Matthew Henry Young was born on May 1, 1948, in New York City, the son of Leo and Shirley (Stein) Young. He had two sisters, Mandy and Libby. Matt grew up on Long Island, and at age 13 asked to go to boarding school. He went to Blair Academy in New Jersey, where he made lifelong friends, and later graduated from Alfred University with a degree in English. Matt briefly attended the New England School of Law in Boston, then got a job managing Dom’s, a high-end northern Italian restaurant on Commercial Street. It was a move that changed the course of his life. Matt had been fascinated from an early age by what was happening in the kitchen, and had long wanted to run a restaurant. He stayed at Dom’s for seven or so years. Matt finally opened his own restaurant, the Ocean Club, on Martha’s Vineyard in 1979. Influenced by the cuisine at Dom’s, his place became famous for its innovative gourmet food. It was also the go-to cool spot, frequented by locals as well as the island’s famous summer residents, including Lillian Hellman, John Belushi, Carly Simon, Jackie Onassis, William Styron and many others. Going to the Ocean Club meant having a good time — some said it was “like an event”— and the restaurant became legendary. Matt was the designer of it all. In 1985, some investors approached Matt asking him to open a second restaurant. And he did: the Cambridge Ocean Club in the Charles Hotel. During the time that he ran it, a local magazine named Matt one of Boston’s 100 most eligible bachelors. But flying back and forth between the two locations became too much. And back injuries derailed Matt twice. According to his family, Matt had always said that if things got too complicated in his life, he would move to Vermont. (He had worked at a summer camp in Marlboro and had fond memories of the Green Mountain State. Plus, at the Ocean Club he had met some fun-loving girls from Burlington.) In 1989, Matt arrived in Vermont with an offer to manage a restaurant. Instead, he took a job bartending at another one. Soon, this bachelor would meet the woman who captured his heart, Sheryl Bellman. They soon became inseparable. The year they both turned 50 — in 1998 — they decided to get married. Sheryl suggested that…
Matthew Henry Young was born on May 1, 1948, in New York City, the son of Leo and Shirley (Stein) Young. He had two sisters, Mandy and Libby. Matt grew up on Long Island, and at age 13 asked to go to boarding school. He went to Blair Academy in New Jersey, where he made lifelong friends, and later graduated from Alfred University with a degree in English. Matt briefly attended the New England School of Law in Boston, then got a job managing Dom’s, a high-end northern Italian restaurant on Commercial Street. It was a move that changed the course of his life. Matt had been fascinated from an early age by what was happening in the kitchen, and had long wanted to run a restaurant. He stayed at Dom’s for seven or so years. Matt finally opened his own restaurant, the Ocean Club, on Martha’s Vineyard in 1979. Influenced by the cuisine at Dom’s, his place became famous for its innovative gourmet food. It was also the go-to cool spot, frequented by locals as well as the island’s famous summer residents, including Lillian Hellman, John Belushi, Carly Simon, Jackie Onassis, William Styron and many others. Going to the Ocean Club meant having a good time — some said it was “like an event”— and the restaurant became legendary. Matt was the designer of it all. In 1985, some investors approached Matt asking him to open a second restaurant. And he did: the Cambridge Ocean Club in the Charles Hotel. During the time that he ran it, a local magazine named Matt one of Boston’s 100 most eligible bachelors. But flying back and forth between the two locations became too much. And back injuries derailed Matt twice. According to his family, Matt had always said that if things got too complicated in his life, he would move to Vermont. (He had worked at a summer camp in Marlboro and had fond memories of the Green Mountain State. Plus, at the Ocean Club he had met some fun-loving girls from Burlington.) In 1989, Matt arrived in Vermont with an offer to manage a restaurant. Instead, he took a job bartending at another one. Soon, this bachelor would meet the woman who captured his heart, Sheryl Bellman. They soon became inseparable. The year they both turned 50 — in 1998 — they decided to get married. Sheryl suggested that…
