1954
Dennis
2016
Dennis Laferriere
October 21, 1954 — February 23, 2016
Dennis Laferriere, a well-known local contractor and businessman, died peacefully at his home in North Danville on February 23, 2016.
He was born on October 21, 1954, in St. Johnsbury, the son of Bernard Alphonse and Irene (Rancour) Laferriere. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1972. On August 14, 1976, he married Pamela Byron. In 1978, he formed Laferriere Construction Company in Waterford, and later moved the business and family home to West Danville. The company built homes, medical clinics, senior centers, schools, and more throughout the twin-state region.
A student of history, Mr. Laferriere was particularly proud of two highly visible jobs that celebrated architectural heritage. One included the removal of a 1901 eighty-foot diameter Round barn in East Passumpsic, and the rebuilding of it at the Shelburne Museum grounds. The project included flying the 9,000 pound upper segment of the silo by helicopter across the state, while the remainder was dismantled and moved on flatbed trucks. Now, used as a gallery, thousands of people admire the Shaker-style historic building. He was also proud to help restore St. Johnsbury's beauty after a 2000 fire devastated the heart of Railroad Street in the Daniel's Block fire. Working in below zero weather, he and his dedicated crews brought the historic block back to its former elegance.
When not wearing his hardhat, you might find Dennis skiing at his favorite winter office - Burke Mountain (in shorts), or in summer, water skiing at the family's beloved summer residence on Harvey's Lake. He enjoyed many ski adventures with Sam (youngest), and was often found plotting their next adventure together. He loved watching sunsets from the deck, firing up the BBQ for family and friends, or photographing the otters and eagles. You might notice him golfing, biking, roller blading or playing hockey with a whole team of Laferriere boys - he was always on the move. He was so proud of Derek (son) and all of his military achievements. He enjoyed reading - especially historic novels and loved the city of his birth - St. Johnsbury. Most of all, he looked forward to family outings at the big farmhouse where he remodeled it to be the "perfect" party space for large groups - most family holiday celebrations, wedding rehearsal dinners, graduation parties and more were held there. He was a dedicated son-in-law and was a blessing to Howard and Freda Byron - especially in their later years. Pam (wife) was the love of his life and he was so appreciative of the family they had built. He admired the way Michelle (oldest) raised her family and the values she instills. You would rarely see Dennis without his beloved Bernese Mountain dog, Max. They were inseparable and Max was truly the "in charge" part of the duo.
He leaves his wife, Pamela, of Burke; three children: Michelle Laferriere (husband-Eric Bogie) of Lyndonville, 1st Sergeant (1SG) Derek Laferriere, (wife-Ashleigh Shepard) of Williston, VT, and Samantha Laferriere (husband-Michael Laska) of Quechee, VT, as well as two very special grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Aiden and Jazmine Bogie. He also leaves his mother Irene Gadbois of St. Johnsbury, and ten brothers and sisters: Daniel Laferriere of Davis, CA, Rene Laferriere of St. Johnsbury, Joe Laferriere of Colchester, VT, Donald Laferriere of East Haven, VT, Marie Lumbra of St. Johnsbury, Theresa Laferriere of NM, Peter Laferriere of Lyndonville, Fred Laferriere of St. Johnsbury, Lionel Laferriere of Lyndonville and Margie Graves also of Lyndonville, as well as many devoted nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was predeceased by his father: Bernard and two siblings: Jake and Katherine "Kakwin" Laferriere.
Friends may call on the family for visitation from 2-4PM on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Monday, February 29, 2016, at St. John the Evangelist Church on the Corner of Winter and Main Streets in St. Johnsbury with Rev. Fr. Bernard Gaudreau officiating.
Burial will take place in the springtime at 1PM on Monday, May 9, 2016 at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in St. Johnsbury.
Memorial Donations may be made in Dennis' name to Danville Rescue and Calex, P.O. Box 570, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Condolences may be shared privately with the family at www.saylesfh.com
He was born on October 21, 1954, in St. Johnsbury, the son of Bernard Alphonse and Irene (Rancour) Laferriere. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1972. On August 14, 1976, he married Pamela Byron. In 1978, he formed Laferriere Construction Company in Waterford, and later moved the business and family home to West Danville. The company built homes, medical clinics, senior centers, schools, and more throughout the twin-state region.
A student of history, Mr. Laferriere was particularly proud of two highly visible jobs that celebrated architectural heritage. One included the removal of a 1901 eighty-foot diameter Round barn in East Passumpsic, and the rebuilding of it at the Shelburne Museum grounds. The project included flying the 9,000 pound upper segment of the silo by helicopter across the state, while the remainder was dismantled and moved on flatbed trucks. Now, used as a gallery, thousands of people admire the Shaker-style historic building. He was also proud to help restore St. Johnsbury's beauty after a 2000 fire devastated the heart of Railroad Street in the Daniel's Block fire. Working in below zero weather, he and his dedicated crews brought the historic block back to its former elegance.
When not wearing his hardhat, you might find Dennis skiing at his favorite winter office - Burke Mountain (in shorts), or in summer, water skiing at the family's beloved summer residence on Harvey's Lake. He enjoyed many ski adventures with Sam (youngest), and was often found plotting their next adventure together. He loved watching sunsets from the deck, firing up the BBQ for family and friends, or photographing the otters and eagles. You might notice him golfing, biking, roller blading or playing hockey with a whole team of Laferriere boys - he was always on the move. He was so proud of Derek (son) and all of his military achievements. He enjoyed reading - especially historic novels and loved the city of his birth - St. Johnsbury. Most of all, he looked forward to family outings at the big farmhouse where he remodeled it to be the "perfect" party space for large groups - most family holiday celebrations, wedding rehearsal dinners, graduation parties and more were held there. He was a dedicated son-in-law and was a blessing to Howard and Freda Byron - especially in their later years. Pam (wife) was the love of his life and he was so appreciative of the family they had built. He admired the way Michelle (oldest) raised her family and the values she instills. You would rarely see Dennis without his beloved Bernese Mountain dog, Max. They were inseparable and Max was truly the "in charge" part of the duo.
He leaves his wife, Pamela, of Burke; three children: Michelle Laferriere (husband-Eric Bogie) of Lyndonville, 1st Sergeant (1SG) Derek Laferriere, (wife-Ashleigh Shepard) of Williston, VT, and Samantha Laferriere (husband-Michael Laska) of Quechee, VT, as well as two very special grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Aiden and Jazmine Bogie. He also leaves his mother Irene Gadbois of St. Johnsbury, and ten brothers and sisters: Daniel Laferriere of Davis, CA, Rene Laferriere of St. Johnsbury, Joe Laferriere of Colchester, VT, Donald Laferriere of East Haven, VT, Marie Lumbra of St. Johnsbury, Theresa Laferriere of NM, Peter Laferriere of Lyndonville, Fred Laferriere of St. Johnsbury, Lionel Laferriere of Lyndonville and Margie Graves also of Lyndonville, as well as many devoted nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was predeceased by his father: Bernard and two siblings: Jake and Katherine "Kakwin" Laferriere.
Friends may call on the family for visitation from 2-4PM on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Monday, February 29, 2016, at St. John the Evangelist Church on the Corner of Winter and Main Streets in St. Johnsbury with Rev. Fr. Bernard Gaudreau officiating.
Burial will take place in the springtime at 1PM on Monday, May 9, 2016 at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in St. Johnsbury.
Memorial Donations may be made in Dennis' name to Danville Rescue and Calex, P.O. Box 570, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Condolences may be shared privately with the family at www.saylesfh.com
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