Armand Paul Viens, 77, passed away in the comfort of his home on Thursday morning, May 12, 2016, following a period of declining health. Born in North Fayston on January 11, 1939, he was the son of the late Gregory G. and Fernande C. (Francoeur) Viens. On June 20, 1959, he married the former Brenda Joy Thurston in Waterbury Center.
Armand attended schools in Fayston and then as a young man, he continued working full time on the family farm and as a heavy equipment operator for his father. With the construction of Interstate 89 beginning, Armand went to work for Lane Construction as an air track drill operator for several years, and then in 1965, he and his growing family settled in North Fayston where the town of Fayston highway department employed him for over 10 years. Following, Armand went to work for his brother at Fred Viens Excavation as an equipment operator and mechanic, a tenure he enjoyed for over 20 years and from which he retired.
Armand enjoyed a number of activities when not working: maple sugaring with Paul Marble for over 20 years, tending to his vegetable gardens, hunting with his sons in Vermont and Maine, camping and fishing with his grandchildren on Lake Champlain, raising pigs and chickens throughout the years along with all of the joy of being in the outdoors and spending time with his family. Armand was a former member of the Mad River Lions Club, District 45, and served his state and country as a member of the Vermont Army National Guard.
Armand is loved and mourned by his wife of nearly 57 years, Brenda J. Viens of North Fayston; his sons, Christopher Viens and his wife LeeAnne of Waterbury Center, Kevin Viens and his companion Kellie Magee of Fayston, Craig Viens and his wife Donna of Waterbury Center; five grandchildren, Kevin Viens II and his companion Jamie Fitzgerald, Kyle Viens and his companion Brooke Collins, Jeffrey Viens and his wife Jill, Jessica Booth and her husband Mike, and Brittany Viens; three great-grandsons, Keaton Mark Viens, Adam James Viens and Michael Christopher Viens; three sisters, Huguette Abbott of Waitsfield, Nicolle Migneault and her husband Richard of North Fayston, Jeannette Nicholes and her husband Woodfin of Alabama; three brothers, Frederick Viens and his wife Shirley of Waitsfield, Gregory Viens Jr. of North Fayston, Francis Viens and his wife Bethany of Boston, Massachusetts; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. A daughter, Kimberly Jean Viens, preceded Armand in death.
A service celebrating the life of Armand Paul Viens will be held from the Waitsfield United Church of Christ on Monday, May 23, 2016, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the church dining room. Inurnment will take place in the North Fayston Cemetery. For those who wish, the family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be considered to the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 305, Waitsfield, VT 05673. Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
