Ernest Coolbeth

Ernie Coolbeth of Lyndonville passed away Monday morning, Feb. 15, 2016 at the age of 89. Ernie was born in Monroe, New Hampshire on Sept. 19, 1926, the son of Arthur and Helen (Baker) Coolbeth and grew up in Glover. He married Beverly Simpson on May 2, 1942; they were married for 73 years until her passing last October. Their daughter, Cheryl Coolbeth Olson, passed away three years ago. He was also predeceased by a brother Carlton Bickford. Ernie was retired from Vermont Flexible Tubing. At one time Bev and Ernie participated in the daily operation at The Darling Inn. The Coolbeths sold their home on Route 122 last year and were residing at Lyndon Terraces. Ernie was a valued colleague at The Guibord Funeral Home for Charlie and later with Tom and Rod. Ernie was a devoted member of AA and faithfully attended meetings on Wednesday and Saturday nights. He considered himself fortunate to have remained sober for the last 54 years; he observed his sobriety anniversary last Dec. 10th. Quietly he was an inspiration to many. Ernest served in the US Army in Germany at the end of WWII. He was a member and past deacon at the First Congregational Church of Lyndonville. Ernie decided when it was time to go to the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center which he did on Dec. 10. He was appreciative of the fine care he received there and was touched by the care and concern of his roommate Rene. He is survived by his daughter, Judith Taylor and husband Steve of Lyndonville; four local grandchildren all living in Lyndonville: Donna Laferriere and husband Lionel , Stephanie Mitchell and husband Chuck , Amy McCaffrey, Chris Taylor and wife Holly; two other grandchildren, twins Karl and Jill Olson; 9 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; a brother Stanley Bickford and wife Louise of West Lebanon, N.H.; a sister Pauline Laughlin of Enfield N.H.; a sister-in-law, Carlton's widow Mary Jane Bickford of Glover; Bev's two sisters: Betty Simpson Blake of Lyndonville, Janet Simpson D'Orazio of West Springfield, Massachusetts.; nieces and nephews. A visiting hour will be held at the Guibord Funeral Home Thursday evening, Feb. 18 beginning at 6 p.m. and concluding a little after 7 p.m. Services will be held at the First Congregational Church in Lyndonville this Friday, Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions could be directed to First Congregational Church of Lyndonville, PO Box 193, Lyndonville Vt. 05851.