Ernest "Ernie" C. Flanders Sr. Fairfax - Ernest “Ernie” C. Flanders Sr., 80, passed away on April 7, 2011 at Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans. He was born in Fairfax VT March 3, 1931 son of the late Gerald Alrick and Helen (Archambault) Flanders. Ernie was a graduate of BFA Fairfax class of 1950. He was a proud member of the US Army 1950-1953 during the Korean Conflict. Ernie married Pauline Cary on October 15, 1955 in Montpelier VT. He was a dedicated employee of the Montpelier Fire Department for 30 years. Ernie started as a rookie fireman and by education and experience, worked his way through the ranks and was appointed chief in 1976 which he proudly served for 17 years. He trained and became a Certified Vermont State Firefighter Instructor, teaching classes throughout the state. Ernie retired with his wife Polli to his hometown of Fairfax in 1993.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Pauline Flanders of Fairfax; 9 children; Gerald Flanders and partner Nancy Lavery of Fairfax; Ernest Jr. and wife Diane of Fairfax; Michael and wife Susan of Concord NH; Dean of St. Joseph, MN; Dorothy (Flanders) Hartson and husband Roy of Fairfax; David and wife Kathy of Clayton NY; Dale and wife Sarah of Allegany NY; Charles and wife Michelle of Lugoff SC; Scott and wife Jennifer of Fairview Heights IL; "Son" Bradley Belville and wife Mary of Clayton NY; 22 Grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, his brother Roy of Northfield, two sisters Lenna of Rutland and Alberta Buroker of Port Arthur TX, a special niece Joan Belanger and husband Paul of Enfield CT numerous cousins, nieces, nephews long time friends Scott & Ann King, Gregg & Sandy Coffin, and Ed and Deb Brown.
He is also predeceased by his sisters Lena and Leola, his great-grandson Sebastian; and "Gramp" Horace "Hod" Flanders.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to Franklin County Home Health Nurses, the Intensive Care Nurses at NMC, Dr. Dennis Sanders and the VCCM, Dr. Frank Zsoldos and wife Judy.
A celebration of Ernie's life will be held at the Montpelier Fire Station on April 23rd at 1:00 pm. Friends and family are welcome to attend and to share memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Franklin County Home Health, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478 or Fairfax Rescue, P.O. Box 228, Fairfax, VT 05454. The family also invites you to share your online condolences by visiting
www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.
"We don't look back. We always look positively toward the future."
