ROBERT JOSEPH QUESNEL

SHOREHAM — Robert Joseph Quesnel, age 93, passed away on May 5 at his home that he loved with his son, Dave, by his side.

Bob was born on May 20, 1931, in Orwell, the eldest child to the late Xavier and Elsie (Senecal) Quesnel. He graduated from Brandon High School in Brandon in 1949. Bob grew up on the family farm on the Orwell/Whiting line. Bob was proud of his farming years and loved to share stories of his days on the farm.

In his late teens, Bob learned how to fly a biplane and would laugh talking about swooping down on his father and hired hand on the farm, scaring them. On Aug. 2, 1953, he married the love of his life, Marjorie (Desjadon), whom he was married to for 67 years and is now reunited with.

Bob worked various jobs until he became an insurance agent for Farmers and Traders. He eventually started The Quesnel Agency in Shoreham, which was run with his wife by his side. They sold the business and retired in 2010. After retiring, he and Marge traveled across the U.S. and into British Columbia, with a visit to the city of Quesnel. Bob had a good sense of humor, loved music, Wheel of Fortune, enjoyed camping, Sunday drives, animals, both domestic and wild — including a pet porcupine, and water dowsing. Bob found water sources for some of the locals to drill their wells. On April 25, 1988, Bob was front page news in the Addison Independent for his “water witching” skills.

Bob is survived by his children, David of Punta Gorda, Fla.; Linda (Tom) of Holyoke, Mass.; Debbie of Charleston, S.C.; Diane of Newington, Conn.; Suzie (Chris) of Asheville, N.C. and Brock (Sara) of Orwell, Vt. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katie, Josh, Matt, Travis, Xavier, Zack, Nate, and TJ, and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Gagnon and Marge Redding, several cousins and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Marge; granddaughter, Brenna; son-in-law, Everett Croxton (Debbie); David’s partner, Kathy Tenyek; and his brothers, Jerry and Edward.

A graveside committal service and burial will be held on Tuesday, June 3, at 1 p.m., at St. Genevieve Cemetery, in Shoreham. Rev. Brandon Schneider of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Middlebury will officiate. The family would like to thank Mike, Evie, Chessy, Lindsay, Autumn, and Phyllis who helped our father on his final journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Project Independence, PO Box 581, Middlebury, VT 05753.

Arrangements by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon.◊