Brent Orrin Atwood, aged 85, of Northfield, VT, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 17, 2026.

Brent was born February 6, 1941, to parents Arlene (Avery) Atwood and Orrin J. Atwood, in Burlington, VT. He was one of six children, alongside his siblings Gary (D. 2024), Bernie, Avery (D. 2017), Penny (D. 2026), and Dale Atwood.

As a child, Brent spent much of his time in the woods with his father, learning about logging and farming. Brent attended Glidden School in Northfield, VT, during his childhood, taking the daily walk with his brothers Bernie and Gary. He also met his future wife Gloria Archer during his early school days. The pair grew up together, attending the same schools. Brent and Gloria continued their education at Northfield High School. Brent graduated in 1959 and subsequently enlisted in the National Guard, serving for four years. He was later honorably discharged to pursue new career opportunities.

On June 30, 1962, Brent married Gloria (Archer) Atwood in Riverton, VT. They were married by Doctor Arthur Wentworth Hewitt, who wished Gloria and Brent "affectionate good wishes on their wedding day."

In true Vermont fashion, Brent also found fulfillment in hard, honest work. He worked as a stone cutter at the Rock of Ages in Barre, VT, for nearly 14 years. He went on to work as a lab technician in the Norwich University mechanical engineering department for 35 years. During his time at Norwich, Brent was invited to join the Order of the Engineer, an organization that emphasizes integrity and responsibility in the engineering profession. Brent was deeply involved in the engineering community at the university, designing the Order of the Engineer ring that was gifted to honor senior members of the group. Brent was also involved in the Northfield veteran community throughout his life, serving as a member of the American Legion for 31 years.

Brent's Norwich legacy continued on through his children, Mark Gilbert Atwood and Megan Marie (Atwood) Partlow. Mark was born in 1968, followed by Megan in 1974. Both his children are proud Norwich graduates and continued to grow their families with their spouses JulieAnn (Gielniak) Atwood and Raymond Partlow, respectively.

Brent later earned one of his favorite titles, grandfather, as he warmly welcomed his three granddaughters Alyssa, Bethany, and Madison (known to Brent as "Snookie") Atwood, and his grandson Lucas Partlow into the family. Though a man of few words, Brent's love for his grandchildren was clear in his gentle smile and proud eyes. He attended countless recitals, musicals, and school sports.

Brent was later promoted to great-grandfather with the arrival of his three great-granddaughters, Oakley Archer, who he affectionately nicknamed "Curly Top," along with Eden Robbin and Hadley James.

Family and community were always important to Brent. You knew Brent liked you if he gave you a nickname. The Atwood household was a gathering place for the friends of Mark and Megan, and for many of the children of Northfield as they grew up. The front lawn often transformed into a ball field, but only after the players completed their share of chores.

In his retirement, Brent spent much of his time on his land near Mark's house, or perhaps more appropriately, in his field atop a tractor. You would often find Brent "on the hill" chopping wood and felling trees in a way that defied the laws of physics. As the trips to the hill became less frequent, he still enjoyed being outdoors and walking his beloved dog Lily around town. Brent continued staying busy, doing what he loved with the people he loved. He lived life surpassing the expectations of those around him— but above all, he did it his way.

Brent's celebration of life will be held at the Kingston Funeral Home on Slate Avenue in Northfield, VT, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A committal service will immediately follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Kingston Funeral Home. To share online condolences, please visit www.vtfuneralhomes.com.