Donald Laferriere

Donald Laferriere, 70, passed away of natural causes in East Haven, VT on May 25, 2017.  He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rita Laferriere, as well as daughter Heidi Garcia and husband, Stephen of Longmont, Co., his son, Chad Laferriere, and wife, Anna, of Columbia Falls, MT; his nephew, Matthew Laferriere, and wife , Meghan, of West Burke VT  and his beloved grandchildren Evangeline Garcia, Zane Garcia, Autumn Laferriere and Fischer Laferriere.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ann Hodges of North Danville, Vt.   Surviving siblings include: Daniel Rancour-Laferriere and wife, Barbara, of El Cerrito, CA;  Joseph Laferriere and wife, Catherine Simonson, of Colchester, VT;  Marie Lumbra and husband, Mike, of Lyndonville, , VT; Theresa Laferriere of Albuquerque, NM; Peter Laferriere and wife, Elaine, of Westmore, VT; Fred Laferriere and wife, Katherine, of St Johnsbury, VT; Lionel Laferriere and wife, Donna, of Lyndonville, VT; Margie Laferriere and husband, Chip Holmes, of Middlebury, VT; sister-in-law, Carol Hodges of St Johnsbury, VT; sister-in-law, Guyla Woodbrey and husband, Brad, of Raymond, ME and brother-in law, Timothy Hodges of North Danville, VT as well as many cherished nieces and nephews and lifelong friend, Delbert Reed of East Haven,  Vt.

Donald was predeceased by his parents: Bernard Laferriere and Irene Gadbois and siblings Katherine, Jack, Dennis and Rene.

Donald was born January 9, 1947 in St. Johnsbury, VT.  He attended schools in Barnet and St. Johnsbury, graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1966.  Immediately following graduation, Donald, with lifetime friends, Gary Sanborn, Delbert Reed and others, joined the Navy.  Donald was proud to be a Navy Seabee and always embraced the Seabee motto—“Seabees can do and with willing hearts and skillful hands, the difficult we do at once. The impossible takes a bit longer!” Donald served two tours of duty in Viet Nam and was proud of his military service.  Following discharge he remained connected with Seabee MCB 71 Construction Battalion comrades.

Following his military discharge and return to Vermont, on February 22, 1969 Donald married Rita Hodges and shortly after the marriage moved to East Haven VT.   Donald then began his career as a talented machinist working at Mardon Industries, North Country Engineering, and Jenne Brothers until his retirement in 2009.

Like all the other Laferrieres, his plan was “work hard and play hard” and that he did to the fullest with brothers, family, and countless friends.  Many of these adventures occurred at the family camp on Big Averill Lake. His passions were his family and friends foremost but also often included a bit of competitive hockey, golf, hunting, fishing, poker, croquet and cribbage.  He also treasured those trips to Montana and Colorado for hunting, fishing and family fun.

Donald was proud to live in the small community of East Haven where he valued his neighbors and supported the community  as a past volunteer for East Haven Fire Department, past Selectman, coach for local baseball team for kids, and Town Moderator for over 35 years.  When his children were growing up he could often be seen at the Community Building playing golf, soft ball, cross country skiing, or helping with 4-H or school activities.   He was a loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend who will be deeply missed.

At Donald’s request there will be no funeral or visiting hours but rather a celebration of his life on July 8, 2017 at 11 am at the family camp, The Looney Bin, 1209 Jackson Road, Averill, Vermont.

Memorial contributions can be made to the East Haven Library.  These can be sent to Dollinda Lund,  East Haven Library  Mountain Road,  East Haven, VT 05837.

Memories and condolence can be shared with the family at www.guibordfh.com.