We have lost a good one. Tom Wilkins died peacefully on March 27th 2017. Calm in the center of many a storm, Tom’s gentle, even keeled nature has been a beacon for many a frazzled soul. Empowered by his strength and courage, we will now carry the torch for him. Tom was born on April 29, 1961 in Poughkeepsie, New York to Mary Jane and Wilton Wilkins. The youngest of five brothers, he quickly learned when to duck and run. Tom was strong, flexible and self-sufficient, all skills he passed on to his children. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Barbara. They worked together to raise their family, allowing each other freedom to pursue their own interests while keeping their true focus on their children. Tom and Barb lived a life full of love and mutual admiration. Tom was most proud of his kids: Dana, Kendra, Devan, Sam and his nephew Henry. He was a constant in their lives. Through consistency and presence Tom instilled in them confidence to seek out new experiences and connections in the world. In the face of their father’s illness, his strong, capable children matched his own inner strength with compassion and fortitude of their own. Tom’s brilliant mind solved many a quandary for his family and friends. He was our go-to-guy for any question, inane or significant, never making you feel stupid or afraid to ask for follow up because really, you still didn’t have any idea what he was talking about. Tom’s fine mind and keen intellect served IBM for all of his adult life. Tom was conscientious and loyal, a much valued colleague. Always a seeker of adventure and master of wind and water, Tom could sail the mighty vessel “Follow Me” on and off the mooring in any condition the winds of Lake Champlain dished out. A lover of fire great and small, Tom mastered the art of Dutch Oven cookery way before it was hip. The wafting aroma of his white chili and blueberry buckle would draw neighbors to the backyard fire ring on many a starry night. Pots were stirred and stories told. Tom loved and appreciated his dogs, good music, mountains, full moons, and his diverse collection of friends. Throughout his illness, his house was filled with the comings and goings of these loved ones. Tom was held in the hearts of childhood…
Theresa “Trish” Ann Morin passed away peacefully on Monday April 3, 2017. Visiting hours will be on Friday April 7, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main Street, Winooski, VT. A funeral service will be held on Saturday April 8, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianney Church, 160 Hinesburg Rd, South Burlington, VT. A complete obituary will appear in the next addition of Seven Days.…
Theresa (Trish) Ann Morin, 79, a longtime resident of South Burlington, passed away peacefully Monday, April 3, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. One of seven children, Trish was born to Pearl and Smith Manning on August 5, 1937, in Middlebury. After graduating from the Burlington school system, she spent time working across several industries before finding her niche as an optician assistant. Trish was predeceased by her "favorite" son, Michael Loyer; parents; and siblings Phyllis Laramee, Philip Manning and Richard Manning. She is survived by her loving children Steven (Mary) Loyer of South Burlington, Darlene Loyer of Burlington, Thomas (Lori) Loyer of Shelburne, Shawn (Tammy) Morin of St. Albans, Jay Morin (Sandra Graves) of Colchester, and Jack (Laurie) Morin of Jacksonville, Fla., as well as her adored niece, Cathy (Steve) Renaudette of Colchester, and daughter-in-law, Sandy (Mike) Bradshaw of Burlington. Trish is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Kasey Loyer, Karly Loyer, Ashlee Loyer, Alisha Loyer, Emmaleigh Loyer, Jake Loyer, Michael Loyer, Keegan Morin, Colby Morin, Connor Morin, Jason Morin, Billy Morin, June Gulla, Michael Morin, Chris Morin and Randy Morin, as well as numerous great-grandchildren; her fluffy cat, Uma; and siblings Kenneth Manning, Franklin Manning and Christine Jimmo. She instilled her deeply held values of grit, selflessness and boundless kindness in all her children. To friends, family and strangers, she could always be counted on to offer her thoughtful opinions and sage advice. Known for her quick wit and incisive one-liners, Trish shared her unique humor and infectious laugh with any who had the pleasure to enjoy her company. Never was her laugh more present than when she cracked a joke at her own expense. In all her endeavors, from weekends perusing casinos, completing crosswords, playing bingo, traveling, camping and attending garage sales to spending her time with her family, she subscribed to the philosophies of "the more, the merrier" and "if a task needs to be done, it should at least be fun" and lived by these words with authenticity and vigor. Trish was known by all as an extremely loving and generous woman. She opened her heart and home to many while living at 208 White Street, embracing her role as a beloved mother figure to all her children's friends. Beyond her own household, Trish further took great pleasure in volunteering and enlisted her children and grandchildren in all her outreach efforts. Above all else,…
