GAYL ALAN UTLEY

MESA, Ariz. — Gayl Alan Utley died peacefully on Jan. 10, 2025, at the age of 80. Devoted husband of 57 years to Patricia “Terry” Lathrop Utley and father to Ellen and Sara, Gayl was born in Redmond, Ore., on Nov. 24, 1944, to Cecil and Laura Utley.

He grew up in Montpelier, Vt., before attending Johnson State College, where he met and married the love of his life, Terry. He lived in Johnson for 21 years, where he raised a family and later resided in St. Albans, Vt., for many years before settling in the warm temperatures of Mesa, Ariz. Gayl graduated from Johnson State College in 1967 with a degree in Education and went on to earn a master’s degree.

A lifelong educator, Gayl began as an elementary school teacher in Johnson before becoming principal in Wolcott and Hardwick before eventually becoming Superintendent of Lamoille Union School District.

Upon retiring from education, Gayl used the skills he learned as a young man and worked meticulously as a finish carpenter. Gayl had many hobbies and was a talented craftsman, carving beautiful wooden decoys and hand turned wooden bowls. Gayl enjoyed fishing and spent nearly 40 years summering on Butler Island, a place he truly loved and where he built cherished friendships and a legacy that will last for generations to come.

Gayl is predeceased by his mother and father, Cecil and Laura Utley, and his brother, Ron Utley.

He is survived by his wife, Terry; his daughter Sara, and his daughter Ellen and her husband, Jack. Gayl was a nurturing grandfather and life teacher to Megan, Ryan, Lauren and Kyle.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 16, at 11 a.m., at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol, followed by burial services at Greenwood Cemetery in Bristol, Vt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to GMTCC (Green Mountain Technical and Career Center) at Lamoille Union High School. The Program is called “Tools for the Trade,” which assists students entering the construction/ woodworking field in purchasing tools for work. The address is 738 Rt.15 West Hyde Park Vermont 05655 Attention Karen Collier. ◊