Adrian Ernest Elwell, 85, of Newport, Vermont, passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by family on Sunday, December 24, 2023. Born in Burlington on January 20, 1938 to the late Ernest and Helen (Cutler) Elwell, he grew up on Moretown Common.
Adrian lived a full, satisfying life centered around family, friends, work, travel and enjoying simple pleasures. As a young man he worked as a lumber mill worker, a truck driver, and logger, where his trademark work ethic was developed. Over time his focus shifted to becoming an entrepreneur. He operated the grocery and meat portion of the M&R Store in Waitsfield with his cousin, which prepared him for his next endeavor, purchasing the newly constructed Village Square Mobil station. This full-service station with 24-hour towing was a true family business as his wife, four children, and brother, worked there over the years, and where Adrian forged many lasting relationships in the community.
Adrian developed a herd of purebred Polled Hereford cattle. He bred and raised an outstanding herd, exhibiting and marketing them in New England and beyond, spending countless hours attending cattle sales and shows as far away as Colorado and British Columbia. A crowning achievement was when he orchestrated two purebred sales in Waitsfield known as the Select Few Sale, attended by cattle breeders from all over the Northeast and Canada. Throughout these years, unbeknownst to him, he provided his children with lasting memories, as well as lessons that instilled many of his values and fine qualities.
In 1984, Adrian and Mickie entered their final work partnership as managers and hosts at a corporate retreat, Great Lakes Carbon Farm in Waitsfield. They took pride in creating a warm, country experience which included home-cooked family-style meals, skeet shooting in the lower meadow, snowmobiling on Scrag Mountain, fishing in the trout pond, and after dinner card games. Guests turned into friends, and many friendships lasted well beyond their retirement 16 years later.
Raising his family in the Mad River Valley, Adrian loved the outdoors and spent hours meticulously constructing stonewalls, and landscaping every inch of his property. His passion for gardening and lawn care was evident to anyone at his homes in both Waitsfield and Newport.
Affectionately known as “Abe,” his down-to-earth, easy demeanor and dry, Vermont sense of humor made him enjoyable to be around. You could often find him in his yard working on a project; it was common for neighbors to stop for a “quick” chat that would turn into an hour. These may have delayed his work, but he truly enjoyed the conversations.
Adrian enjoyed many travel adventures. Family road trips throughout New England and Canada, retired winters spent in Florida, work trips to Mobil Conventions, and he spoke fondly about trips with friends to Hawaii, Bermuda, and an epic RV trip to Alaska -- his Denali vest was still a favorite.
He was a member of the Moretown Methodist Church. A practical man, humble by nature, and a jack-of-all-trades. He believed if you did not have what you needed, then build it. If it didn’t work the first time, tear it down and build it better.
Adrian was a steadfast, loving husband, father, and grandfather, who was genuinely the rock of his family. He treasured time with them and seized every opportunity to prepare a meal (especially breakfast) or simply share time hearing about their lives. He was always available to lend a hand or offer some gentle guidance, whether it be a subtle suggestion or bit of advice he knew was needed, but his children did not.
Adrian leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Mickie (Eastman) Elwell. His children, Katherine White (David), Eric Elwell (Deborah), Andrea Cook (Reginald) and Jada Munro (Jeffrey). His grandchildren, Chris, Heather, Amanda, Zak, Olivia, Shelby, Mackenzie and Mikayla. Nine great-grandchildren, and four great-great- grandchildren. His brothers Reginald and Daryl both of Moretown, as well as nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Craig and grandchildren, Melissa, Troy, and Evan.
A graveside memorial service will be held in the spring at Mountain View Cemetery, Moretown. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, consider planting a shrub or flowers in memory of Adrian’s passion for landscaping. To send online condolences visit curtis-britch.com
