Harold 'Smiley' Burt

Harold “Smiley” Burt passed away on July 22, 2024, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital after a brief illness. 

Smiley was born in Springfield, MA on June 8, 1934, to Harold and Marie (Sherwin) Burt. He married Betty Walker on July 24, 1964, and passed away just two days short of their 60th anniversary. He grew up working on his father’s farm where he fell in love with being outdoors and learned the value of hard work. That love of outdoors continued after he moved to Vermont, where he helped his neighbor on his Chesley Hill road farm in Sheffield. He and Betty also raised rabbits and chickens at their home. In addition to farm work, Smiley spent most of his career as a custodian at the Lyndon Town School. 

Above all, family was the most important thing to Smiley. He and Betty hosted every holiday celebration at their home. They did not venture out often, but always liked to have people around. When Smiley did venture out, it was mainly to watch the oxen and horse pulling at the Caledonia and Orleans County fairs. He was a humble, hard-working man, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Smiley was predeceased by nephew Glenn. He is survived by his wife Betty Burt of Sheffield; sister Ann (Gary) French of Paisley, Florida and their son Burton (Stephanie) & family; sister-in-law Joanne Tanner of Sheffield, Niece and caretaker Darlene Simpson of Sheffield; Goddaughter Kelly (Jamie) Lafleur of Sutton and her children Domanic, Destany and Nevaeh; Godson Andrew (Kristen) Simpson of Coventry and his children Haley, Riley, and Bentley; as well as many other beloved family members and friends. 

A graveside service and burial will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 11am at William Dexter Cemetery in Sheffield, VT with The Rev. Ann Hockridge officiating. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com.