November 27, 2023, Jeffrey M. “Jeff” Ladue, 66, of Moretown, Vermont, passed away peacefully in the cabin he built, surrounded by family and the warmth of a fire in the woodstove as the snow fell outside.
Jeff was born on November 12, 1957, in Montpelier, at Heaton Hospital. He graduated from Harwood Union High School in 1975 and was a star pitcher on the baseball team; talented enough to throw 90-plus mph and be scouted by the Oakland A’s and Montreal Expos. He served as a Moretown lister for many years. He worked at the family market, Ladue’s Riverside Market and Ladue’s Two and later Twin City Equipment and Better Power Equipment where he shared his love of tractors and machinery with the public.
While he would have preferred hunting to dying, Jeff faced death as he embraced life: on his terms. An avid outdoorsman and proud “redneck” he acquired many trophies over the years, both stuffed and statue. Skeet shooting, snowmobile racing, wood working, and logging were his lifelong passions. He found peace and happiness tending to the land his family has owned for generations.
He is predeceased by his father Frederick F. Ladue, mother Patricia A. Ladue, and father-in-law M. Louis Roy. He is survived by his John Deere 4520; his wife, Julia J. Ladue; his sons, Jeffrey L. Ladue and Jacob M. Ladue; his beloved grandson, Jacob L. Ladue-Simms; his sisters, Kim A. Ladue and spouse Rob LaClair, Pam J. Sanguinetti and spouse Bruce; his mother-in-law, Marie L. Roy; his sisters-in-law, Ann M. McKay and spouse David, Christine F. Mitchell and spouse Dom; his nieces, nephews, and great-niece; and his dirty, old egg-suckin’ dogs Luka, Blue, and Louis.
“I was born in deer season; it’s fitting I go out in it too.”
A memorial to remember Jeff will be held at the Moretown Town Hall on Saturday, December 30, from 3 to 5 p.m.
