Source: Union-News (Springfield, MA)
GOSHEN, MA – Thomas W. Barrus, 82, of 86 Spruce Corner Road, a former fire chief and town official, died Monday at The Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.
He managed the family farm, and ran the former Barrus Sawmill with his family for 25 years.
He was the town’s first fire chief for a few years, and was town moderator for 40 years.
He was a trustee of the Tilton Town Farm for many years, served on several town committees, and was a Boy Scout leader.
A lifelong resident, he was a graduate of Williamsburg High School. He attended the former Massachusetts Agricultural College in Amherst (now the University of Massachusetts) for three years.
He worshipped at the Congregational Church, and served on several committees.
He was in the Farm Bureau and the Hillside Agricultural Society.
He leaves his wife, the former Ruth Ellen Newell; two sons, James A. of Springfield and Timothy W. of Goshen; a daughter, Laura Anne Barrus of Boston, and two brothers, George A. and John D. of Goshen.
Another daughter, Ruth Joan Barrus, died earlier.
A memorial service will be conducted Sunday afternoon in the church, with burial in Goshen Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
Charles A. Bisbee Funeral Home of Chesterfield is in charge, and memorial contributions may go to the church, in care of Tammy Lyons, or the Fire Department Ambulance Fund, in care of Francis Dresser, Goshen, 01032.