William H. “Bill” CootwareFletcher - William Holland “Bill” Cootware, 87, passed away at his home in Fletcher on Monday, December 24, 2012. He was born in Bristol, CT on May 17, 1925, son of the late Clarence and Alice (Holland) Cootware. Bill married Margaret “Peg” Peterson on August 3, 1947 and moved to Vermont.
Bill was proud to have served his country during WWII as a member of the U.S. Navy. He and his family operated a dairy farm for many years. They also operated a Christmas Tree Farm where Bill and Peg gave away many trees to needy families. Bill worked several years on the Central Vermont Railroad, and then was one of the first 100 employees hired at IBM Burlington where he retired after 27 years of service. After his retirement he achieved his Coast Guard Certification and then worked for Lake Champlain Transportation on the ferries until the age of 84.
Bill was a member of the VFW Post #758; the American Legion Post #35; and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie #3210. He enjoyed many years of ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, and camping. Bill enjoyed spending time at the ocean with his family, traveling the country attending Naval Reunions, and visiting family and friends. Bill had a passion for sailing and anything involving the open water or the ocean.
Bill was predeceased by his eldest son, Paul Cootware, on December 24, 2008, and by an infant son William John Cootware.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Peg Cootware, of Fletcher; two sons: Joseph “Dave” Cootware and wife Susan of Reno, Nevada; Richard Cootware of Fletcher; seven daughters: Diane Schwarm and husband Ron of Waterville; Barbara Lehouiller and husband George of Cambridge; Janet Mazzola and husband Robert of Hyde Park; Joyce Lamphere and husband Dolor of Jeffersonville; Brenda Edwards and partner Tom Fonda of Fletcher; Tracey Hunt and husband Palmer of Johnson; Jennifer Cary and husband Alan of Fletcher; his sister Kathryn Jean Bonyai of Milford, CT; Nineteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Sabrina.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, December 30, 2012, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main Street, Fairfax, VT. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 31, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Covenant Community Church, 1 Whitcomb Meadows Lane, Essex with the Reverend Peter Norland officiating. Burial will follow in the family lot in St. Luke’s Cemetery, Fairfax. A reception will be held following the burial at Fletcher Elementary School on School Road, Fletcher. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the Cambridge Food Shelf, P.O. Box 75, Jeffersonville, VT 05464; or the American Legion Post #35, P.O. Box 96, Jeffersonville, VT 05464. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.