Gerard Paul “Jed” Guertin Jr. passed away at home on March 30, 2017. He was born in Springfield, VT, on January 12, 1943, the son of Catherine McSherry Guertin and Gerard Paul Guertin. Jed grew up in Shrewsbury, MA, where he nurtured an interest in ethics (while hiding his motorcycle at a friend’s house). Known as “Flex” to his coworkers at Strand’s Ski Shop in Worcester, Jed was a competitive water and snow skier. After college, Jed moved to Burlington, Vermont, where he started The Ski Rack in 1968. Near the end of The Ski Rack’s first year, Page Smith wandered in to rent a pair of skis - four months later she and Jed were married. Through a series of careers and businesses, Jed and Page raised two sons, and Jed earned his Master’s Degree in Resource Economics at the University of Vermont. Along the way, Jed and Page developed their mutual interest in sailing, and in 1998 they sold their house and most of their worldly possessions to sail away. They cruised the East Coast for five years, from Lake Champlain to the Bahamas, marketing Jed’s marine invention and exploring sea and shore. Eventually they were called back to land by the arrival of grandchildren. Jed was husband, father, silly (and adoring) grandpa, businessman, salesman, “designated hugger” for the local little league team, high school and college ski coach, college instructor, inventor, sailor, plumbing enthusiast, political wonk, advocate for the color-blind and whistle-blowers, curmudgeon, cobbler, rough carpenter, storyteller, novice magician, internet troll slayer, home trash and recycling manager, prodigiousreader, water quality defender, tinkerer, “Picklehead” - and very sensitive man. He was a kind and positive figure in the lives of people, young and old, whose paths crossed his. An intrepid seeker of truth and justice, he always followed his moral compass. In the last few years of his life, Jed worked tirelessly to protect and maintain drinking water quality for the residents of Montpelier and all of Vermont. Jed leaves his wife, Page, after 47 years together; sons Jesse and Christopher Guertin; grandchildren Remy and Laurel Guertin, and Milo and Juniper Loranger-Guertin; daughters-in-law Kim Guertin and Jessica Loranger; sister Ann-Marie and her husband Rob Walley. Gifts in Jed’s honor can be made to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St, Montpelier, VT…
Ruth Hummel passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Anthony Myrick's Community Care Home in Bristol attended by her daughter Sylvia and son Karl. Ruth grew up in the Episcopal Rectory in Asbury Park, NJ a few blocks from the ocean. Her father, Randall Conklin was the kindly and beloved Minister and along with his musically talented wife Harriet, raised Ruth and her siblings, Harriet, Randall, and Walt in a house that was full of laughter and a very strong feeling of family. From the Shore Ruth developed a lifelong love for swimming and the ocean. From her father she developed a lifelong respect for all people and an interest in all things. She graduated at the top of her class at Asbury Park HS and went to Montclair Teachers College following her sister Harriet. In college and throughout their lives they were called by their nicknames, Tui and Tibi from the Latin declension Tu, Tui, Tibi, Te, Te. The group of 10 classmates that roomed together freshman year stayed together through graduation and continued to correspond and have their own reunions including spouses and kids for the next 40 plus years. While in college Ruth had a blind date, a girl-shy guy from Princeton. Fritz (Frederick Hummel) became the love of her life and her partner in all things for the next 75 years. Married in 1940 living in Philadelphia where Fritz completed medical training and Ruth commuted to Trenton to teach Latin and French. In 1942, Fritz enlisted as a doctor and spent three years in Australia and New Guinea while Ruth brought up their daughter Suzanne, born as the doctor sailed west. After the war, Fritz and Ruth settled in Belmar NJ, set up a medical practice and had Karl and Sylvia. In 1954 the family moved 10 miles south to a wonderful house on a beautiful lake about 20 minutes from the ocean and stayed there for the next 26 years. During all of this Ruth worked in the office with Fritz, as receptionist, nurse and cleanup crew…before going home to get dinner ready (while the doctor mixed the martinis) and then help children with homework. She volunteered in libraries, sang with various groups, and entertained their friends at the lake. Her love of music and singing wove through her entire life and left an enduring appreciation of music on her children and grandchildren.…
Ellen Tyrrell, beloved wife of the late Vincent E. “Gene” Tyrrell for sixty two years, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, January 3rd, 2017 at UVM Medical Center in Burlington. