STEVEN A. GERMAIN

STARKSBORO — Steven “Steve” Germain passed peacefully at his home on Nov. 15, 2024. He was born June 15, 1960, to parents Audrey (Gorton) and Raymond Germain.

Steve enjoyed a creative and adventurous youth, which fostered an intense love for the great outdoors. This appreciation for nature, combined with his independent spirit, led Steve to become a self-employed carpenter. He spent most of his adult life building and creating beautiful things. Working with his hands was both his gift and his passion, and the amazing results can be seen throughout Addison County and the surrounding areas.

He had an outgoing and competitive personality and loved spending time with his buddies in local competitions, particularly during the years he played horseshoes and cornhole. From his earliest memories, fishing and hunting were an integral part of his life, and he was able to enjoy those endeavors to the very end.

Steve’s creative mind helped turn a dilapidated shack located in Barnard into a warm and inviting deer camp, which became a favored getaway for family and friends for over ten years. He then relocated his summer camp to Stockbridge, situated along the banks of the White River.

After meeting his wife, Becky, in 2017, along with her help he again lovingly transformed a savage piece of land along the New Haven River in Bristol into a cozy summer retreat, complete with a guest cabin for family and friends. Most days during the summer months, when Steve was not working, he could be found at his Stockbridge camp, or at the newly created Bristol retreat. Both places became popular gatherings for any, and all, who needed sanctuary from their daily stresses. Days at either camp were filled with lawn games, lounging in the river soaking up the sun, and the best camp food imaginable. Nights were enjoyed around a peaceful campfire, sharing memories, stories, jokes, and the occasional fireworks display. All, of course, included a couple of adult beverages.

When his body finally told him it was time to slow down, he was able to fully relax and enjoy the places he lovingly helped design and create.

Steve is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Becky) Mashak; his sons, Steven Clark (Tammy) and Andrew Germain; and his four brothers, Raymond Germain (Laurie), Kevin Haskins (Wanda), Roland (Buzz) Haskins (Donna), and Scott Haskins (Tina). Also surviving him are seven grandchildren, two great- grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him are his parents and his sister, Vicky.

A celebration of remembrance will be held at the Community Church of Huntington in the spring. ◊