, 80, most recently of Houston, Texas passed away on April 25, 2016. She was born in St. Johnsbury, VT on February 25, 1936 and was the first of 6 children born to Iola and Calvin Harbaugh. Her strongest friendships were developed during her high school years at St. Johnsbury Academy. These friendships were maintained throughout her life. It was also at the Academy that she met and fell in love with her future husband, John Carroll. Ruth developed polio soon after graduating from high school. Many doubted that she would ever walk, yet she characteristically worked with great determination to fully recover. On October 20, 1956 she successfully walked down the aisle on the arm of her father. She gave birth to 4 children after being told by her doctor that she would never be able to have any. Ruth was a trusted and valued business partner with John while they owned and managed their family hospitality businesses; namely the Mapletown Dinette in St. Johnsbury and the Rabbit Hill Inn in Waterford. They worked together later on at the Balsam’s Grand Resort. Ruth never met a stranger, and collected good friends everywhere she went. This made her the perfect innkeeper and contributed greatly to the success of the family businesses. She enjoyed visits from family and friends during retirement in Florida and Texas, cherishing their time together, especially when walking her beloved dog Abe. Ruth is survived by her 4 children Tom (and Carolyn) of San Francisco, CA, Gregory of Fish Camp, CA, Celinda (and Keith) Kitchens of Eau Claire, WI and Charles (and Torill) of Houston, TX, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. She is also survived by her 5 siblings Bernadine (and Paul) Belknap, Fredricka Stebelus, Russell (and Judy) Harbaugh, Marion (and Bob) Veilleux, Jeanette (and Clint) Libby and many wonderful nieces and nephews. A memorial service in celebration of her life is scheduled for 10:00 am on June 27, 2016 at St. John the Evangelist Church in St. Johnsbury, VT with burial to follow at the Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to: The Carroll Family Culinary Award, St. Johnsbury Academy Development Office, PO Box 906, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, age 92, of Cortland Hill Road, passed away at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center, Saturday, April 2, 2016, following a brief decline. Stan was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on January 30, 1924, to the late Gordon Milan and Lillian Doris (Emmons) Collins. He was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury, graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy. After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII aboard a DE33 Destroyer Escort vessel. Stan later became a member of the American Legion in St. Johnsbury and served as Commander of the Post on two different occasions. He married the former Gladys Louise (Paro) and they made their home in Waterford sharing 62 years together when she passed in 2009. For over 40 years Stanley worked at St. Johnsbury Trucking and provided for his family. Following retirement he worked as a Lister for the Town of Waterford for many years. He liked baseball, enjoyed time at camp on Harvey's Lake and always supported his grandkid's sporting activities, never missing anything. He enjoyed spending time with his best friend and brother-in-law, Fred Daniels, "The Candy Man." They did most everything together and always seemed to be getting into something together. He is survived by his son: Michael S. Collins of Waterford, three sisters: Barbara Gott of E. Hartford, CT, Frances Collins and Carolee of Florida, a brother: Norman Morse of Groton, V, his grandchildren: Michelle Collins of Waterford, Matt Collins and fiancAC.e, Samantha Hale, of Hardwick, VT. In addition to his beloved wife, Gladys, Stan was pre-deceased by brothers: Gordon and Milton Collins and sister, Connie and an infant brother, David. A Graveside Service will take place at 2PM on Friday, April 15, 2016 at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in St. Johnsbury, VT. There will be no calling hours.

, 72, lifelong Sheffield resident, died unexpectedly at his Sheffield home early Saturday, April 23, 2016 after a period of declining health. He was born in Sheffield on Dec. 24, 1943, one of ten children born to George and Naomi (Gilman) Berry. He was predeceased by 4 brothers: Gardner, George, Gordon, and Gayland; and by two sisters Verna Snelling and Hazel Hirsch. Graydon lived in Vermont most of his life, working alongside his father & brothers on his family farm on Berry Hill in Sheffield for many years. He also spent many years painting, doing carpentry work & participated in local Farmer's Markets & Craft Fairs. He loved spending time with his family, working in his gardens, and raising chickens and ducks. In his retirement years he enjoyed being involved in his community, volunteering with the Sheffield Food Bank & Field Day committee. He is survived by his life partner Patricia Hubbard; her children Jeanine & Dan Peal and children, Todd & Sue Hubbard and children, Robbie & Kerri Hubbard and children; his son Marcus Berry & wife Libre and their children Nathaniel, Kaberial, and Gwyneth of Lyndonville; Christina Bryant & Josh Robinson and children Khierstyn, Karliyah, and Harmony of Bethlehem N.H.; two brothers: Gale & Lorraine Berry of Lyndonville; Gilbert & Fran Berry of Lyndon; sister Muriel & Lee Wooden of Redhook, NY; many cousins, nieces and nephews. A gathering of friends and family will be held in remembrance of his life at The Farm, 213 Gayland Drive, Berry Hill Road in Sheffield, VT 05866 on Saturday, April 30th from Noon - 4pm. Gifts or cards should be sent to: Patricia Hubbard a... Marcus Berry, PO Box 551, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

