The Light Is On At A. W. Rich For Edward Dion

Edward L. Dion

FAIRFAX - Edward Louis Dion, 67, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2009, following a long and courageous battle with cancer at his home in Fairfax surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born in Burlington, Vt. on June 8, 1941, son of Josephine (Poulin) Dion and the late Alphonse Dion. He married the former Milagros Fernandez on Feb. 14, 1970, in the Bronx, N.Y. He had served his country well as a proud member of the U.S. Marines. He continued to serve the public as a dedicated fireman with the Burlington Fire Department reaching the rank of Lieutenant. During his 22 years of devoted service he had been directly responsible for saving several peoples lives before retiring in 1988. He was well respected within the department known for being first in and last out in his efforts to charge the "seat of the fire." In 1971, he established Dion's Locksmith Service which still serves the community today. Ed enjoyed the outdoors always looking forward to his many fishing and hunting trips for Walleye and King Salmon fishing in the Pulaski; to deer season and his hunting camp in Lincoln. His love for the outdoors was passed down and inspired his children to love and appreciate the outdoors. Ed had a great sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. He enjoyed flying his ultra-light plane and was locally known for his infamous "hard landing" in the Pug Meadow. Ed also had scuba dived in Lake Champlain, The Caribbean and the Florida Keys. In his retirement years he found the patience to learn and work with leather crafts and became a self taught artist creating paintings for his family to enjoy. He was a big animal lover and found a special place in his heart for all animals, large and small, especially for dogs and cats. Ed will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Millie (Fernandez) Dion of Fairfax; his son Eric L. Dion and wife Agnieszka of Burlington; his daughter Faith Dion of Fairfax; his granddaughter Julia K. Dion of Burlington; his mother Josephine Dion of Burlington; his brother Tom Godbout and wife Jean of Florida; his four sisters, Linda Miller and husband David of Burlington, Christine Bufano and husband Lenny of Georgia, Jackie Boudoin and husband Jack of East Montpelier, Lorraine Contois of Winooski; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his three brothers, Robert Poulin, Alphonse Dion Jr., Raymond Dion, and his sister Barbara Gordon. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, April 19, 2009, from 3 to 6 p.m. in the A. W. Rich Funeral Home - Fairfax Chapel. A graveside committal service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2009, at 11 a.m. in St. Luke Cemetery, Fairfax. Memorial contributions in Ed's memory can be made to the Franklin County Humane Society, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, VT 05478. Arrangements are by John D. Workman, A. W. Rich Funeral Home - Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main St., Fairfax, VT 05454. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting Ed's life tribute directly at www.awrichfuneralhomes .com .