RIPTON — Ronald Wimett passed away suddenly on Sunday, Sept. 5. He was born on March 19, 1955, in Middlebury, Vt. Ron (also known as “Squint”) was raised by his mother Barbara (Cox) Wimett and father Edward Wimett in Ripton.

He graduated from Middlebury Union High school in 1973 and continued working for his father’s business, Maiden Lane Contractors.

In 1990 he took over the business and continued private jobs as well as taking over the Ripton Road Commissioner position. Ron also served on the Ripton selectboard for 36 years and was also a member of the Ripton Fire Department for two years. He had made Ripton and all of its roads his home for his lifetime.

Ron was a character — a rough exterior concealing a heart of gold, an extremely dry and sometimes quick-witted sense of humor that might leave you wondering. If you ever met Squint, you’d know it!

His passion was his family. Especially his grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as “Papa Dirt.” He loved having his family together whether it be a pool gathering, holiday, or just a drop in to say “Hi.”

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sandra (Greene) Wimett, whom he adored; his son Alex Wimett and his wife Kristen (Dietrich) Wimett; and daughter Katie (Wimett) Andrews and husband Ben Andrews. He was proud of all of his family, but most of all, his pride and joy, his grandchildren Alayna, Connor, Olivia and Silas.

He is also survived by three sisters, Carolyn (Wimett) Smith, Minnie (Wimett) Laroque and Pam (Wimett). As well as many sisters- and brothers-in-law and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was loved by so many.

A private family service will be held Sunday, Sept. 12, followed by a public gathering at the Middlebury American Legion Post 27 at 1 p.m. There has also been a “go fund me” page created in support of Ron’s family at tinyurl.com/Ronald-Wimett-family.◊