eldest of five children born to the late Arthur “Pee wee” and Gloria (Leonard) Follensbee.
Brian grew up in Lebanon, graduated from Lebanon High School in 1968, and enlisted in the United States Navy in the spring of 1969. The U.S.S. Oriskany was where Brian called home during a four year service appointment. Brian returned home from the U.S. Navy in early 1973 and began working for his grandmother’s optical lab, Lenco, where he worked as an optical lab technician for many years until his retirement. Brian had moved his family to Rutland, VT, in 1977 and remained there until recently staying at his family home in Lebanon. In his spare time and in some cases younger days, Brian loved skiing, ski jumping, hunting, fishing, bowling, playing cards, shooting pool and darts, sharing a story or a joke, and of course drinking a cold beer. A life member of both the VFW and the American Legion, he enjoyed being a part of the color guard, marching in parades, becoming Santa for the children’s Christmas parties, and donning a grass skirt and coconuts for a BBQ or two.
Brian is survived by his children, Christopher Follensbee of Barre, VT and Jennifer (Follensbee) Knopf and her husband William, and granddaughter Kylie all of Salisbury, MD. He is also survived by his mother Gloria (Leonard) Follensbee, sister Lynn Dutile (Ed), brothers John Follensbee (Judy) and Kevin Follensbee (Janice), several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Along with his father, Brian was predeceased by his brother Stephen Follensbee.
A graveside service with military funeral honors will be held in April at Valley Cemetery in Lebanon.
Memorial donations may be made to Upper Valley Senior Center Meals on Wheels, 10 Campbell Street, Lebanon, NH 03766. An online guestbook is available to leave a message for Brian’s family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.