Donald F. Byrd Sr., 80, passed away in the comfort of his home and family on September 28, 2019, following a four-year valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Burlington on May 3, 1939, he was a son of the late Donald C. and Ethel L. (Santor) Byrd. Don was previously married to the former Carolyn Hough. On July 8, 1989, he married the former Sharon R. Baker in Duxbury.
Don’s love for mechanics began at the age of 9 when he was given the opportunity to work at a garage near his family home in Winooski. As a young man he was employed for several years as a drilling operator during the construction of Interstate 89. He then pursued his entrepreneurial dream of founding his own automotive repair business, Don’s Repair Shop in Duxbury. He retired following many years of service to his loyal customers.
Don is fondly remembered for the joy he found in hunting and fishing, barn dances and country music, woodworking and the gift he had for creating art through working with metal and wood. He loved spending time with family and friends as well as storytelling.
Don is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sharon Byrd of Duxbury; his children, Donald Byrd Jr. of Fayston, Edward Byrd and his wife Sue of Waddington, NY, Michael Byrd and his wife Carol of Eden, and Rachel Bolduc and her husband Michael of Duxbury; six grandchildren, William McGandy, Benjamin McGandy, Nathan Byrd, Brandy Cabana, Makaela Bolduc and Lennon Bolduc; five great-grandchildren; his siblings, Larry Byrd and his wife Carol of Danville, and Linda Lamson of Waterbury; as well as extended family. Don was predeceased by a grandson, Dana Byrd.
A service celebrating the life of Donald Byrd Sr. will be held on October 12, 2019, at 11 a.m. from the Hunger Mountain Christian Assembly, 4940 Waterbury Stowe Road, Waterbury Center, with a reception to follow in the church dining room. For those who wish, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the University of Vermont Cancer Center (https://give.uvmhealth.org/give/190003/#!/donation/checkout). Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com or the funeral home Facebook page.
