MONMOUTH — Several Cochnewagan Trailblazers officers and members assembled at the home of Gilbert “Gib” Pettengill recently to honor his longtime service to the club.

Pettengill had a long history of dedication to the Trailblazers, particularly the snowmobile aspect of the club. He and his family have snowmobiled actively since the 1970s and have supported the club in many ways since then.

Pettengill served the club not only as an active member, but as treasurer for several years. He also served as “Mr. Bush Hog,” by clearing a significant portion of Monmouth’s 40-plus miles of snowmobile trails over the years.

Most significantly, Pettengill and his late wife, Sandy, allowed the Trailblazers to erect a large portable garage on their property that housed most of the club’s pieces of trail equipment, including ATVs, snowmobiles, tractors and other items. The Pettengills also allowed grooming equipment to be parked just outside their door during the winter. The groomers have been operated at all hours of the day and night for the past 14 years.

As a result of Pettengill’s dedication and volunteerism to the club, the Cochnewagan Trailblazers recently voted to honor him and the memory of his wife, Sandy, by dedicating and naming the new clubhouse in their names. The building will be erected in the next few months.

During the visit, Pettengill was also presented a certificate of appreciation for all his work and dedication and for allowing the club members to make his home their home.

Less than a week after the presentation was made, Pettengill died from a long-term illness.