LLOYD KENNETH DIKE

BRISTOL — Lloyd Kenneth Dike, 77, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at his home in Bristol.

He was born Nov. 24, 1946, in Barre, the son of Kenneth and Evelyn (Carpenter) Dike. The oldest of five, he grew up in Bristol on the property his family has owned for more than 120 years. This is where he lived with his wife, Lynn, for 31 years. He attended Bristol schools, VTC and UVM, where he received an Associate Degree in Agriculture and a B.S. in Animal Science. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Thailand for 18 months.

He began his working career on dairy farms and as a milk tester for the DHIA for several years. His main career was 30 years as a rural letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). He delivered mail in the towns of Bristol, Monkton, Starksboro, Lincoln, and New Haven. After retirement from USPS, he worked on berry farms and at a winery picking grapes. In 2009 he became a Licensed Nursing Assistant and worked at Helen Porter Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center for a few years.

Lloyd is survived by his wife, Lynn; three stepchildren, Kelly Norris (Dan), Richard Gray Jr. and Matthew Gray (Jenn Ploeger); his grandchildren, Courtney Carr, Rhiana Carr, Adrienne Carr, Alexander Gray, Gabriel Clark and Asher Gray, who gave him his favorite name, “Papa”; and his siblings, Rebecca Johnson, Robert Dike, Jay (LeeAnn) Dike and Geoffrey (Lisa) Dike. He also had several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents and nephew Aaron Johnson.

Visiting hours were held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol. A celebration of life will be held in October during the family’s annual Cider Weekend event. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Addison County Fair & Field Days: 1790 Field Days Rd, Vergennes, VT, 05491.

To send online condolences to his family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com.◊