• Donald L. Denette Jr.

Donald L. Denette Jr., 71, of Essex Junction, Vt., passed away Friday, September 14, 2018, at MCHV in Burlington, Vt.

He was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y., on November 20, 1946, the son of the late Donald L. Denette Sr. and Marjorie (Burkett) Denette. Don grew up in Au Sable Forks, N.Y., and graduated from Au Sable Forks High School in 1964. He earned a bachelor of science degree at Plattsburgh State University, as well as an associate’s degree at Champlain College in Burlington. He retired from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Dawn and Richard Blaisdell of Au Sable Forks; a niece, Martha Blaisdell; and a nephew, Nathan Blaisdell, and his wife Manya and their daughters, Ari and Raya Blaisdell. Additionally, he is survived by many dear friends, including Peggie Potter, Maxine Holmes, Pastor Sean Troland and other members of Ignite Church who supported him during his illness.

Calling hours will be held Friday, September 21, from 4-7 p.m. at LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 132 Main St., Winooski, VT.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, September 22, 11 a.m., at Ignite Church, 1037 South Brownell Rd., Williston, VT 05495. To share condolences, please go to lavignefuneralhome.com.

Don loved to participate in life to its fullest! His priorities were God; his canine children, Joshie, Maggie and Smitty; and his friends and family.

Don was a member of Ignite Church in Williston. He supported its mission both here and in the Dominican Republic, where he traveled to help with the church's missionary and educational activities.

With his beloved Shiba Inu Joshie, his Icelandic sheepdog Maggie and his Australian sheepdog Smitty, Don was an avid fan of dog agility. He was affiliated with the NOMAD Dog Agility Club and the Burlington Obedience Training club, where he enjoyed the opportunity to play with his dogs and enjoy the companionship of other dog lovers. Don and his dogs competed in dog agility competitions locally, nationally and internationally. Most recently, last year, Don and Maggie qualified for and traveled to Vancouver, Canada, to compete in the National Championships.

Don would frequently be found reading the Bible, a good book, or studying history and geography. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking, hunting and fishing. When he contra danced, he twirled and stomped with the best of them. While growing up in the Adirondacks, he climbed to the top of all 46 high peaks in the Adirondack Mountains, becoming a proud member of the Adirondack 46ers (#503). Don was also a member of the Burlington Sacred Harp Society.

Don loved to travel and experienced many adventures traveling to Europe and Asia as a young man. In recent years, he greatly enjoyed traveling to Italy, France, Ireland and Hawaii.

Don was known to his friends as a person who loved the Lord, had a great deal of integrity and a wonderful sense of humor, and could always be counted on to be supportive and encouraging. He will be greatly missed.

Donations in Don’s name may be made to the Humane Society of Chittenden County, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Light Radio Station.