Michael M. Kingsbury
July 18, 1943 – December 1, 2022
Michael M. Kingsbury, 79, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022, in the comfort of his home, losing his battle with cancer. Born in Montpelier on July 18, 1943, he was the son of the late Mervin and Madaline (Eurich) Kingsbury. On August 14, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Lynne Stafford in Waitsfield.
Michael graduated from Waitsfield High School in 1962 and went on to major in education at Castleton State College, where his soccer team became NAIA National Champions in 1963. He completed his degree several years later, graduating from Norwich University. He had extensive studies on the Holocaust and Women's Studies, and he was the first male to be appointed to the Governor's Council on Women. He was a carpenter and had his own building company for several years in the Mad River Valley. He is best known for his years of service to his brother’s company, Kingsbury Construction, where he could be found doing the dirt work, meeting the many customers, working with the engineers or estimating in the office. Everyone knew Mike Kingsbury.
Michael loved baseball. He started Little League here in The Valley and coached for many years and could still be found umpiring an occasional game at the age of 78. Michael loved coaching and bringing the kids to their full potential. He especially loved teaching JV softball at Harwood, priding himself on the fact that his girls could beat the varsity. He also coached JV soccer. Following the flood Irene, Michael became president of the Couples Field, where he worked with his wife and other volunteers to restore the field, build a new pavilion, and later install the Bocce court.
Michael is recognized for his dedication and service to his community. He was a firefighter, Master Mason for over 50 years, helped direct traffic for the Mad Marathon, and repaired the covered bridge with the help of his grandson Caleb or his wife. He especially enjoyed his work as an EMT with the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service for many years. He had a talent for the work and went on to be an instructor for EMT, CPR, and IV. He also served on the board of the American Red Cross. After his many recent hospital stays, he said if he was starting over, maybe he would become a nurse.
Michael was an active member of the Waitsfield Federated Church for over 40 years, holding office and teaching Sunday School. He welcomed many a new minister and refreshed the old parsonage many times. Michael was a good cook and helped put on lots of church dinners and the free community dinners. His greatest accomplishment at the church was volunteering his time seven days a week to complete the new addition with the help of others.
For the last 12 years, Michael was a winter Texan, living in the hill country near Austin. There he played golf, danced the Texas two-step at Luchenbach and built lasting friendships. He loved to travel with his wife Lynne, visiting all 50 states.
Michael leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Lynne Kingsbury, of Waitsfield; a daughter, Lori Kingsbury and her husband, Phil Harris of Denver, CO; and a son Scott Kingsbury and Jeannette of The Valley; his brothers, Gary Kingsbury and his wife Lynn, of Waitsfield, Richard “Dick” Kingsbury and his wife, Laura, of Fayston; Michael was especially fond of his three grandsons Caleb Kingsbury, Caiden Harris, and Greyson Harris. He also leaves his beloved Aunt Christine (Eurich) Crill and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of Michael M. Kingbury’s life will be held from the Waitsfield United Church of Christ on Sundaym December 11, 2022m at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow in the church dining room. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital; P.O. Box 50; Memphis, TN 38101-9929. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
