Gordon Albert Boomhower Jr.1

M, #35158, b. Aug 23, 1935, d. Jun 7, 2008
Father*Gordon William Boomhower1 b. Jul 15, 1906, d. Dec 15, 1982
Mother*Marguerite Alexandria Paradee1 b. Nov 17, 1907, d. Oct 26, 1978

Family

Carolyn Pearl Austin
Child

Chronological Events

Birth*Aug 23, 1935 Gordon Albert Boomhower Jr. was born on Aug 23, 1935 at Enosburg, Franklin County, Vermont, United States.1 
 He was the son of Gordon William Boomhower and Marguerite Alexandria Paradee.1 
Death*Jun 7, 2008 Gordon Albert Boomhower Jr. died on Jun 7, 2008, at age 72 at Fairfield, Franklin County, Vermont, United States, from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.2,3 
ObituaryJun 10, 2008  OBITUARY: FAIRFIELD - Gordon A. 'Sonny' Boomhower, Jr. - Under the warmth of the early morning sun and the pleasure of a light breeze in the air, Sonny enjoyed being in his apple orchard one last time while passing away Saturday morning, June 7, 2008, with his devoted family at his side. His last sounds were the singing of the birds, the distant tractor, grazing cows and the voices of his family singing personal songs to him.

He was born in the original Chester A. Arthur birthplace on Aug. 23, 1935, to Gordon W and Marguerite (Paradee) Boomhower. He was married to Carolyn (Austin) on Jan. 6, 1957. He joined the family farm, working with his parents and his new bride, for the next 10 years. After which, they purchased the farm themselves. They raised seven children on that farm, and today the family tradition continues with two grandsons working there. Sonny's latest pleasure was knowing and seeing the construction of a sugarhouse on the farm, after skipping two generations. Gordon was a long time member of the Vermont Farm Bureau and believed in all that the farm life had to offer. He was also a founding and lifetime member of the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department. Dad's devotion to volunteerism had no boundaries. His passion lives on today in his grandsons, whom are members of the same fire department. Dad had the wonderful power of dowsing and he is responsible for many a Fairfield resident's water source. His abilities were well known and respected. Dad also was an amazing artist. His sketches adorn many a home of loved ones and the lucky recipients of his homemade birthday cards, anniversary cards or a "just a hello" sketch to brighten up one's day have treasured them for years. His collection has been lovingly preserved by his daughter Shi in a scrapbook for all to enjoy. He also was featured in April 2008 as a local artist in resident displayed in Burlington, Vt. for a month.

To say that he was an avid Boston Red Sox fan is an under-statement! Sonny was devoted to the team and to the game. Many a pleasurable time was had traveling down to Fenway Park with his brothers and uncle, and then later with his own children and grandchildren. He loved nothing more than to share his love of the team and game with them. It is in this spirit of devotion to the team and game that we ask all fellow Red Sox fans (and the indulgence of the Yankee fans) to wear your Boston Red Sox caps to the funeral. Nothing would make him happier than a sea of those hats.

Gordon leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Carolyn; and seven children: Michael and his wife, Cathy, of Jeffersonville, Karen and her partner, Andrew Durfee, of Fairfield, Paula Yandow of East Fairfield, Shila and her partner, Alan Coupal, of Fairfield, Trevor and his wife, Crystal, of Newport, N.H., Angela Gharabegian and her husband, Stephan, of Lexington, Mass., and Amy of Fairfield. He leaves 16 grandchildren: Delight, Damien, Crystal, Brian, Chassi, Meghan, Danielle, Michael, Jordan, Sunni, Lucas, Alexus, Katelyn, Jennifer, Isabella and Olivia. He also leaves four great-grandchildren: Dalton, Shawn, Taylor Jo and the newest edition, Haleigh. She entered into our family just four scant hours after his ageless spirit soared.

He had eight brothers and sisters, but he leaves Richard and his partner, Joyce, of Williston, Jackson and his wife, Shelly, of Colchester, George and his wife, Linda, of Essex Junction, Marguerite "Peggy" Lawyer and her husband, Thomas "Teed" Bakersfield and Gloria Kane of Fairfield. He was predeceased by Arita St. Pierre, Mable Greene, Patricia Niles, and his parents.

The following poem summed up our dad's unconditional love and devotion to his children. He never chose one over the other or loved one more, but you always felt like you were "the one" when you were with him, having that special dad time.

Before I leave this world, I want to tell my children a few important things about who I am and what I believe.

It may not make a difference in the big scheme of things, but at least for me, I will feel as if I shared my heart and the truths of my soul. I want them to know that my spirit danced with each new day and quietly kissed each evening good-night, and I loved them with all that I am, and that wherever their journeys lead them, my love will be there too.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 14, 2008, at 1 p.m. at The North Fairfield Brick Church (near Sonny's farm) on the Duffy Hill Road.

Visiting hours will be held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Spears Funeral Home on 96 Dickinson Avenue in Enosburg Falls.

In lieu of flowers and in respect for Sonny's devotion to volunteerism, donations can be made to: The Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Lyndon Corey, Box 3545, Fairfield Vt. 05455; or, in grateful thanks for their gentle care of our father, donations can be sent to: Franklin County Home Health Agency/Hospice Program, 3 Home Health Circle, St Albans, Vt. 05478. Condolences can be sent to Sonny's family on line through: www.spearsfuneralhome.com.

Published in the St. Albans Messenger (VT) - Tuesday, June 10, 2008.4
 
Burial*Jun 14, 2008 He was buried on Jun 14, 2008 at North Fairfield-Herrick Cemetery, Fairfield, Franklin County, Vermont, United States, as stated in the Vermont Death Certificate.5 

Citations

  1. [S1194] Vermont - Birth Record, online at www.familysearch.org.
  2. [S51] Social Security Death Index (SSDI).
  3. [S4094] Vermont - Death Record, online at Ancestry.com.
  4. [S19] Obituary - Online, Newspaper or Funeral Home.
  5. [S58] Gravestones - Death Cert, Find-A-Grave, BillionGraves, #19.
  6. [S1094] Vermont - Birth Record, online at Ancestry.com.