Don attended Waitsfield schools and worked on the family farm with his father. He married the former Lucille Palmer on May 18, 1957, and they made their home and life on the family farm, where they raised two children: a daughter, Deborah, and son, Bryan. In addition to his usual farm work, he delivered eggs each Wednesday to customers' homes throughout Waitsfield and Waterbury.
In 1982, Don and Lucille went to work for the school system at Waitsfield Elementary, where they worked together to maintain and clean the school, and Don drove a school bus for about 20 years as his mother had once done. He took great pride and care in his work and particularly loved the schoolchildren and watching them as they grew.
In his retirement, he enjoyed fishing and cutting firewood, visiting with friends and family and, most recently, following politics on CNN. More than anything he enjoyed his grandchildren, Ben Burbank, 21, of Montpelier, starting to pursue a career in cooking; Jessica Neill, 20, currently studying for her teaching degree at St. Michael's College; Shannon Neill, 18, a 2008 Harwood graduate, planning to attend UVM in the fall; and Tim Burbank, also 18 and a 2008 Harwood graduate interested in pursuing a career in organic farming.
In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his daughter-in-law Susan Neill and son-in-law Arnold "Bub" Burbank, his sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Robert Lawliss of Waitsfield, brother Norman Neill of Waitsfield, his favorite aunt Ruth Moriarty of Waitsfield, many cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, June 25, at 1 p.m. in the Waitsfield Village Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Waitsfield United Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 305, Waitsfield, VT 05673. The Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please visit www.perkinsparker.com.
