Former principal, teacher and athletic director was inducted into Vermont Principals' Association Hall of Fame
As the glorious sun set over Malletts Bay on Monday, August 14, 2023, Bernard “Bernie” Arthur Couture, 85, departed this life at his beloved “Camp Tumble In.” He was born in Burlington, Vt., on February 21, 1938, the son of Alfred and Marguerite (Archambault) Couture. Bernie grew up on Murray Street in Burlington with his six brothers and two sisters. He attended Nazareth School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1956. Bernie earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Saint Michael’s College (SMC) in 1961. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in education from SMC in 1964 and a second in education counseling from the University of Vermont in 1980. Bernie began his long career in education at Shelburne High School and spent three years at West Haven High School in New Haven, Conn., before returning to Vermont and joining the Winooski High School staff. He served the Winooski community for over 30 years in various roles (principal, teacher, athletic director and coach). His positive influence on the youth he served and colleagues he worked with over the years was frequently mentioned to his children and other family members, and he maintained these important relationships throughout his lifetime. On June 22, 1963, Bernie married the love of his life, Jean Marie McDonald. Together they raised their five children and settled in Essex Junction. He was actively engaged in the lives of his children and that of his community. He regularly participated in Serve Our Neighbor Day, volunteered for many senior luncheons, served as a Justice of the Peace and contributed in countless other ways to his community, too numerous to mention. Bernie was a man of faith and a committed member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Parish and his alma mater, Saint Michael’s College. He had a passion for both participating in and attending all kinds of sports activities. Bernie openly acknowledged that he went into education because it allowed him to continue coaching. He spent many years watching his children and grandchildren’s athletic pursuits. In addition, he served as a basketball official for middle school, high school and CYO. Even after retiring in 1998, he continued to assist the Essex High School varsity softball team for another 20 years. As a result of his many years of service and commitment to both education and athletics, Bernie was inducted into the Vermont Principals' Association…
Former principal, teacher and athletic director was inducted into Vermont Principals' Association Hall of Fame
As the glorious sun set over Malletts Bay on Monday, August 14, 2023, Bernard “Bernie” Arthur Couture, 85, departed this life at his beloved “Camp Tumble In.” He was born in Burlington, Vt., on February 21, 1938, the son of Alfred and Marguerite (Archambault) Couture. Bernie grew up on Murray Street in Burlington with his six brothers and two sisters. He attended Nazareth School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1956. Bernie earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Saint Michael’s College (SMC) in 1961. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in education from SMC in 1964 and a second in education counseling from the University of Vermont in 1980. Bernie began his long career in education at Shelburne High School and spent three years at West Haven High School in New Haven, Conn., before returning to Vermont and joining the Winooski High School staff. He served the Winooski community for over 30 years in various roles (principal, teacher, athletic director and coach). His positive influence on the youth he served and colleagues he worked with over the years was frequently mentioned to his children and other family members, and he maintained these important relationships throughout his lifetime. On June 22, 1963, Bernie married the love of his life, Jean Marie McDonald. Together they raised their five children and settled in Essex Junction. He was actively engaged in the lives of his children and that of his community. He regularly participated in Serve Our Neighbor Day, volunteered for many senior luncheons, served as a Justice of the Peace and contributed in countless other ways to his community, too numerous to mention. Bernie was a man of faith and a committed member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Parish and his alma mater, Saint Michael’s College. He had a passion for both participating in and attending all kinds of sports activities. Bernie openly acknowledged that he went into education because it allowed him to continue coaching. He spent many years watching his children and grandchildren’s athletic pursuits. In addition, he served as a basketball official for middle school, high school and CYO. Even after retiring in 1998, he continued to assist the Essex High School varsity softball team for another 20 years. As a result of his many years of service and commitment to both education and athletics, Bernie was inducted into the Vermont Principals' Association…
