Rene Laferriere

Rene Gilbert Laferriere, 72, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes in Danville, VT on May 9, 2017.  Rene is survived by his daughter, Dawn Sullivan, and husband, Rick, of East Hardwick, VT and his son, Scott Laferriere, and wife, Crystal, of Danville, as well as their children, Rene’s grandchildren, whom he loved tremendously, Kinsey, Jaxson, Taylor, and Zayne.

He is also survived by his siblings: Daniel Rancour and wife, Barbara, of El Cerrito, CA, Donald Laferriere and wife, Rita, of East Haven, VT, 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 Saint Johnsbury, VT, Lionel Laferriere and wife, Donna, of Lyndonville, VT, Margie Laferriere and husband, Chip Holmes, of Middlebury, VT; many loved nieces and nephews; and his longtime friend: Stan Cole of Waterford, VT.

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

Rene was born in St. Johnsbury on November 14, 1944. He was raised and educated in Barnet, VT, and there began his great love of the outdoors. Rene joined the Marine Corps in the 1960s and was a decorated war hero from the Vietnam War – receiving a purple heart for bravery. He was very proud of his military service and had great respect for all who served.  Upon his return from Vietnam, Rene married Diana Leach and they shared 25 years together.

Rene worked most of his life as a master carpenter.  For many years he owned Rene’s Carpet and Linoleum with his two brothers, Fred and Dennis.  He was an avid outdoorsman – hunting, fishing, walking in the woods, archery – he loved and lived to do it all.  You could easily say that Rene lived every day to the fullest and his motto would be ‘work hard, play hard’.

He enjoyed all sports, especially hockey and golf.  He was very happy to place a bet on any game.  He enjoyed quiet moments to himself reading Westerns and creating free hand oil paintings of nature scenes.

Rene was very well known in the area.  His house was always open and welcoming.  He had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed all visitors to the hilt. Honestly, we never thought he would go. He had such indomitability about him; he was often referred to as a man with 9 or more lives!  All of us will remember his unconditional love for his children and his quiet, strong leadership of the Laferriere Family. But mostly, we will remember his great, BIG zest for life.

At Rene’s request, all are welcome to the Church of the Great Outdoors at his home located at 2156 Old County Road in Danville, VT for a celebration of his life on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at noon.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com