Grove Roys III, 64; on safari to stay

Grove Roys III, 64, of Torrington, a legend in the model railroading community, lover of cheeseburgers and classic Corvettes, and an amateur whistler of songs by The Beach Boys, passed away on Dec. 17, 2017.

Lloyd Banquer, 86, fisherman extraordinaire

Though trout, bluefish, striped bass and many of their cohorts might see it differently, the family and many friends of Lloyd Banquer, 86, are deeply saddened by his death. ... Lloyd loved fly-fishing both close to home and far afield. On trout season's opening day he was as much a fixture on the Housatonic River as icy fingers and tangled lines. He made six fishing expeditions by seaplane and canoe into Maine's Allagash wilderness. In fall he could often be found on a Fairfield beach, casting for dawdling stripers with intricate flies he tied himself.

Marcelle Berthe Bisson Nadeau, 94, proud of her spelling skills

Proceeds from her day care children and her tenacity helped her pay off a 30 year mortgage in 6 years. Mr. Whitman, the bank president was so impressed he called her into his office to personally congratulate her! ... She was a prolific letter writer whose signature ending was “Love and a Big Bear Hug.” (H/T to Sarah Mahoney)

Rob Morris, ad man, kitchen designer, artist and a renowned wit

Known for his extravagantly long eyebrows, his dazzling wit and his inability to suffer fools without a stealthy remark, Morris was beloved by small children — for his storytelling gifts and his indulgence of their wish to paint his legs with cake frosting at birthday parties.

Darlene Wagner, “broke through the veneer”

She was preceded by her father, Lee Bruyer, who contrary to her childhood belief, did not die because he was angry with her, her mother, Charlotte Wright, creator of untold numbers of wedding cakes and who only had a “little taste,” and her brother, best friend, and co-conspirator, Dana, who, she joked, quit smoking, drinking, and gambling all in one day. (H/T Terri Lukacko)

Mark Mooney’s last byline

If you are reading this, that means that I am no longer here. The prostate cancer finished toying with me on October 6, 2017. I was 66 and glad to be done with the damn disease.

Aileen Bott, 94, a fashionista retailers will miss

She enjoyed her dates in the evening with Johnny Walker. She had her faults…her singing was painful to listen to which brought a smile to others. Shopping at big box stores for one person is not a good idea, and she had a craft room that could be considered hazardous when entering. (H/T Peter Elikann)