, of Lyndonville, formerly of St. Johnsbury, peacefully passed from this life at home on April 17, 2016 at the age of 95. He was surrounded by his loving family and his beloved cats Zoe and Berry. He was born in St. Johnsbury on December 18, 1920, the son of Morton and Ethel (Mullen) Reed. He was a graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy, class of 1939. On September 1, 1957 he and Marjorie Astle were united in marriage. Paul and Marjorie owned and operated Caledonia Fuel Co. for many years. After the business was sold in 1962 he remained the general manager there until his retirement in 1988. He enjoyed a long and happy retirement with good health well into his nineties. Paul was an avid horse racing fan, especially harness racing. He attended races at many tracks on the East coast with Saratoga in August a particular favorite. He was a member of the US Trotting Association as well as a timer and associate judge for horse racing at the Orleans and Caledonia Fairs. He enjoyed golfing and spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed many mornings having coffee at the Town and Country and the Miss Lyndonville Diner with many acquaintances and dear friends including Garold "Batch" Batchelder, Gordon "Buster" Hazard, Bill Fournier, and Maurice Bouchard to name a few. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Marjorie, daughter Jennifer Reed Clark and her husband Peter of Rye Beach NH, son Tom, his wife Trudy and their children Paul and Bess of Lyndonville. Also surviving him are Marjorie's sisters Rachel Wozniak of South Bend IN, Helen Astle of Portsmouth NH, brother-in-law Robert Derrickson of Plymouth NH, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Carlyle and sister-in-law Marion (Lumbra), his sister Ruth and brother-in-law Dr. Irving Brown, and Marjorie's brothers Ralph, Stephen, and Scott, as well as her sister Marilyn (Derrickson). Interment will be at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions can be directed to CALEX Ambulance, P.O. Box 570, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or Caledonia Home Health marked "Hospice", 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

began the next phase of her journey April 20, 2016 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center with her wife and daughters by her side. Lauri was born on December 15, 1953 to Murrium and Paul Aiken Sr. joining her older brother, Paul Jr. Lauri grew up in Lyndonville where she spent much of her time with the family pets, including boxers and horses. She graduated from Lyndon Institute, class of 1971. Lauri married Albert Noyes soon after graduation and gave birth to a son, Jason. After the marriage ended, Lauri and Albert remained close friends until his passing. Lauri later had two daughters, Jessica Aiken-Hall and Kimberley Grenier. Lauri was a free spirit and loved all living creatures big and small. Her heart was pure and she had a childlike innocence believing there was good in all people, even when they often gave reasons to prove otherwise. Lauri returned to college later in life; where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and continued on to earn her Master's Degree in Community Psychology at Springfield College. Much of Lauri's professional life was spent working with children with special needs. Lauri had a gift for empathizing with people whose experience she had not shared. She could reach the unreachable child; she could understand the sufferings of a person without having to suffer herself. She embodied the dragon's love of shiny things. And like dragons she lived for the moments when magic broke through the mundane. On February 28, 2004 Lauri married the love of her life, Myscha Butt. She searched her whole life to find her true love. The love they shared was rich and pure. She finally found someone who loved her for who she was. They were a great team; working together to make sure they each had what they needed. Many of Lauri's loves became the love of her children. Jason's love of Volkswagens and Jeeps, Jessica's love of writing and meaningful music, they share a deep love of words, and Kim's love of science fiction and magical things. She left a lot of herself in her children and taught them all empathy and kindness towards others and most importantly to not judge others. Lauri taught her children that everyone has a story unknown to others, and to treat them kind and look past their differences to see what is on the inside. Lauri loved to read, getting swept into the story. She was also a writer with a dream of becoming an author. Once you met Lauri you became a friend. She did all that she could to help people in any way she could. She truly was a helper. Lauri is survived by her wife of 12 years, Myscha Butt (228 Deer Run Lane, Lyndonville, VT 05851), her children and their partners; Jason and Marie of Whitefield, NH, Jessica and George of Bath, NH, and Kim and Joel of St. Johnsbury, VT, as well as six grandchildren; Connor, Donovan, Gavin, Alana, Jada and Brooklynn. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother. In memory of Lauri her family asks that you look beyond the outer appearance of the person you walk past on the street and see them for more than what your eyes show you; use your heart and compassion and remember everyone has a story. Use your time well and unravel someone's story. You never know what someone has to offer until you set judgment aside. There will be a private service at a later date for family and friends.

