Donald Howard Griggs, 81, of Eden Mills, Vermont, passed away on November 23, 2024, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vermont, following a brief illness. Donald was born at home in Eden, Vermont, on March 20, 1943, the eighth of ten children born to Ethel (Howard) and Gordon Griggs.
Donald attended school in Eden, Vermont, through grade eight and then went to work with his brother as a logger. In the early 1960s, Donald went to work at George F. Adams Sawmill in Moscow, Vermont, where he ran the debarker and learned the art of sharpening and hammering the saws along with scaling logs. He retired from the sawmill in 2004.
On June 27, 1965, Donald married Violet June Gates. The couple made their home on the Griggs Road in Eden Mills, Vermont, where they welcomed their daughter Leah in 1966 and their son Kendrick in 1969. Donald enjoyed being in nature, spending time with family and friends, and spoiling one of the many dogs the family had over the years. He spent his time hunting, fishing, and gardening. You could find him on a summer day working in the vegetable garden or berry patch with a dog or two by his side. Donald loved listening to and singing country music with family and friends. He had an extensive collection of country music including some of his own songs.
Donald loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He shared his wisdom of gardening, woodcutting, and musical talent and could be counted on for filling the home with music and laughter. He will be remembered for his love of hunting and fishing as well as his work ethic, honesty, sense of humor, and musical talent. He will be greatly missed by those he has left behind.
Donald is survived by his daughter Leah Griggs of Eden and her partner Dennis Cota of Swanton; his son Kendrick Griggs and his partner Samantha Devenger of Eden; his sisters Lillian Fay Waterhouse, Dorothy Marckres, and Norma Waterhouse all of Craftsbury and his brother Harold Griggs of Eden Mills; his grandchildren: Liza Miller and her husband Dustin of Eden; Alicia Collins and her husband Michael of Irasburg; Kendra Marie Griggs and her partner Avery Bellavance of Johnson; Kelsey Stanton and her husband Slayde of Eden; Ryan Lindgren and his partner Addie Martin of Belvidere; Zachary Provencha of Morrisville, and Daniel Provencha of Johnson; his great grandchildren: Dawn and Colby Collins; Myah, Karah, Jaida, and Dakota Miller; Charlotte Bellavance, and Luke Stanton. He is also survived by several members of his extended family.
Donald was predeceased by his wife Violet Griggs; his parents; his brothers Alfred Griggs, Lawrence Griggs, Reginald Griggs, Kenneth Griggs (who died in infancy) and his sister Geraldine Brown.
There will be a gathering in Donald's memory on December 14, 2024, from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM at the United Church of Craftsbury. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Eden Corner Cemetery in Eden. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donald's memory can be made to the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vermont. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.