David Henry Chaplin

EAST FAIRFIELD - David H. Chaplin, age 77, was born in Montgomery on September 4, 1938 to the late Henry & Beulah (Lumbra) Chaplin. He passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.

David spent most of his life in East Fairfield. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and gardening. He also enjoyed searching for treasures with his metal detector and finding four-leaf clovers for which he had a special talent. Throughout his career he worked primarily as a heavy equipment mechanic. He worked for Youngs Construction, Phil Gerbode, and as a welder for his business called Bulls-Eye Welding. David was also a veteran of the United States Army. David, also known as Davey Chap by his friends, remember him as being very humble and noble. They also remember him as being self-assured and resourceful, as well as very generous with his time and knowledge, especially to those who wanted to know about living in Vermont. He would do anything for his family and friends without asking for anything in return. He was much loved and will be missed.

He is survived by his five children, Roberta Baker & her husband, William Jr. of Montgomery, Cindy Legault & Wade of Milton, David E. Chaplin of Fairfax, John Chaplin & Lynn and Richard Chaplin all of East Fairfield; his grandchildren, Ashley Cota of Burlington, Whitney Nelson & her husband, Thomas of Dexter, NY, Hazen Cota of Montgomery, David and Travis Chaplin and Brent Legault all of Milton, Desiree Baker & Kyle of Highgate Ctr., Elizabeth Cookingham of Fairfax, Chantel Chaplin of Burlington, David Williams of Bakersfield, Jordan Chaplin of East Fairfield and Dakota Rockwell of East Fairfield and his sister, Kayla Rockwell, several great-grandchildren; his siblings, Clarence Chaplin & his wife, Diane of Shelburne, Shirley Ryea of East Fairfield, Christine Tinker & her husband, Royce of Johnson and Ralph Chaplin & his wife, Kathy of Meriden, CT; step-siblings, Mildred Juckett of Waterville, Archie Gillilan of Fletcher and many other special people including, Tanya Johnson & family of Swanton and Martha Gillilan of Fletcher; his faithful companion, Zeus and several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents, David was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen Schnaubelt; Carol Ann (Hart) Savage, the mother of his children; his granddaughter, Jessica Chaplin and a step-brother, Raymond Gillilan.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015 from 5-8 pm at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls. There will be no public service. Interment will take place in St. Georges Cemetery in Bakersfield at the convenience of the family.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made in Davids memory to Franklin County Humane Society, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, VT 05478, or to assist with funeral expense at Spears Funeral Home, P.O. Box 396, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450.

On-line condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.spearsfuneralhome.com.