Arthur Joseph "Spike" Vasseur, 71, of Bragg Hill Road, Fayston, passed away in the comfort of his home and family on Saturday, August 21, 2010. Born on the family farm in Fayston on December 21, 1938, he was the son of the late Leon and Emma (Gratton) Vasseur. On May 20, 1967, he married the former Virginia Kenyon in Waitsfield.
Spike was a 1958 graduate of Waitsfield High School and then went on to serve four years with the U.S. Air Force. Following his discharge from the service, Spike returned to the family farm on Bragg Hill where he joined his brother Bob in operating the Vasseur Brothers Dairy and Maple Sugar Farm for over 50 years.
A talented baseball pitcher for his high school team, Spike continued his love of sports by being active as a coach for over 16 years with Babe Ruth Baseball, served as president of Harwood Hockey for several years as well as helped in the operation of the Skatium in Waitsfield. Spike served the Town of Fayston for over 25 years as treasurer.
Spike will be fondly remembered for his devotion and love for his family and his innate ability to reach out and connect with kids of all ages.
Spike is survived by his wife of 43 years, Virginia Vasseur of Fayston; their children, Karen Vasseur-Blandin and her husband Bill of Orange, Michael Vasseur and his wife Stephanie of Fayston, and Steve Vasseur of Fayston; six grandchildren, Chelsea Vasseur, Emily Vasseur, Morgan Vasseur, Alexis Blandin, Cayman Blandin and Lillian Vasseur; a sister, Rita Mandigo of Montpelier; a brother, Robert Vasseur of Fayston; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Spike was predeceased by two sisters, Laura Harrington and Jeannette Pearce; three brothers, Adrien Vasseur, Ernest Vasseur and Albert Vasseur; and two nephews, Douglas Vasseur and James Vasseur.
A celebration of Spike's life will be held at the home of Doug and Kelley Lewis, 47 Kew-Vasseur Road (off from Bragg Hill Road), Fayston, on Sunday, August 29, at noon. Please bring food for the grill, a side dish to share and your own beverage (no alcohol, please). For those who wish, memorial gifts would be appreciated to Harwood Hockey, P.O. Box 92, Waterbury, VT 05676, or to the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 305, Waitsfield, VT 05673. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.
