John A. Remington
John A. Remington, 88, of Playa del Carmen, Mexico; and previously of Woodstock VT, passed away Monday, October 15, 2012, at Hospiten in Cancun. His children and grandson were by his side during his final days.
Born on March 24, 1924, in Central Falls, Rhode Island, he was the son of Allen Knight and Elsie (Wood) Remington. A star athlete, he attended Norwich University until his enlistment in the Army Air Corps early in World War II. He began his pilot training at the E.F. Airport in Berlin. He took great pride in his country and in his service.
On December 1, 1945 he married Marguerite Clarke and they began their sixty-year adventure together. They moved to Woodstock in 1954 where, undaunted by the lack of central heat, running water or electricity, they bought their beloved home, naming it Remridge Farm. They saw themselves as stewards and planned carefully for the future of their land by placing it with Vermont Land Trust. John learned a great deal about our natural environment from his Uncle Lawrence with whom he spent time camping in the wilds of Maine during his childhood.
When new in Woodstock, John owned the Maynes and Ward Store on Central Street for several years. After selling the store, he worked as a US Customs Agent in Montreal, then for many years at the Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, while also selling Allstate Insurance in the Woodstock area. During his career at CRREL he was involved in labor/management negotiations, and for several years provided Negotiation/Mediation consulting services.
John was civic-minded and his community was important to him. His volunteer activities included the Vermont Farm Bureau, the VT Taxpayers Association, Windsor County Partners, serving on the WUHS School Board and as Town Auditor. He was a member and previous Commander of the Ora E. Paul Post 24 American Legion, a Free and Accepted Mason for over 50 years, and a Mt. Sinai Shriner. John was an avid reader and also enjoyed playing golf throughout his life.
After Marguerite's stroke in 1991, they spent most of the year in Playa del Carmen where John was her primary caregiver until her death in 2005. Because of his unswerving commitment, Marguerite enjoyed her final years in the sunshine on Mexican beaches. They made Playa their home and John took pride in helping several young Mexicans establish their own businesses.
Survivors include his daughters, Jean (George) Olson of Montpelier and Mary (David) Gulbrandsen of Perkinsville; four grandchildren: Emilia, Sarah, Justina and Isaac; three great-grandchildren: Zachary, Aziza and Musa and two sisters, June Paige and Carol Koelsch and his companion Soledad Perez. He was predeceased by his wife, his daughter, Diane, and his brother, Allen.
Funeral services and burial with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 2 in the Chapel at the Veterans Cemetery in Randolph. Arrangements are under the direction of Cabot Funeral Home, Woodstock, VT. Condolences may be offered at cabotfh.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Salvation Army of Vermont, 64 Main Str., Burlington, VT 0401 or Shriners Children's Hospital 51 Blossom Str., Boston, MA 02114.