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on November 3rd 1931 to Ralph P. and Anna (Franko) Smith, Ellen was raised in a progressive middle class household and graduated from Bassick High School in 1949. She married Gene in 1952. In 1958 they became Fairfield residents and as a homemaker she raised seven sons. Ellen knew many local families and formed many friendships among which she enjoyed entertaining and nights on the town dancing with her husband. She loved children and advising youth; studying psychology, and working as an advisor in the Guided Learning Program at Roger Ludlowe High School, and as a Librarian Assistant at Fairfield University. Well read, and curious, Ellen loved her SundayTimes, the Metropolitan Museum, and visits to her Brother in Greenwich Village. She had a passion for landscape and history, and enjoyed exposing her sons to the athletic and cultural offerings of Fairfield, New York and New England. In 1984, her mothering career complete, Ellen relocated to begin a new life for herself and Gene in Montpelier. Working in the public schools until retirement in 1996, Ellen became active in civic causes, including the Vermont League of Women Voters, the Montpelier Housing Task Force, and as an honored member of both the Central Vermont Council on Aging, and Washington County Mental Health Services. She made her voice known on a range of issues, and was a devoted supporter of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders; participating in many of his local dinners and rallies. For two decades Ellen served as a Docent Guide for the Friends of the Vermont State House Tours in Montpelier. She loved Vermont's capitol city and shopping in Burlington, exploring Lake Champlain, attending Bread & Puppet Theatre, the Turnbridge Fair, and visits to her son's farm in nearby Worcester. A smart dresser, Ellen enjoyed Fashion and Astrology (departing during the waxing Moon between Venus and Mars). Despite recent immobility she led a spry and active life. A parishioner and volunteer of St Augustine Parish in Montpelier, Ellen was a fun, kind, adventurous, intellectually, curious and above all caring spirit who was deeply loved by all. She will be very dearly missed. Predeceased by her husband in 2014, Ellen is survived by her seven loving sons, David and…
Dezsoe “Dezi” Rottler passed on into spirit on January 29, 2017 at the VNA Respite House in Colchester, Vermont. He struggled with the loss of his wife, Connie Rottler due to Alzheimer’s disease, who passed away in February, 2015. He lived with Parkinson’s disease for the last few years, which was a challenge he handled with stoic Hungarian pride. Weak from anemia for months, a colon cancer diagnosis in December brought him to hospice and the end of his suffering. His son Chris was at his bedside when he passed. Dezi was born on October 31, 1927 in Budapest, Hungary to parents Maria Szekeers and Louis Rottler. He was the third of four children, all of whom predeceased him. Dezi lived through the war in Hungary. On August 20, 1947, he escaped to Austria with his parents after his father was persecuted by the new government. All the while, his brother Karl was being held in Siberia, his sister was separated from the family, and his youngest brother had died of a childhood accident. In Austria, his family was registered as political refugees. They were brought to a refugee camp for Hungarians in Klagenfurt, Austria, where he and his parents lived from September, 1947 until May, 1949. From there, he was moved to a larger refugee camp in Spittal. A random sponsor from New York paid and arranged for Dezi and his parents to come to Burlington, Vermont. A condition of the sponsorship was that he enlist in the US Army. Dezi and his parents arrived in Vermont just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner in Burlington, in November, 1950. He and his father were given jobs at UVM. The family received one month’s rent, and help with English, driving lessons, and American life from Abe Rosenberg and Prof. Caroline Doane. His father, Louis, was a cabinet-maker, and built the display cabinets at the Fleming Museum. In June, 1952, Dezi entered service in the US Army, and returned to Europe on the same boat that brought him to the US in 1950. He was a photographer for the Army and he returned to Burlington in 1957. When he returned, he worked as a freelance photographer, until he landed at the Burlington Free Press in 1959, where he worked until he retired in 1990. Dezi was very thankful to J. Warren McClure for hiring him and offering him a stable…
Paul Martin LaBrusciano (Paulie Roots) passed away on February 05, 2017, in Burlington, Vermont. Paul was born on April 21, 1966, in Manhattan, New York. He attended Harwood Union High School and the Community School, in Montpelier, Vermont, from which he graduated as salutatorian in 1984. Paul loved music, and was seen by many as being at the vanguard of the U.S. influx of reggae in the late 1970's. During the eighties, he was a radio DJ on WRUV and WGDR, a club DJ at the Border (now Metronome) in Burlington and worked for many years at Pure Pop selling records. He also played keyboards in several bands, including Lamb's Bread and Pounding System—who played at the legendary Vermont Reggae Festival at North Beach in Burlington, VT, and shared the stage with many reggae greats such as Third World, Israel Vibrations, and Aswad. During this time, he introduced many Burlington residents to the sounds of dancehall reggae and his influence can still be felt today in a Vermont reggae culture that has endured for many decades. In the nineties, his love of music brought him to New York where he worked at Eight Ball Records in Manhattan and later co-founded Music Ambassador, an importer and distributor of reggae music on 7-inch 45 records from Jamaica. Paul and M usic Ambassador went on to enjoy over ten years of servicing reggae labels and retail stores from around the globe. He was a discerning culinary artist who readily offered his unfiltered opinion on Vermont local cuisine, and he was truly loved in his role as manager at the Essex High School Cafeteria. Even when he lived in New York, he often drove to New Haven for the better pizza. