Theodore Kambour III

Theodore Kambour III, (Ted) 57, of Lyndonville, died suddenly on Thursday, April 13, 2017, in Kirby, VT.

Ted was born on June 1, 1959, in St. Johnsbury, VT, to Theodore, II and Margaret (Beattie) Kambour.   He attended Barton Graded School and Lake Region Union High School graduating in 1977.  Ted’s senior year he received the DAR Good Citizens Award which recognize individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes and schools.  A year after graduation Ted joined the Army.  He did his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri but spent the majority of his service at the Presidio in San Franciso.  He finished his service at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas with an honorable discharge and returned to Vermont in 1982.

On October 12, 1985, he married Sandy Butkovich.  After living in West Burke for 19 years they moved to Lyndonville in 2004 to their dream home.  Ted loved working the land on his property.  Taking the chain saw out on a sunny day and clearing out downed trees made him feel productive and happy.

Ted was a skilled wood worker.  He worked at Lyndon Furniture for 21 years and then at Classic Designs by Matthew Burak which is where he was working at the time of his death.  He made several pieces of beautiful furniture for his home.

Ted was a sports enthusiast and loved watching the New York Giants and Red Sox play, especially when they were winning.  Ted had a long standing bet with his friend Will whenever the Giants played the Cowboys.  When Ted won the bet, nothing made him happier than to come home to a 12 pack of his favorite beer sitting on the front steps.  While Ted was in high school he excelled in track and soccer. He later joined a local summer soccer league.  During his son’s youth, Ted volunteered coaching a youth baseball and soccer team in Lyndonville.

Ted loved the many cats and dogs that have been a part of his life over the years.  His most favored times were spent walking the dog/s on the trails he cleared on his property.  If not walking the dogs he was playing with the cats.  Because of his love for animals, Ted donated time helping Kingdom Animal Shelter with various projects.

Ted enjoyed snowshoeing, especially the annual trek up Bald Mountain held the first Saturday after the Super Bowl. Ted and his friend Aldie started the climb in 1998.  One climb it was 42 degrees below zero when they started.  They were not deterred.  Many adventures have been had during these climbs but what happened on the mountain, stayed on the mountain.

In 2012 when Ted’s grandson was born his world changed and again in 2013 when his granddaughter was born.  Nothing made Ted happier than being a Papa.  His grandchildren adored him.

Wherever Ted went he made a friend.  He was one of those good guys that you wanted to hang out with and get to know.  He was always ready for a good conversation and some laughs.  And with Ted, there was always laughter.  Suicide makes no sense to the ones left behind.  Ted’s family and friends are devastated.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years: Sandy Butkovich of Lyndonville, VT; a son: Cory Kambour of Newport, VT; three brothers: Peter Kambour of MA, and James and Thomas Kambour, both of Barton, VT; two grandchildren: Ethaniel and Lexi Kambour: mother-in-law Lorraine Butkovich of Barton, VT; brother-in-law’s Louis Butkovich of Barton, VT; Steve Butkovich and partner Crystal Goodwin of Craftsbury,VT and Stanstead, Quebec;  nieces and nephews: Hesper, Emily and Alissa Butkovich, Nickolas Kambour, Gabe and Creed Warner and Alex Butkovich.

He was predeceased by his father in 2005 and his mother in 2012.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 2:00 pm at Guibord’s Funeral Home followed by time to visit with the family until 4:00 pm. Please come ready to share stories of Ted with friends and family. After the service there will be a gathering of friends and family at the couple’s home in Lyndonville.  All are invited.  The Guibord Funeral Home is located at 15 Main St in Lyndonville, VT.

Memorial donations may be made in Ted’s name to Kingdom Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 462, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

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