RANDALL “RANDY” B. THURBER

BRISTOL — Randall “Randy” B. Thurber passed away Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Middlebury, Vt., at the age of 69.

He was born in 1956 to Norton and Lois (Tatro) Thurber and grew up on the family dairy farm in Panton, Vt., as the youngest of five children. He attended Vergennes Union High School, where he met his wife, Sheryl (Lowry) Thurber. They married in 1976 and built a home in Bristol, Vt., where they raised four children: Shannon, Erin, Devin, and Shawn.

Randy is survived by his wife, Sheryl; children Shannon Thurber and fiancé Colby Cheever, Erin (Thurber) and husband Kris Jarrett, Devin Thurber, and Shawn Thurber Sr.; grandchildren Sadie and Connor James, Shawn Thurber Jr., and Savannah Struhammer; sister Connie and husband David Swenson; sister Sandi and husband Lee Comly; brother Richard and wife Linda Thurber; sister Peggy and husband Jim Archambault; and many beloved extended family members and friends.

Randy and Sheryl were thankful to be surrounded with love and support from their families throughout their years together. Traditions of family picnics, reunions, time at family camp and Christmas celebrations, brought special times for them to cherish.

Always quick with a story or a joke, Randy enjoyed being “the fun one” with friends and family, fishing, hunting, and being in nature. He definitely had a gift of gab and spoke with everyone. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play baseball, soccer, and football, and attend their reenactments, equestrian events and dance recitals. Above all, Randy loved his family and spent time finding ways of engaging in the fun that life could bring.

Randy loved sports and coached VUHS wrestling and Mt Abe Middle School football. He also coached his children’s baseball and soccer teams.

Randy ran his own company, Mountainside Harvestore, repairing and maintaining farm equipment. He was able to follow his love of agriculture and worked with many farmers in and around Vermont. He had a strong work ethic and especially liked working with students at Northlands Job Corps, where he was an auto mechanic instructor and mentor for many years, influencing and supporting thousands of young lives.

Randy’s family wishes to thank all those who supported him during his time fighting Alzheimer’s, especially Addison County Home Health & Hospice. A special thanks to John, Melody, Sam and Lana, who made him smile through tough times. Also thanks to Bristol Rescue Squad, and to the staff of Porter Hospital, who showed so much care and empathy for Randy and his family through his last journey. Those wishing to make a donation in Randy’s name are asked to consider Bristol Rescue Squad and Addison County Home Health & Hospice.

We invite all to join us in a celebration of Randy’s life, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 1-5 p.m., at the American Legion Hall, 100 Armory Lane, Vergennes, Vt. ◊