STEVEN J. SHORES

VERGENNES — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Steven J. Shores, who passed away July 7, 2026, at the age of 65. Steve was born April 2, 1961, in Burlington, Vt.

Steve was a man whose life was deeply rooted in the land he loved. An avid hunter and fisherman, he believed in respecting and protecting nature for future generations. Conservation and hunting went hand in hand for him, and he was a passionate supporter of preserving Vermont’s natural beauty. He worked with the Audubon Society to help protect the Bobolinks and other ground-nesting birds and was a steadfast advocate for pollinators, especially honeybees and monarch butterflies.

Steve took tremendous pride in keeping the family farm organic and living as a steward of the land. Every spring, he tapped the sugar maples, producing maple syrup that family and friends eagerly anticipated and enjoyed together. He found joy in gardening, tending his fields, fishing, hunting and caring for his beloved cows, which gave him a sense of purpose, strength and peace.

A true jack of all trades, Steve was never afraid of hard work. Throughout his life, he worked in logging, carpentry, owned and operated his own firewood and masonry business, all while working on the family farm. If something needed fixing or someone needed help, Steve was always willing to lend a helping hand. No task was too big, and no neighbor was ever turned away.

Steve also loved good food and was always eager to try a new recipe made by his stepdaughter, Tina. She was his guardian angel, his advocate, his caregiver and his sidekick. She was the one who encouraged him to fight until he wasn’t able to fight any longer. They had a bond like no other.

Known for his gift of conversation, Steve could strike up a friendship with just about anyone. Whether you had known him for years or had only just met him, he made you feel welcome. Those who knew him best often said, “He had the kindest soul.”

Steve took great pride in his Abenaki heritage and encouraged his family to carry on their traditions and learn about their ancestors. His Abenaki name was Beaver, a fitting name for a man who never stopped working and was always building, fixing, growing, and caring for those around him. He was a proud member of the American Legion, where he was known for flipping chicken at the annual Memorial Day chicken barbecue. Everyone agreed the chicken just wasn’t the same without Steve’s special sauce. He was also a devoted member of the Eagles Club and VFW for many years.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Cecelia and Ivan Shores; and his cherished godson, Sean Smith.

He leaves behind his loving partner of 40 years, Joanne Newell; his stepdaughter, Tina Booska; his stepson, Shawn Newell; and his beloved grandson, Damian Newell. He is also survived by his sisters, Sharra Shores, Deborah Murray, Annie Shores, Susan Booska and Brenda Shores; his brothers, Tony Shores and Ivan Shores; favorite great nieces, Kaylee and Sierra Murray and many other cherished nieces and nephews; countless extended family members and dear friends; and three of his closest friends, Bill Robinson, Darin Gallison and Gary Ward, whose friendship meant so much to him.

A burial will be held at the family farm, 839 Pea Ridge Road, Vergennes, Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Parish Hall in Vergennes. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend both services as they gather to honor and celebrate Steve’s life.

Steve will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love for his family, his heritage, and the land. His legacy lives on in every garden planted, every maple tree tapped, every field carefully tended, and every act of kindness shared. As Steve often said, “Without our pollinators, we have nothing.” Those words, like the life he lived, remind us that caring for one another and for the world around us leaves a legacy that endures for generations. “Everything will be okay.” ◊