DAVID A. JOY

BRISTOL — David A. Joy, 82, passed away on Jan. 1, 2024, at UVM Medical Center in Burlington, Vt., three days after a catastrophic fall. Originally from Maine, (North Haven, Portland and Alfred) he moved to Bristol, Vt., to be closer to family after retirement. He was the only son of Austin and Barbara (Stone) Joy.

An aspiring stuntman in his youth, Dave became a pole vaulter during his time at Deering High School, the next best thing. Later, his interest in design led him to Rhode Island School of Design where he graduated with a degree in architecture and in 1986, co-founded Joy & Hamilton Architects in Maine with his college roommate, Bill Hamilton. He was a supportive and loving husband to Torrey (Smith) Joy for 49 years, after a chance meeting at an auto repair shop with the same water pump failure in their identical cars. They married four months later.

David was an avid reader and writer, always bringing the unique and humorous aspects of events to his storytelling. He enjoyed time with writing groups in both Maine and Vermont. He loved canoeing, camping, golfing with friends, collecting banjos to play, and has left many beautiful stained-glass lamps and window decorations to remember him by. Time with family and friends was always a pleasure and a good opportunity for a funny poem, clever gift, or treasure hunt for the kids.

He loved to travel and marvel at the architecture and design in the U.S. and Europe. His favorite trip was to Ireland in 2015 with Debi and Harry Hartford, one of many wonderful trips. He had a sweet tooth for maple walnut fudge and used to say “everything’s better with maple syrup on it.” Dave was an active member and volunteer with several Maine organizations, including Sanford Kiwanis Club, where he gave much time in service to the community. He was the longest serving board member of the York County Shelter and devoted over 30 years to help struggling people in the community. He and Torrey were also members of the New Century Club, a local study/social group in Alfred, for 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Torrey; son Tim and wife Elin; son Nick and wife Xiaoli; and grandson Austin. He’s also survived by sister-in-law Carlie Barnhart and husband Terry, brothers-in-law Allen and Dutton Jr. and their wives Rose and Kathleen, several cousins, and his favorite dog, Addie. He was predeceased by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Donations in his honor can be made to Homeward Bound, Addison County Humane Society, Middlebury, VT; Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 990 Sanford, ME 04073; York County Shelter Programs, 147 Shaker Hill Rd. Alfred, ME 04002. Arrangements have been made by Sanderson Funeral Home in Middlebury VT.

“On crisp, clear fall nights it is inspiring to stand in my back yard and gaze up at the stars. Sometimes the sky is so black with depth and distance it feels as if the slightest nudge would send me tumbling in and, I wonder, where would my imaginary journey take me?”

—David Joy ◊