NEW HAVEN — Laurel L. Junkins Jr., 70, passed away Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, at his home in New Haven after a long, hard-fought battle with heart and kidney disease.

He was born Feb. 19, 1952, in Presque Isle, Maine, the son of Laurel “Jake” and Mary “Natalie” (Hackett) Junkins Sr.

Laurel thrived as a dairy systems coordinator for the State of Vermont. This entailed him helping dairy farmers throughout the state with their herd health and milk production. Even after retirement Laurel maintained relationships with farmers and would lend a helping hand to any who needed it.

Laurel enjoyed many activities throughout his life. Multiple times a year he would head to camp in Oxbow, Maine, to hunt and fish with family and friends. One of his greatest talents was his woodworking and home improvements. He loved restoring furniture and most notably canoes back to their glory. His handywork can be seen at camp, the mantels in his home, and his daughter’s dining room table.

Laurel embodied everything a loving father and grandfather should be. He often brought his sons, grandsons, and their friends to camp, teaching them how to navigate the deep Maine woods while hunting and fishing. Laurel could also be found in his basement workshop teaching them how to hammer a nail or use the numerous tools and machines he had collected throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Cheryl (Drew) Junkins of New Haven, Vt.; two sons, Glenn Junkins and his wife Vanessa of Springfield, Vt., and Drew Junkins of New Haven, Vt.; one daughter, Lindsay Junkins and her husband Anthony Lewis of Frederick, Md.; one brother, Dwight Junkins and his wife Candy of Ashland, Maine; five grandchildren, Zachorie, Ebony, Eliza, George, and Lila; his mother-in-law, Alice Drew; his sister-in-law, Diana Junkins; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, Laurel was predeceased by his two brothers, Bruce and Pearl Junkins.

A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 22, 2022, at Cheryl and Laurel’s home in New Haven, Vt., at 3 p.m., for friends and family in Vermont. His ashes will be spread at his beloved camp in Oxbow, Maine, on Nov. 6, 2022, with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Laurel’s name may be made to the Vermont Farm Fund through: www.vtfarmfund.org/donate. ◊