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing with his family and friends, and spending family time in his backyard jungle of canna lilies and angel’s trumpets. Paul also had a great love for baseball, his passion for the sport developed during his childhood in Waitsfield as a member of the Little League All-Star team, later an avid fan of the New York Yankees, and finally a passionate coach and referee for the local Burlington leagues. He is survived by his wife, Domye LaBrusciano of Burlington; his sons, Nico and Lorenzo of Burlington; his step-sons, Owen and Nathan Arre of Burlington; his parents, Ron LaBrusciano of Marlboro and Barbara Elsbeth, of Waitsfield; and…
Earl Kenneth Bessette, 92, of Addison, died at home with his family by his side on February 19, 2017. He was born in Burlington on October 5, 1924, son of Napoleon (Paul) and Emma (Mongeon) Bessette. Earl graduated from Burlington High School in 1943, during his last two years of school he worked as First Mate on The Steamboat Ticonderoga. After graduation he joined the US Navy and served in the Pacific on the USS Hunt as a Gunner during WWII. He was honored for his service in the summer of 2014 by a trip with the Leatherstocking Honor Flight to Washington, DC. He was employed as an agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 25 years. In retirement he enjoyed boating on Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence River into Canada and traveling by motor coach throughout the United States with his wife and dogs for twenty years. Earl was an avid sportsman and hunter. He founded the Addison Goose Club and presided as President for ten years. A lover of dogs, he was a member of the Lake Champlain Retriever Club. He raised and trained several of his Labradors to Master Level Hunters. His greatest joy in life was goose hunting with his friends on his property in Addison. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carolyn (Grasso) Bessette of Addison; sons Chris Bessette and wife, Linda Little of Addison, Cory Bessette and wife, Mary of Portland, Oregon; daughters, Shelley Faris and husband, Les of Benson, Jacqueline McLean of Addison and Dale Spring and husband, David of Middletown Springs; twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; sisters Geraldine of Varricchione of Winooski, Beulah Delibac of Burlington and Janet Hale and husband Robert of Sebastian, FL. Earl was predeceased by brothers, Norman, Donald and Harold Bessette and sister Eileen Riley. Visiting Hours will be at Boucher and Pritchard Funeral Home Wednesday, February 22, 2017, 4-7 p.m. The service will be on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Boucher and Pritchard Funeral Home. Following the service internment will be at Lakeview Cemetery where Earl will be accorded full Military Honors. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 9 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Peter's Church, Vergennes with Father Yvon J. Royer. The family would like thank Addison County Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care. Contributions in Earl's memory…
Dr. George W. Brown was born November 21,1937, in North Carolina. Three hours earlier, his wife carolyn had been born in Texas. A journey of "soul mates" was in the making. Their journey together led George and carolyn to Vermont in 1988. While here, they continued a collaboration to promote child and family well-being. In addition to practicing as a pediatrician, George worked with the Department of Health to reduce child injuries. As medical director of the Emergency Medical Services for Children Project, Dr. Brown founded Vermont SafeKids, a statewide coalition of childhood injury and prevention professionals. He joined the Vermont Childhood Fatality Review Committee, serving as its chair until his return to Alaska. Dr. Brown co-taught the Pediatric Advanced Life Support curriculum to pediatricians and at each hospital throughout Vermont and as part of a Medical Education Mission to Karelai, Russia. He also served as the education coordinator of the Community Child Protection Network, cofounded Hinesburg Friends of Families, cofacilitated parent support groups, donated his time to a free public clinic and was instrumental in many other health initiatives. George was a kind, gentle soul with a prolific career as a "community pediatrician" that spanned from Alaska to Africa, Hawaii to Haiti. He was recognized nationally and internationally for his writing, speaking, program development, and dedication to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Anyone who had the privilege of interacting with him received his greatest gift of all — his gift of acceptance. George died on December 14, 2017. He leaves his wife carolyn, daughter Rachel, son Benjamin, grand-daughter Eleanor, his twin brother John, sister Laura, and countless patients, friends, colleagues and admirers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alaska-Kenya Health Scholarship Program or programs that improve child well-being. Please direct any communication to Dr. carolyn Brown, 1640 2nd Street, Douglas, AK 99824. Please join us in remembering George at the United Church of Hinesburg Parish House on Saturday, February 25, at 10 a.m.…
