HENRY FORGUES

ALBURGH SPRINGS — Henry Forgues, 74, passed away at his beautiful farm embraced by the love of his family and friends both near and far.

Baptized Henry Roger Forgues, son of Emma and Lucien Forgues, he grew up in a French-Canadian family, with his brothers Roger and Raymond, and his sister Louise on their dairy farm in Cornwall, Vt. In his early days at Middlebury Union High School he excelled in track and field and football, holding a state pole vault record, winning the Dorey Cup and being recruited by UVM to play for the Catamounts.

He married Sally, his high school sweetheart, and together they nurtured both a family and a farm. Farming took them on many adventures, landing them in Alburgh Springs, where they had a barn-raising and built their home overlooking Lake Champlain. The farm often hosted pasture walks and supported UVM research projects. Henry cherished the years he farmed side by side with his son Travis. The Forgues family had a long-standing commitment to the Vermont organic farming community.

Henry was a very gifted musician. His natural talent of music began as a child. His creativity shone through every song he wrote, every instrument he played and the many hearts he touched.

Seeing a need during COVID-19, Henry began sewing vibrant scrub hats for the radiology department at UVM, a small act of care that continued long after the pandemic.

He was adored by his children, Travis (Amy), Sarah (David), and Abigail (Steven), and cherished by his grandchildren Emma, Gabriel, Molly, Henry, Macaffery, John, and Anastasia. He is survived by his siblings Roger (Bev), Paula, Louise, and Sally’s family Michael (Betty), Conrad (Knyoca), and Karen (Drew), and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his brother Raymond; his parents, Emma and Lucien; and Sally’s parents, Ray and Marie Law.

For those who wish to honor him, celebrate today, sing or play a tune, walk in a pasture, treasure your family and animals (Gus) and find beauty and joy in the simple things.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Shrine in Isle la Motte, with a reception to follow.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated and often unseen heroes whose exceptional medical care and kindness carried Henry through his oncology journey, especially Linda Lee Lapan and Kristy Trask, and the special care of his cousin Stephen Gregory from Stephen C. Gregory and Son Cremation Service. ◊