of Wheelock passed away Friday evening, April 29, 2016 surrounded by family and friends at the age 83. She was born in Lyndon, Vermont on October 2, 1932, the daughter of Leonard and Dorothy (Davis) Mitchell. Wilma and Ronald Jenkins Sr. were married for 32 years until his passing in 1982. They were the parents of four children: daughter Susan Gauthier of St. Johnsbury, son Ronald Jenkins Jr. of St. Johnsbury, son Blakely Jenkins and Robin Magoon of St. Johnsbury, and daughter Sherry Jenkins and Troy Lamirand of Wheelock. Wilma's first husband, who she was predeceased by, was a firefighter in St., Johnsbury, and for many years it was Wilma's duty, at all hours of the day and night, to call in the volunteer firemen for the St. Johnsbury Fire Department. While her children were growing up, Wilma worked as a waitress at several St. Johnsbury restaurants, including Ned's Steak Grill. She also did all the paperwork for Ronald's paint contracting business that he started in 1960. Wilma married Ralph Dodge on May 25, 1984, and their marriage lasted 32 years. During that time Wilma enjoyed traveling all around the country, from Maine to Arizona, from Wyoming to Florida, and many places in between. She especially enjoyed camping each October for many years at the Fryeburg fair in Maine. Wilma was a public servant, working as a Lister for the Town of Wheelock for more than 10 years. During her tenure on the job, she and the two other Listers completed a property reappraisal for the town. She was very proud that only three grievances were filed in response to the reappraisal work. Wilma also was very fond of family gatherings and hosting barbecues and corn roasts at their home. She enjoyed knitting and made many hats and mittens for the St. J. Santa Fund. She also enjoyed ceramics, baking, and you could also find her in the many flower and vegetable gardens. Donuts were a specialty and you were lucky if you got one before Blake ate all the dough. Wilma is survived by her husband, Ralph Dodge of Wheelock, and her four children and their families. She is also survived by Ralph's children: Linda Penniman of St. Johnsbury, Stephen Dodge of Texas, and Ralph Dodge III of Minnesota and Cynthia Willey of St. Johnsbury; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wilma is also survived by two sisters: Wanita Bragdon of Wheelock and Joyce Bickford and her husband Harold, of Glen, NH and a brother James Mitchell of Wheelock, and many nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by three sisters, Betty, Dotty and Ethel and her brother, Dale Mitchell. Visiting hours will be held in Lyndonville at the Guibord Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held in Lyndonville on Thursday, May 5, at 1:00 p.m. at the Guibord Funeral Home with the Pastor George Lawson officiating. Committal services will follow at the Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke. Memorial contributions should be directed to Northeast Kingdom Santa Fund c/o Passumpsic Bank.

, St. Johnsbury native and most recently of Granby, Connecticut, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016 in Hartford, CT. She was born June 3, 1952 in St. Johnsbury, the daughter of Armand and Dorothy (Salls) Desrochers. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1970 and was noted for her athletic involvements. She attended UVM with an athletic scholarship. Rachel has lived in Connecticut for the past 25 years and built her career in the hospitality industry, a career that brought her to many beautiful places from the Berkshires to the Florida gulf coast. Since 2006 Rachel has managed the snack bar and beach club at the Fishers Island Club off Long Island, the oldest links golf course in the US. Her love for the island and the people there was matched only by their love for her. Rachel is survived by her closest friends and colleagues, Tim and Cindy Tillotson; her brother Francis; four sisters Theresa Goldrick and husband Matt, Annette May and husband Dick, Robin Heath and husband Steve, Jeanne Nummelin and husband Jeff; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Armand and Dorothy Desrochers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Johnsbury at the St. John the Evangelist Church on Tuesday, May 10 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Bernard Gaudreau, celebrant. Committal services will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In her leisure time Rachel loved to watch the Red Sox, a love she said she inherited from her Mom! Rachel took pride in her work, found happiness with her friends, and took great comfort in her family. Rachel touched all those who knew her and will be deeply missed by all. Memorial contributions, payable to ‘St. Johnsbury Academy” and marked for “kampiwannahavefun”, (a youth sports camp), 1000 Main St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819; or visit www.doctorswithoutborders.org.

