WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Henry E. Bratcher Jr., 85, of Cold Spring Road died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at home after a brief illnes. Mr. Bratcher was a local conservationist and historian, and a former selectman who was a strong voice for his community.

Born at the homestead on Cold Spring Road, son of Henry E. Bratcher Sr. and Harriet Smith Bratcher, he was a fifth generation resident and attended Williamstown schools and Williston Academy in Easthampton, until enlisting in the Navy during World War II. Afterward, he attended the former Bliss Business College.

A decorated veteran, he served in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters as a gunner's mate in the armed guard.

Mr. Bratcher retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 30 years of service. He enjoyed interactions with the residents on his local route and many times helped elderly people after work by getting them groceries or assisting them in other ways. He had also worked with for his father in the building and real estate business for several years.

He was consulted by many groups for his wide knowledge of local history and often spoke of his great-grandfather, also named Henry, who served in the Civil War in 37th Massachusetts Volunteers and his, father, who served in World War I. For many years, he was a member of the board of the then Williamstown House of Local History and had taught a local history and artifacts workshop for students at Mount Greylock Regional High School.

Mr. Bratcher was considered a visionary and a trusted friend for conservation. His dedication and perseverance were the driving forces in preserving the former Haley farm lands in the Hopper (Mount Greylock State Reservation) and the Turner House residential facility for veterans. As the key custodian and trustee for the Rosenburg estate, he was instrumental in assisting the Rural Lands Foundation in acquiring and creating what is now known as Sheep Hill. He spent endless hours and many years of his life working tirelessly for preservation of the rural lands that he loved.

His inner peace came from being a caretaker, as he called it, for the land. Newcomers to town would frequently seek him out and he would happily and graciously give guided driving tours of rural landscapes including Bee Hill, local monuments and a complete history of the town he loved.

He was a beloved father and proud and loving grandpa.

He and his wife, the former Alice Morrison, were married July 31, 1948. She became his neighbor when they were both 10 and they were inseparable life mates for 63 years.

Besides his wife, he leaves his daughter, Becky Gijanto and husband, Michael; his son, Henry E. Bratcher III and wife, Cathy Fortin Bratcher; his sister, Joyce Walsh; seven grandchildren, Nicole, Henry IV, Edward and Gabrielle Bratcher and Edward, Gillian and John Gijanto, and his great-granddaughter, Lorelei.

His son Edward J. Bratcher predeceased him on July 4, 1989.

FUNERAL NOTICE — Services for Mr. Bratcher will be held Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 11 at Second Congregational Church in South Williamstown. Burial with military honors will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 4 to 7 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams.

Memorial donations may be made to the Second Congregational Church in South Williamstown, the Williamstown American Legion Post 152, or Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation through the funeral home.