Robert C. Rexford, 87, of Lyndonville, died Thursday morning Sept. 9, 2010, surrounded by his loving family, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born July 21, 1923, in Sheffield, the son of Clarence and Bernice (Roberts) Rexford. Bob attended the White School in East Burke and then the St. Johnsbury Trade School until he was old enough to join the U.S. Army where he served his country as a Corporal during World War II. Following his discharge from the Army, Bob spent much of his adult life as a dedicated worker at VT Tap & Die Co. and Northeast Tool of Lyndonville. He retired in 1986 and then dedicated his days to loving his cherished wife, Audrey (Edmunds) Rexford (whom he married on Dec. 24, 1953), and their daughters and families. Bob took great pride in caring for his lawns and gardens. He enjoyed caring for his daughter's childhood pets including stray cats and dogs, and their horses and ponies. Bob and Audrey spent many summer weekends with their daughters traveling the local circuit showing their horses and ponies, bringing home many blue ribbons to hang on their bedroom walls. For two weeks each summer, Bob took his family to Uncle Ralph's camp on Island Pond where they enjoyed swimming, fishing, telling stories, sharing jokes, and enjoying time away from the phone and television. As Bob and Audrey's daughters became mothers, Bob focused on being sure they were healthy, happy, and spoiled to no end. For as long as he was physically able, Bob wouldn't miss the opportunity to watch his grandchildren play sports. Nothing in Bob's life was more important than his family, and anyone who wanted to be a part of his family was welcomed with open arms. He would happily give his last dollar to help a complete stranger or to make a child smile, and he touched the lives of many with his humor. Bob will be forever loved, missed, and remembered by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife Audrey Rexford of Lyndonville (P.O. Box 611, 05851); four daughters, Janice Powers and husband Harry of Sutton, Debra Rexford and her partner Ted Ismail of Wasilla, AK, Nancy Hartwell and husband Bill of Lyndonville, and Pamela Scott and her fiancée David Chase, and his son Ched of St. Johnsbury; 14 grandchildren: Kristen Heath Powers, Sarah Powers, David Jr., Dana, and Daniel Goodwin, Amber Sylvester Spear, Cassi Sylvester Gallagher, Robert, Bill Jr., Zachary, and Tyler Hartwell, Malinda Hartwell Howard, Karl and Matthew Scott; Bob was anticipating the arrival of his 15 great-grandchild. Other survivors include a sister, Shirley Temple and husband Ralph of East Burke; his in-laws, Mary Rexford of East Burke, Alice and Kenneth Nichols of St. Johnsbury, Allyn and Paula Edmunds of Lyndon Center, and Ashley and Jennie Edmunds of Lyndon Center; many nieces, nephews, and close friends; and his faithful and constant canine companion "Blue." He was predeceased by his parents; four brothers:Walter, Francis "Stub," Clifford "Tom," and Calvin Rexford; and his father and mother in-law, Alvah and Avis Edmunds. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon Sept. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Guibord Funeral Home with the Rev. Ann Hockridge officiating. Burial will follow in Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke. Friends may call on the family Monday evening from 6-8 at the funeral home. Donations made in Bob's memory may be directed to, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, for Parkinson's Research, c/o Carlene Brill, P.O. Box 45, Sheffield, VT 05866, or to the Burklyn Arts Council Scholarship Fund, also in care of Carlene Brill.