, 76, of North Church Road, passed away (April 14, 2016) at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehabilitation Center following a short period of declining health. Annie was born in Carver, MA, on July 12, 1939, daughter to the late Henry C. Walker, Jr. and Alice Guild Walker. As a young woman, Annie chose the nursing profession and earned her RN from Springfield Nurses College in 1960. She met her future husband through a friend at school, and she later married Howard in September of 1960. Annie first worked at the St. Johnsbury Hospital, then developed a practical nursing program for the St. Johnsbury Academy vocational department, and finally finished her career with many years at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. In addition to a passion for nursing, Annie was a life-long Red Sox fan and she had a real love for black Labrador dogs. She enjoyed camping and traveling, especially with family. She is survived by her two sons, Geoffrey Gadapee and his wife Carlene of Littleton, NH, and Steven Gadapee and his wife Katherine of North Danville, VT. She is also survived by one grand-daughter, Meghan Gadapee, of Littleton, NH, as well as numerous other members of her extended family and friends. Annie was predeceased by her husband of 54 years in March of 2014. A graveside service will be held at the Danville Green Cemetery at 10AM on Thursday, May 26, 2016, with the Rev. Robert Sargent officiating. A reception will follow at the North Danville Church. Memorial donations may be made to either the Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; the Riverside Animal Rescue, 236 Riverside Ave, Lunenburg, VT 05906; or to the NVRH Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, PO Box 905, 1315 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819.

, 65, of St. Johnsbury, passed away at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital on Thursday, April 14, 2016. James was born in Barton, VT, on November 18, 1950, son to the late Orange Clifton Hunt and Carolyn (Linstruth). He is survived by his companion Viola Merrill of St. Johnsbury; brothers Robert Hunt and wife Rita of Haverhill, MA and Leslie Hunt of Sutton, VT; nephews Ira Hunt of Sutton, VT and James, Jr. of Hardwick, VT; and nieces: Penny Eastman of Maine, Robin Wright , Lisa Varonne and Kathy Rhyre all of MA. There will be no calling hours or services at this time. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

, 82, of West Springfield, MA, passed away Sunday, April 3, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Berlin, NH, January 14, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Alice (Nadeau) Martel. Alice grew up in Vermont and moved to this area in 1968. She worked at the Southworth Paper Company for 15 years and also the Notion Thread Company. Her first husband, Roland Holloway Sr. died in 1962 and her second husband, Henry Holloway died in 1992. She leaves her children, Roland, Jr. and his wife Darlene, Paul and his wife Linda, Helen Holloway, Elaine Parent and her husband John, and David and his wife Rose all of West Springfield, MA, her siblings, Nelson Martel of Agawam, Norman Martel of Burlington, VT, Agnes West of Johnson, VT, Nora LaCroix of Burlington, VT, and Rita Aremburg of N. Concord, VT, her 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Lee Lund. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 8th at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, VT with burial to follow at Durant Cemetery on Route 215 in Cabot, VT. Friends may call on the family for visitation at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the hour of Service.

, 80, of Newbury passed away Tuesday evening, April 26, 2016 at the Cottage Hospital in Woodsville with her extended family by her side. She was born in Waterford on July 4, 1935, the daughter of Leo and Evelyn (Toussaint) Bean. Her husband David passed away in 2007. Priscilla was a day care provider principally for her family and close friends and helped her husband run his construction business, Longmoore Sand and Gravel. She loved working in her flower gardens. Most of her time was devoted to her loving family. She is survived by five children: daughter Pamela Florentine of East Ryegate; four sons: David Longmoore and wife Kim of Newbury, Steven Longmoore and wife Denise of Bradford, Norman Longmoore and wife Marie of East Ryegate, Robert Longmoore and wife Donna of East Ryegate; 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by a brother Ashley Bean and her son-in-law Gerry Florentine. Graveside services will be held at the Passumpsic Cemetery, located on US Rt. 5 just north of Passumpsic village, this Saturday, April 30 at 1 p.m. Anyone wishing to attend is welcome. Memorial contributions could be directed to the Vermont Veteran Fund, 118 State St., Montpelier VT 05620-4401, or to the Cottage Hospital.