Eren Dylan Dubé, 28, passed away in his sleep on February 23, 2017 at the home of his loving care-giver Nadia Leon. Eren was born in Berlin, VT on May 24, 1988. He was the son of Elden Dubé of Montpelier, VT and Rebecca Johnston of Essex Jct., VT. Eren is survived by his sister Mattie, his brother Samuel, his maternal grandparents, Robert and Stephanie Johnston of Strafford, VT and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Eren was pre-deceased by his paternal grandparents, Siméon and Mattie Dubé of Madawaska, ME. Eren was born with developmental disabilities and although he lived a short and challenged life, his life was full of love, smiles, happiness and hugs- especially hugs! Many people crossed Eren’s path, deeply enriching his life, as well as he impacting theirs. Eren’s family would like to thank them for their accepting and assimilating him into their everyday lives with respect and dignity that all individuals, no matter the circumstances, deserve. Our thanks go out to the staff and volunteers at the local hospitals; Family Center of Washington County; Washington County Mental Health Services; teachers and staff in the Montpelier School System (UES, MSMS, MHS); coaches and partners of MPS Unified Sports, Special Olympics and the extremely dedicated, caring and loving personal care assistants. In lieu of flowers, contributions of cash, participation or volunteering can be made in Eren’s name to any of the organizations listed above or to any other deserving entity personal to you. A memorial Mass in Eren’s memory will be celebrated on May 24, 2017 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Montpelier, VT.…
Conni Pressman passed in sleep Feb 26, 2017, surrounded by people who love her. Conni was larger than life, and will be cherished in the hearts of her friends and family forever. She was active in Barb Jordan's Senior Fitness Group and Carol Ode's Appletree Water Aerobics, she played pickleball, and she biked, hiked, and kayaked regularly. She was a Spirit Sister, and a good friend to many, many people. Her ashes will be scattered in Vermont, the place she loved and called home.…
David Allan Wales, age 57, of Montpelier passed away suddenly Thursday morning, March 9th. Born March 8, 1960, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Martha. They celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary on January 14th, 2017. He designed and built their energy efficient home in Montpelier in 1997. Dave was a professional gardener working for “Mother Garden” and running his own gardening business, Walrus Works. He created beautiful gardens for appreciative clients who each became a friend, and he happily filled his own land with vegetable gardens and flowering plants. Recently he and Martha purchased an electric car. Dave really enjoyed saving fossil fuel while talking back to the navigation system. Fittingly, the day Dave died “Sparky’s” car radio was found to be tuned to the Laugh USA Channel. Dave’s positive attitude and keen sense of humor was a joy to his friends and strangers alike. Predeceased by his father, Neil Wales, nephew, Alex, and stepfather, Howard Swanlund, he is survived by Martha as well as his mother, Gertrude “Tolly” Swanlund, sisters Pat and Kris, brother Steve, niece Shelby, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Dave donated 13 gallons of blood over his lifetime, and was a tissue donor after death. Born into a skiing family he was raised on skis at Afton Alps in Minnesota. He celebrated the beginning of winter on the summer solstice each year. Dave was a professional ski instructor for 40 years, certified in Alpine and Telemark disciplines. Early in his career he worked for Otto Hollaus Snowsports Academy, a traveling ski school, in addition to working at Afton Alps for many years. In 1996 he and Martha moved to Vermont and Dave joined the Sugarbush ski school. Dave’s love of skiing was legendary. One of his most illustrative sayings was “Ski Like the River.” Those words embodied how he skied, and how he wanted everyone to ski. He made lessons loads of fun while keeping everyone safe. He just loved to slide on snow, and to free ski with friends old and new. Everyone is encouraged to think of Dave when skiing Jester at Sugarbush, his favorite run. Dave loved to read, too, and was blessed with a remarkable memory. He often treated friends to passages from Tolkien, Freud, the Bible, and Neil Gaiman, as well as the Princess Bride, Mystery Science Theater, and The Onion. Martha and…