• Joshua Lawrence Bridgman

Vermont got a little less weird with the passing of poet/playwright/filmmaker and Kafka-in-the-Booth Joshua (Josh) Bridgman, 51, who died from a heart attack in his home in Burlington, Vt.

Josh was predeceased by his mother, Pamela (Wetherbee) Tzimokas. He is survived by his father, Torrey Bridgman; his sister Mehitabel (Bridgman) Chiott; his uncle Benjamin Bridgman; his aunt Sara Bridgman; nieces Zoey Norris and Olivia Chiott; and nephew Aidan Chiott.

Josh was born in 1967 in Boston, Mass., and lived in many places throughout his childhood, including Amsterdam, Holland; Montréal, Canada; Westport, Conn.; Topanga, Calif.; and Charlotte, Vt. He settled in Burlington, Vt., where he was known and loved for his unique contribution to what makes Burlington Burlington.

He served the City of Burlington faithfully as a parking garage attendant for 30 years, where he was much appreciated by coworkers for his humor. He was recognized around town for his trench coat, his independent views on subjects ranging from art to politics, and his boisterous laugh so easily given. His poetry was featured by musical groups including Construction Joe and Jason Cooley/School Bus, as well as on recordings by his own band, Citizen V. Those fortunate enough to have collaborated with Josh on any manner of artistic endeavors or to have seen his plays Silent Invasion and Concrete Kingdom realized his eccentric genius. An enthusiast of raw, authentic art, Josh loved the fact that he was a contributor to Rael One-Cloud’s zine, AlphaBitch Afterbirth. His knowledge of avant-garde literature, music and cinema of all kinds was unmatched.

The family would like to thank the community of Burlington for the outpouring of love and shared stories that captured the essence of Josh so well. To all who knew him, Josh was a man of many gifts: His eccentricity amused us, his unique brilliance amazed us, his boundless compassion touched us and, most of all, his authenticity inspired us. That is the stuff of his legacy, a call to each of us to muster the strength and grace to be who we are.

A memorial service will be held on March 23, 2019, at the Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, located at 294 North Winooski Avenue in Burlington, at 3 p.m.

“Sometimes it’s a form of love just to talk to somebody that you have nothing in common with and still be fascinated by their presence.” —David Byrne