, age 81, of St. Johnsbury died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 14, 2016. His childhood friend, Charles Hedrick, was at his side having just come for a visit. He was born on February 8, 1935 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont to Philip and Agathe (Fortin) Leclerc. He was the nephew of Fr. Armand P. Fortin. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1952, St. Jerome College (Kitchener, California), the Seminary of Philosophy (Montreal, Canada) and the Grand Seminary (Montreal, Canada). He was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1960 by Bishop Robert F. Joyce. His priestly ministry began as Parochial Vicar at St. Anthony Church in Burlington (June 6, 1960 to June 6, 1962). He joined the St. James Apostle Society for Latin America (1962 until 1982) and especially loved his time spent in Bolivia. Upon his return to the diocese, he served as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Newport (Dec. 15, 1982 to June 20, 1984) and St. Anthony Church in Sheldon Springs (June 20, 1984 to Aug. 22, 1990). In 1988 he attended the Continuing Education program in Rome. Father Leclerc's first pastorate was at St. Anthony Church in Bethel (Aug. 22, 1990 to July 31, 1996). He also served as Pastor at St. John the Baptist Church in Enosburg Falls (July 31, 1996 to Oct. 30, 2002) and St. Peter Church in Vergennes (Oct. 30, 2002 to July 1, 2009). He was granted Senior Priest status on July 1, 2009. He continued to minister to the Hispanic population throughout Vermont. Father Leclerc's diocesan responsibilities included Dean of the Franklin deanery, Chaplain of Cursillo and a member of the Presbyteral Council. Survivors include his brother Robert Leclerc, a Marist brother, of New Jersey; two sisters: Theresa Doyon and husband Conrad of St. Johnsbury, Yvonne Gravelin and husband Albert of Shelburne; nieces and nephews and their families. His was predeceased by a sister Bernadette Durrse of Greenwich, Connecticut. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Johnsbury on Tuesday, April 19, at 11 a.m., at the St. John the Evangelist Church. Fr. Lance W. Harlow will be the principle celebrant and homilist with His Excellency, Bishop Christopher Coyne, presiding. Viewing will occur at the church prior to the Mass on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. the casket will be closed. Burial will follow the Mass at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in St. Johnsbury. A reception will follow the cemetery service at the parish hall. His family would like to publically thank Dr. Greg Ripple and staff at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and Dr. Dennis Sanders and staff at Vermont Center for Cancer. Memorial contributions could be directed the Good Shepherd School, 121 Maple St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

of St. Johnsbury passed away at The Canterbury Inn on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at the age of 102. She was born in St. Johnsbury on May 26, 1913, one of eight children born to Ernest J. and Leonide (Fradet) Cote. Gert was first of all a homemaker for her family raising her two boys; she worked at a dress factory in Nashua and St. Johnsbury, was the Hostess at the St. J. House, made quilts for all her family members, enjoyed sewing, knitting and absolutely loved watching golf. She was a faithful member of Corpus Christie Parish and was on the parish prayer chain. She is survived by two sons: Robert E. Renaud and wife Catherine of Atlanta, Georgia, Norman Renaud and wife Jennifer of Lakeland, FL; 4 grandchildren: Steven Renaud (Teresa) of Charleston, SC, Wendy Hildebrand (Mike) of Charleston, SC, Stephanie Reneberg of Coco Beach, FL, Sean Renaud of Newnan, GA, 7 great-grandchildren, her sister Jeannette Emmons of St. Johnsbury, Bernie Jordan of St. Johnsbury who was her beloved niece and caregiver for many years, and several nieces and nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by: her siblings: Alcide, Robert, Louis, Leo and Alban Cote, Rita Mancini, and her grandson: Bradley Renaud, Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home on Monday, April 25, from 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Johnsbury on Tuesday, April 26, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church on Winter Street in St. Johnsbury with Fr. Bernard Gaudreau. Burial will immediately follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions could be directed to The Good Shepherd School, 121 Maple St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

