Alan R. Varnum

West Brookfield - Alan R. Varnum, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at home with his loving wife of 54 years, Carol A. (Stevens) Varnum by his side.

He also leaves his sons, Marc A. Varnum and son-in-law, Greg T. Buckley of West Brookfield and, Matthew S. Varnum of Orleans; one brother, Wesley F. Varnum of Worcester; two brothers-in-law’s, Andrew Stevens and his wife Elizabeth of Worcester and Bruce Stevens and his wife Nancy of Ware; his sister-in-law, Dawn Curtis and her husband Arthur Curtis of Holland; two grandchildren, Claire E. Varnum and Aiden R. Varnum of Orleans and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his siblings, Carl R. Varnum, Jr. and Ann E. Varnum.  He was born in Ware, son of the late Carl R. and Janet A. (Robinson) Varnum.  Alan grew up in North Brookfield before moving to West Brookfield in 1963, when he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Carol.  He was a 1962 graduate of North Brookfield High School.

Mr. Varnum owned and operated Al’s Rubbish Removal in West Brookfield, which he started in 1971, and ran with his wife and two sons for 24 years before selling his business in 1995.  He later worked for several years for Salvadore Chevrolet in Barre and Gardner, and then as a real estate agent for 19 years for Century 21 in Spencer and West Brookfield.  He also was a Board of Director member, and Apprentice for the last 24 years with his son Marc at Varnum Funeral Home, Inc. in West Brookfield, helping family’s during one of the most difficult times in one’s life.   

Alan served as a corporator and then as a trustee for 24 years for North Brookfield Savings Bank.  He also served the Town of West Brookfield as Tax Collector, Town Assessor, Advisory Board Member, Selectman and Water Commissioner for many years.    

He was a member of the George Whitefield United Methodist Church and the Bay Path Masonic Lodge of Masons in West Brookfield.

His family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support and the many acts of kindness they have received over the last six months.

A Funeral Service for Alan will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., West Brookfield.  Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 4 to 7 PM in the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the George Whitefield United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 576 West Brookfield, MA 01585.

varnumfuneralhome.com