LESTER DONALD VALYOUJERICHO - Lester Donald Valyou, 84, died peacefully in the Vermont Respite House in Williston on Feb. 29, 2012. He was loved tremendously by his entire family. Lester was born Dec. 19, 1927, in South Burlington, the son of Edward and Clarice Valyou. He was a lifetime resident of Jericho, and a charter member of St. Pius X Church of Essex. In 1944 he joined the Navy on a peacekeeping tour on the ship Houston. On April 20, 1949, he and Betty Duby eloped to Washington, D.C. They celebrated 63 years of marriage. Lester was a hardworking carpenter all his adult life. He worked on many construction projects in Vermont, including the McClure building at Fletcher Allen Health Care, UVM's Athletic Facility, and the Episcopal Church in Burlington. Additionally, he built many homes in Jericho and Essex, including his own which he treasured in his heart. He could fix anything. Lester enjoyed being outdoors. He would walk the woods on Old Pump Road where the Valyou farm used to be. Deer hunting season was the best excuse for a long walk, peace, and a short nap. You could usually find him tinkering in his garage or chopping and stacking firewood. He loved sitting on his deck on warm days overlooking the Browns River and the open field in Jericho. His grandchildren were a joy to play with and help raise. Lester was predeceased by two sons, William and Robert. He is survived by his wife, Betty; five children and their spouses, Daniel Valyou and Mary Alberelli of Burlington, Rosemarie McClafferty and Pat of North Carolina, Susan Gray of Fairfax, Kathleen Carew and Jim of Jericho, and Patricia Fagnant and Tim of Essex. His children blessed him with 10 grandchildren and eight great-grand- children. He is also survived by his brother, Wesley and sister-in-law, Faith, of Essex; and many nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. We sincerely thank the efforts of Lester's doctors, Dr. Katherine Gonzalez and Dr. Christian Thomas. We also thank Stephen C. Gregory & Son Cremation Service of Shelburne. A Catholic funeral will be held at St. Pius X Church in Essex on Friday, March 9, 2012, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston. We ask that you also please support our veterans.
