OBITUARY: Donald French Kinsley
DATELINE: FletcherDonald French Kinsley, 95, a lifelong resident of Fletcher, VT passed away peacefully at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans on Monday morning, July 26, 2010 following a long period of declining health.
Don was born in Fletcher June 27, 1915 the only son of Oscar and Iva (French) Kinsley. He celebrated his 95th birthday on June 27, 2010 with family and friends and really enjoyed seeing everyone.
As a young man, Don worked in sawmills and with his dad on the family farm, Fernhill. After his dad passed on in 1939, he ran the farm to support his mother. He loved making maple syrup and even worked at it, with help into his late 80’s claiming his was the “Best Syrup in Vermont”.
Don married Mildred Baraw on September 27, 1944 in Johnson. Together they farmed for many years and raised 4 children. Don also drove school bus for the town of Fletcher during that time. After they sold the farm in the 1970’s, Don worked at Bell Gates Lumber Co. in Jeffersonville as a fork lift operator, retiring at the age of 75.
On July 23, 1977, Don married Florence Willequer in Bakersfield, thus becoming stepdad to 5 children.
Don loved his life very much and loved his wives, sisters, children, stepchildren and grandchildren unconditionally and we all returned that love. Family and friends for many years were on the receiving end of little gifts from him. Valentine candies, Christmas magazines, spring maple syrup and summer strawberries and honey. He loved traveling the roads of Vermont and trips to Upcountry Motors to check out the latest Subarus that his friend Bruce had on the lot. Also he and Florence made a few trips to California to visit sister, Alice. He always had a pet dog by his side over the years, the latest one being “Princess-Skipper”.
Don is survived by his wife, Florence, son; Leon Kinsley, 3 daughters; Donna (Jerry) Papariello and their son Michael (Beth) who is serving his country in Afghanistan and their children Kevin and Kyra, Joan (Robert) Hanson, Betty Tassie and her children Elizabeth and James, a sister; Ethel Hunter and several nieces, nephews, cousins and sister and brothers-in-law.
He also leaves a step-son; Paul Willequer and his daughter, Mariah, his step-daughters; Mary Morris and her children, Micah Erno, who is serving his country in Afghanistan, Megan Juaire and her children, Alaina and Marley, David (Domonic) Erno and son Dezmere, Kim Willequer and her children Malissa Willequer and her son Lucas, and Jesse Wells, Susan (Tony) Lapan and her children Shashanah and Rebecca Kennet, Bonnie (Kevin) Root and her children Jeremy, Nicholas and Jessica Dickson.
Donald was predeceased by his parents, Iva and Oscar, his first wife, Mildred, an infant son, Oscar Frank and his sister, Alice Wells Planck who died just 11 days ago at age 99.
In 2009, after a fall, Don’s health deteriorated and he went to live at St. Albans Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center where wonderful care was extended to him. He came to like his “apartment” and made friends there. The family extends sincere thanks to all the staff for making the past year an easier time for all of us with your kindness, patience and professionalism.
Friends and family are invited to Don’s funeral service which will be held on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 11 AM the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton. The Rev. Patrick Hoadley, pastor of The Lighthouse Assembly of God in Berkshire, will officiate. Private interment services will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends and family may call at the Kidder Memorial Home on Thursday from 4-8 PM.
Those who wish may make gifts in Don’s memory to the Activities Department at St. Albans Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, c/o Cindy Schneider, 596 Sheldon Road, St. Albans 05478.
To offer private online condolences please visit:
www.kiddermemorialhome.com
