Rutland Thomas Blair Traverse Thomas Blair Traverse 79, formerly of Poultney died Thursday October 31, 2013 at his residence in Rutland. He was born October 15, 1934 in Middletown Springs the son of the late Thomas and Leona (Kenyon) Traverse. He attended local schools in Middletown Springs and Springfield and was a graduate of Poultney High School. He entered the United States Army serving at Fort Hood, TX and Germany with the 4th Armored Div., from 1957 to 1959. He Joined the Vermont National Guard 40th Army Band and served until 1985 he served with devotion and was a Trumpet Percussionist. Together with his mother and niece he established the Traverse Community Care Group Home in Poultney from 1974 to 1995. Moving to Rutland in 1999 he provided Musical Entertainment in the area to seniors at area picnics and nursing homes. He performed not only with the 40th Army Band but also with the Poultney-Granville Band, Keymen Manor Quartet and The Bourbon Street Brass Dixieland Band. He was employed in his earlier years by Williams Machine Shop, Estey Organ Co, Final Tester and Tuner Electronics Div., Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, and from 1999 to 2004 he was employed by Vermont Associates and spent time with Probation and Parole and the VT-NH Mid Chapter of the Red Cross. He was an avid bingo player and enjoyed bring joy to many people. Survivors are several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, by his sisters, Reta and Ruth. There will be no services at this time. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2014 Arrangements are under the direction of the Ducharme and Roberts-Aubin Funeral Homes. www.robertsaubinfuneralhome.com .