Achile Thomas Prevost

Achile Thomas Prevost (Archie), age 91, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024 surrounded by his children at the family home on St. Mary Street where he was born.

 Archie grew up in St. Johnsbury where he attended Saint Gabriel’s Catholic School, and graduated from the St. Johnsbury Trade School in 1950. He then joined the United States Navy where he proudly served his country.

In 1956 Archie married the love of his life Deborah (Emmons) who predeceased him in 2017. Together they raised six children – Suzanne (George) Rollins, Gerard (Crystal) Prevost, Thomas (Roseanna) Prevost, John (Shari) Prevost, Sandra (Kevin) Cunningham, and Dennis (Brenda Hale) Prevost.

 The joy of Archie’s life was his many grandchildren. Charles (Tiffany) Rollins, Gerri (John) Mathews, Aimee (Shane) LaCroix, Danielle (Dennis) Miller, Lucas (Jessica) Prevost, Michael Prevost, Ashley Rathburn, April Rathburn, Katlin (Asa) Bartell, Colleen (Joey) Phelan, Margaret Cunningham, Brittany (Dustin) Figenscher ,and Dennis – DJ (Sarah Jarvis) Prevost. He also had many great grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Grandpa Choo-Choo.”

Archie is survived by his sister Madeleine (Ronald) Ducham as well as his special cousins Suzanne, Albert, and Jeanette. He was predeceased by his siblings: Laurette, Gerry, Rita, and special cousin Marie. He was also predeceased by his son Jerry, and his son-in-law Kevin Cunningham.

As Debbie summarized in the biography she wrote for him - Archie was “A Man of Many Hats.” He was known for his generous spirit which began at an early age while helping his grandfather, a locksmith and a sexton at the Notre Dame Cathedral. He served as a signalman on the USS Pigeon in the Mediterranean during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning to civilian life, he began his career with the St. Johnsbury and Lamoille County Railroad – which began a passion for the railroad industry lasting his entire life. In 1970 during a leave of absence from the railroad, he managed Dunkin Donuts as well as Howdy Beef-N-Burger, which began his second career as a restauranteur. In 1972 he returned to the Canadian Pacific Railroad where he worked until his retirement at the age of 62. The following year, while working full-time for the railroad, he opened Archies Bakery and Coffee Shop. Shortly thereafter – with his cousin Albert – he opened “The Rink” next door to the bakery which created fond memories for countless members of the community. After eight years of successfully serving the community, he opened a second location at the Green Mountain Mall with his son Jerry. His love for the railroad continued after his retirement through his partnership with Ted Chase and Francis Emmons when they created the “St. J and LC RR Inc.” For seven years they ran passenger train foliage excursions for all to enjoy natures beauty. In addition, in 1987 Archie met Eddie Clark who owned a tourist railroad in Lincoln, New Hampshire called The Hobo Railroad. He served as an engineer and trained other future engineers at the Hobo for the next 28 years. He loved to entertain the children on the train as “Choo-Choo” the clown. Many of his grandchildren developed their strong work ethic while working along-side him at the Hobo.

 Archie and Debbie were proud to be “snowbirds.” Together with his sister Rita and her husband Norman Airoldi they left the cold north in November and returned in late spring. They enjoyed traveling the country in their RVs and later settled in Leesburg, Florida to start another community of friends and family “down south.” While in Florida he became a clown, a boat captain and a thespian.

 Archie never stood still, and was always looking to help anyone in anyway at any moment. He was engaged in activities and entities including but not limited to Scouting, Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, St. John’s Church, Covenant House, Harvey’s Lake Association, and enjoyed baking pies and tourtieres for all to enjoy.

Archie lived a fulfilling and joyous life worthy of a great celebration. Visiting hours will be on Friday, May 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sayles Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at St. John the Evangelist Church with celebrant Father Lance Harlow. In lieu of flowers donations in Archie's honor should go to Caledonia Home Health Care and Hospice.