Bridgewater, Vermont

Oliver Ames Manice passed away peacefully in his beloved home in Bridgewater, Vermont on November 19th, 2024, at the age of 77.  Oliver was born on December 20th, 1946 and grew up in Weston, Massachusetts, where he attended Fenn School and then later graduated from Lawrence Academy. He went on to earn a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Denver, where he played on DU's first men's lacrosse team. He was proud of his alma mater and was an avid supporter of the DU Pioneers hockey, lacrosse and ski team.

After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army in the special security group. When his service was complete, he settled in Bridgewater, Vermont in an 1815 cape house, surrounded by meadows and mountains. Shortly afterwards, he met and married his adored Mathilde Zara. Together, they raised their two children, Lindsay and Reed, along with their beloved dogs, cats and bees.

Oliver worked with Charles Fenton as a custom framer and then at Ford Insurance Agency before starting his own woodworking business, Angle Woodworks. He single handedly transformed a section of his 1800s barn into his workshop, where he created beautiful custom frames. He was a jack-of-all-trades, using the space to restore rowboats, repair bee supers and anything else that needed fixing. When he wasn't in his workshop, he was often out on his John Deer, mowing the fields or plowing the snow.

He loved and cared for the outdoors, appreciating its beauty and quiet. In the winter, he would play hockey and ski the nearby x-country trails and downhill slopes, and in the summer, he would be wading in the rivers and oceans, fly-fishing with his friends. In his younger years, he spent many summers sailing in Newport, Rhode Island, and playing pick-up baseball or pond hockey games with his friends and older brother, Billie.

For many years, Oliver served on the board of the Lakota Club and was an active member on the fish and boat committees. He also served multiple roles within the town of Bridgewater and was a lifelong philanthropist in his local community and beyond.

Oliver is survived by his wife, Mathilde Manice; his children, Reed Manice and Lindsay Sussman; his son in law, Walter Sussman; and his grandchildren, Madeline, Lilianna, and Sophie Sussman. Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, Olivia Ames Manice and William Deforest Manice, and his brother, William DeForest Manice III.

Oliver will be forever remembered in our hearts as a thoughtful, gentle, generous soul. He touched so many of our lives with his quiet smile, his kindness, his wisdom, and subtle sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Per Oliver's wishes, there will be a private graveside service for his family this coming week. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Vermont Land Trust.