WALTER LINCOLN RICE

FERRISBURGH — Walter Lincoln Rice, 77, a longtime resident of Ferrisburgh, Vt., passed away peacefully at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt., on Nov. 14, 2025, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.

He was born on Jan. 14, 1948, to Walter Marion Rice and Ruth Ann (White) Rice in Bennington, Vt. He attended a one-room elementary school in Sunderland, Vt., and graduated from Arlington Memorial High School in 1966. He went on to earn an Electrical Mechanical Engineering degree from Vermont Technical College in 1968 and later completed a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College while working full-time.

Walt enjoyed three meaningful careers throughout his life. After college, he began working in 1968 for Simmonds Precision Aerospace in Vergennes, Vt. He later joined Digital Equipment Corporation in Burlington, where he worked until the company closed the Burlington plant in the early 1990s. Never one to be discouraged by change, he reinvented himself and founded Quality Workshops, a Real Estate Training and Education company.

Walt married Judy Coulman Rice in 1970 and together they raised three wonderful children. Walt was deeply proud of his family, the home he built with his own hands, and the beautiful property he tended with love and care over the years.

Walt is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his children, Darren (Abby), Jennifer (Lou) Aiossa and Justin (Carrie); his four siblings, Beverly O’Dell, Sandy (Dan) Zimmer, Joanne Clayton, and Bill; his brother-in-law Steve (Maggie) Coulman; as well as his eight grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Edward and sister Cheryl Charpentier.

He had a lifelong love of Country & Western music from the 50s and 60s and enjoyed playing his guitar. He would often sing to his family and treasured monthly guitar gatherings with friends. His passions extended to camping on Cape Cod with family, playing golf, fixing anything that needed repair, and running Travelin’ Dogs, a family hot dog stand.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the gift of Walt’s life. He fought bravely and never lost hope. His legacy lives on in his wife, children, grandchildren, his cherished home, and the many lives he touched.

Per Walt’s request, there will be no public services. The family will celebrate his life at their favorite beach in North Truro, Cape Cod, at a later date. In honor of Walt’s spirit, they encourage everyone to live life to the fullest, cherish family, and always hold on to hope.◊