Zachary Hartwell

Zachary Hartwell, 21, of Lyndonville died Saturday, October 22, 2016 after a courageous six year battle with cancer.

Zach was born July 13, 1995, the fourth child of William and Nancy (Rexford) Hartwell. He graduated from Lyndon Institute with the class of 2014 and briefly attended the Community College of Vermont.

He was a gifted artist and vocalist with an amazing wit and wisdom beyond his years. He was a member of both the LTS and LI choruses as well as the Vermont Children's Theatre. He sang with the Caledonia Chordsmen Barbershop Quartet. He won the LTS talent show in 8th grade with an incredible rendition of Have You Ever Seen The Rain. He was elected to go to the Vermont state choral festival in his sophomore year at LI, but cancer kept him from attending. Zach loved music. He had an amazing way of relating songs to life; always able to come up with an appropriate song or lyric that fit a given situation perfectly. His favorite group was The Beatles but when asked about his favorite song, could never come up with one. He would say he just liked music. He was a self-taught guitarist. He and his brother Tyler had started to work on original music.

As an artist, Zach would spend hours on his computer creating and voicing animations including several characters loosely based on himself and his friends. He was able to post some of the animations to websites where only the best animators were allowed.

Zach battled cancer for six years. He never complained. He was always happy even though so much had been taken from him. He loved his family very much and especially loved being Uncle Zachy. He looked forward to spending time with his tight circle of friends who stuck with him throughout his entire battle.

Zach is survived by his Mom and Dad, Nancy and Bill Hartwell of Lyndonville (PO Box 777 05851); four brothers and sisters: Robert Hartwell of Lyndonville, William Hartwell Jr. and fiancée Angela Calkins of West Burke, Malinda Howard and husband Josh of Derby, Tyler Hartwell of Lyndonville; nieces and nephews: Willow and Rowan Hartwell, Cameron Barney and Audrey Hartwell, Elizabeth, Kaity-Jo and Joseph Zachary Howard.

He is also survived by aunts and uncles: Tim and Linda Hartwell of St. Johnsbury, Debi Rexford and Ted Ismail of Wasilla, AK, Louise and Steve Harris of East Burke, Pam and David Chase of East St. Johnsbury; cousins: Tim and Christopher Hartwell, Dave, Dana and Dan Goodwin, Amber Spear, Cassi Gallagher, Kristy Walker, Kari Isham, Stephen Harris, Matt and Karl Scott; and his " Brother's from other Mothers": Mitchell Stowell, Jason Harris, Rory Bean, Michael (Markle) Durfee, Francis Lawler and Ayan Cole.

Zach was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Harold and Vicky (Pond) Hartwell of East Haven and maternal grandparents Robert and Audrey (Edmunds) Rexford of Lyndonville.

Visiting hours will be held in Lyndonville at the Guibord Funeral Home Thursday evening, October 27 from 5-8 p.m.

Memorial services will be held in St. Johnsbury at the United Community Church, (1325 Main St.) on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 2 p.m. The Rev. Ann Hockridge, friend of the family and current Caledonia Home Health chaplain, will officiate at the service.

Memorial contributions can be directed to Jazzy's Children Fund, 1506 Annis Rd., Groton VT 05046 or visit www.jazzyschildren.org.

Memories and condolences may be shared privately at www.guibordfh.com. The Guibord Funeral Home is located on the corner of Main and Center streets in Lyndonville.