, a successful farmer, logger, jack-of-all-trades and lover of any food involving peanut butter and molasses; was born in Coaticook, Quebec, Canada on 27 July, 1939 to Roland and Julienne Riendeau. At a young age Gaston fell in love with working in the outdoors and embraced logging with his father. In this post-WWII era logging in the Northeast was still performed using horses, man-powered crosscut saws and axes. Throughout his early life he worked hard in logging camps and as a contract logger throughout the Northeastern United States. As America surged out of the great depression and WWII, Gaston found himself deeply involved in all of the major infrastructure projects of the postwar period throughout Northern Vermont. It is difficult to find a power line, gas pipeline or road project that he was not involved in. In 1980 at age 40 he had been logging for approximately 25 years and decided to pursue agriculture in the form of dairy farming. The family moved from Wheelock to Sutton, VT where they repaired an old farm and officially began dairy farming in 1982. Gaston was the sort who always preferred constant work and innovation to slowing down, even if only for a moment. Previous attempts at slowing him down included marriage to his wonderful wife of 56 years, Beatrice in 1960. When it became obvious that marriage wasn't going to inspire him to seek a 9-5 job, many thought the six children they had would surely do the trick. This backfired because it resulted in six accomplices who all shared his love of hard work and constant improvement. Dairy farming turned into a combination of farming, logging, trucking and heavy construction. Later attempts to slow him down included several surgeries, broken bones and the occasional illness. These also failed and many of us suspect this simply gave him more time to think about new things to do. Perhaps it was during one such forced vacation that he decided cows did not present a great enough challenge and he promptly introduced the Western Buffalo to the North East Kingdom. We also suspect that such an incident prompted him to reflect on his love of maple syrup, thus the overnight emergence of a full blown maple sugaring operation. Those of us lucky enough to have called him a friend or family can attest to the fact that you never knew what you might get into on any given day. Most certainly living and working with him was always exciting and challenging in a manner that left you eagerly anticipating the next day. You were never going to be bored working with Gaston! Though a man of few words, he was always witty, charming and possessed great powers of observation; a trait critical to his chosen profession. He was a man of immense inner and outer strength; a very kind and deeply generous man of very high standards and astonishing work ethic. His sense of community, especially the farming community was on full display as over the years he repeatedly set aside his own work to help other farmers when he spotted trouble. When it came to helping others, Gaston was always the first there and last to leave, often arriving before you were fully aware of the problem in the first place. Typical of his character he refused all attempts at compensation for his efforts. Insulted at the thought, he always declared that some day he might need a hand and that one good turn deserves another. The example he set was always one of excellence, generosity and quiet compassion mixed with the virtues of hard work and commitment. On Tuesday, 19 April, 2016, at the age of 76 years old, Gaston was called away to greener pastures. He departed, surrounded by his wonderful wife and six children who suspect that in heaven he will make everyone try Beatrice's pancakes with peanut butter, molasses and real maple syrup before putting literally everyone to work on his latest idea. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice; his sons, Richard Riendeau (Jennifer) of Danville, Gerard Riendeau (Rita) of Lyndonville, Paul Riendeau (Tina) of Lyndonville, Lawrence Riendeau (Cynthia) of Lyndonville and Russell Riendeau (Anne) of Lyndonville; his daughter, Cecile Berry (Russell) of Lyndonville; Ben Morrison (Morgan) of West Burke and Nathanael Morrison of Sutton who were like sons to Gaston; his brother, Dennis Riendeau (Jean) of Connecticut; his sisters, Gisele Sherburne of Lyndonville, Diane Lizotte (Fernand) of Connecticut, Jeanette Marquis (Percy) of Ft. Myers, FL; 19 grandchildren, Christine, Marc, Derrick, Lance, Cherree, Michelle, Caitlin, Ryan, Maegan, Karl, Kevin, Denielle, Eric, Celine, Joseph, Andrew, Dylan, James and Nicolas; and 17 great-grandchildren. Gaston was predeceased by his siblings: Pauline Pelletier, Roger Riendeau who died in childhood, Jean 'Mike' Riendeau, and Jack Riendeau. Visiting hours will take place on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at Guibord Funeral Home from 6-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the St. John the Evangelist Church at 11:00am in St. Johnsbury on Winter Street with burial immediately following in the St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Lyndonville. Memorial donations may be made in his name to St. John the Evangelist, 49 Winter Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.