Richard G. Palmer, Sr., 12/21/1941 - 02/27/2015 Georgia - Richard “Dick” “Lou” “Grandpa” Palmer a lifelong resident of Georgia passed away unexpectedly on Friday February 27th.
He was born December 21, 1941 in Burlington, the son of the late Glendon and Catherine (Conlin) Palmer.
Dick was employed at the Champlain Cable Corporation in Colchester for 36 years. He was an avid deer hunter who could not wait for the air to turn crisp so that he could join his beloved brothers and friends for the “Palmer Boys” hunt.
Serving his community was a lifelong passion for Dick. He was an active member of the Georgia Volunteer Fire Department for over 56 years, joining the department in 1958 an accomplishment he was very proud of. He served many roles over the years including that of Chief. His most recent position as Safety Officer allowed him to watch over and protect each and every fire fighter and first responder who he cared so deeply about. He took pride in mentoring the new Cadets when they joined the department. He enjoyed a very special relationship with his nephew, Jess Wimble, who predeceased Dick in 2012.
Grandpa Palmer would travel to the ends of the earth to watch and be involved in the lives of his most precious grandchildren, Amelia and Matt. He was always seen at the hockey rink, horse riding lesson, or baseball field where he would socialize as the “Mayor” with anybody and everybody. He truly enjoyed watching all of the children participate. Though he could not remember their names they would forever be known by their jersey numbers, 5,9,14 or by their favorite foods like apple pie or French fries and gravy.
Richard enjoyed spending time with the love of his life Leona to whom he had been married for 51 years. They would enjoy dining out and the company they shared with fellow diners.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Leona (Wimble) Palmer; his son, Richard Jr. and his wife, Kelly, of Georgia; grandchildren, Amelia Palmer of Winooski and Matt Palmer of Georgia, as well as his special friend, Brutus.
Richard is also survived by his brothers, John and his wife, Sharon, of Florida, Gary and his wife, Mary, of Georgia, Brent of St. Albans, and his sisters, Colleen Paquette of Georgia, Patricia Ledoux of Fairfax, Cheryl Palmer of St. Albans, Melinda Picard and her husband, Victor, of St. Albans and many nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to the Georgia Fire Dept., Georgia First Response, AmCare Ambulance and the emergency room staff at the Northwestern Medical Center for their response, care and support on Friday.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 5th at 11:00 A.M. at the Georgia Volunteer Fire Department, 4134 Ethan Allen Highway, Georgia with the Father Henry Furman officiating. Interment will be later this spring at the family lot in Hope Cemetery in Georgia.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Georgia Fire and Rescue Association, 4134 Ethan Allen Highway, St. Albans, Vermont 05478. Messages of condolence to the Palmer family are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.
