Robert Burke McGill of North Danville passed away on Tuesday
evening, March 8, 2016. Robert was born in Burke, VT on
September 4, 1929 to Robert James McGill and Tennie Gaskill McGill.
Robert attended elementary school in Barnet and North Danville
Village School and graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School.
After graduation, Robert was drafted into the Army during the
Korean conflict and shipped to Ft. Devens, MA. for basic
training. Due to his high IQ score and typing skills, he was sent
to Vint Hill Farms Station - USASA - Army Security Agency- in
Warrenton, VA. to learn cryptology. From Virginia, he was
transferred to California and then traveled by ship to Camp Oji,
Tokyo, Japan to serve with ASAPAC - Army Security Agency Pacific.
Robert loved his time spent in the military and would have
stayed had his fiancAC.e, Irma, not been waiting for him at
home. Bob and Irma (Ryder), who pre-deceased him in 2011,
were married on July 31, 1954 and spent the majority of their
lives in a home their family built in North Danville.
Bob was a "transmission man," working as a mechanic at
several automotive garages in St. Johnsbury and then for
himself in a garage he, his father-in-law and brother-in-law
built. Irma always said he was never happier than when under
the hood of a car. He had a passion for cars and was involved
with local racing at the Waterford racetrack, Groveton
Speedway, and Thunder Road. He was chief mechanic for his
great nephew's racecar and the team won many races including
a season championship. Bob loved to read; he stayed well
informed, reading three daily newspapers most of his life, along
with any novels with a military, mystery or western theme. Bob
also loved attending county fairs since childhood - enjoying the
food, the smells and the people. He couldn't resist homemade
doughnuts, baking powder biscuits, shell beans and hot dogs.
Bob and Irma enjoyed camping in their motor home, traveling
to Florida and Maine - visiting old acquaintances and making
new friends along the way.
Robert is survived by three children: Melinda McGill Warren
(Robert), Robert James (Kate), and Douglas (Pat). He is also
survived by seven treasured grandchildren (by age) Rebecca
McGill, Tyler McGill, Haley McGill Parizo (Dustin), William
Warren, Kelley McGill, Sarah Warren and Megan McGill and one
great grandson, Bryson James Parizo. In addition, he leaves
behind a sister-in-law, Joyce Ryder, brother-in-laws, Dale Ryder
and Charles Myrick, and many nieces and nephews. Robert was
pre-deceased by his parents, six sisters and one brother, and
several nieces and nephews.
According to Robert's wishes, there will be no calling hours or
funeral services. Robert lost many members of his family to
ALS, therefore donations may be sent in Robert's name to: The
Curtis R. Vance Foundation, Inc., 1 Woods Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070.
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