David Read

ENOSBURG FALLS / FAIRFIELD - David M Read passed to his eternal heavenly home on August 31, 2012 at his home in Fairfield, after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded with love and gratitude by his children and grandchildren. It was a beautiful morning with the cows grazing in the field, and the birds singing at dawn to a view of Mount Mansfield his favorite mountain.

David was born in Burlington, VT on October 27, 1927 the son of Ephraim and Frances (Maynard) Read. He spent his early childhood years on the family farm in Pleasant Valley, Cambridge, VT. His family later settled in East Fairfield where he enjoyed spending time on his Grandfathers farm and playing baseball on the park with his brothers and friends.

David graduated from Brigham Academy in Bakersfield, VT in 1945. He enjoyed high school where he excelled as an accomplished baseball pitcher and basketball player. He loved playing ball with his brothers and friends. His greatest baseball achievements were an undefeated baseball season in 1945 along with a 21 strike out pitching performance. He continued his education at VT Technical College but after discovering that they did not have a skilled baseball team he decided to join the Army where he was sure to find a baseball team with talent.

He enlisted with the United States Armys 738th AAF Base Unit in December 1945. During his enlistment he traveled throughout the South and as far west to Denver, CO playing baseball. He played with many talented players and established life long friendships. His accomplished pitching skills landed him a tryout with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After serving his country, he was discharge in 1948 receiving both the good conduct medal and the American Campaign Medal for honorable service.

Upon his discharge from military service he returned to Fairfield, VT where he became President of the family business E.S. Read & Son, Inc. He traveled the state of VT buying cattle and attending auctions. He purchased and ran his own dairy farm in Fairfield, VT for twelve years. In 1967 he and his family established Swanton Packing Inc of which he was Vice President for many years. In 1970 David and his family moved to East Fairfield to run the home farm until his retirement in 1988.

On July 4, 1951, he married the pick of the county Joyce (Early) Read. Together they raised their children on several farms in the Fairfield area. They enjoyed 59 married years together. David loved his community and was a steward of the land. He loved cattle, sugaring and helping a neighbor in need. Upon his retirement David and Joyce moved to Enosburg where they enjoyed a wonderful retirement traveling to Florida during the winter months for twenty two years. Their retirement was spent loving their children and grandchildren; attending many sporting events, golfing, fishing and hosting many family get togethers. David was Joyces best audience and he loved her very much.

David loved to read, golf, fish, play cards and watch baseball games. He was a die hard Red Sox fan. On October 27, 2004 on his 77th birthday, the Red Sox won the World Series. David passed his love of baseball on to his children and grandchildren and spent many happy hours watching the games together. He took his children and friends to many Expo games in Montreal and to Fenway Park in Boston where wonderful memories were made and traditions built. David will be fondly remembered for his mischievous nature, determined attitude and LOVE OF THE GAME!

Dont Judge each day by the harvest you reap
But by the seeds you plant ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

He was predeceased by his Parents Ephraim and Frances Read and by the love of his life Joyce E Read on January 24, 2011. He is survived by his three children, Gary Read and his wife Kathy of East Fairfield, Judy Read Vanslette and husband John of Highgate Center, and Shelley Read Howrigan and husband Daniel of Fairfield: Nine grandchildren, Shannon, Jennifer, Morgan, Michelle, Rebekah, Daniel, Peter, Faith and Annah Joyce: Six great grandchildren, James, Caitlin, Ava, Emma, Madison and Haley. He is also survived by his sister Alberta & Wendell Reed of Essex; and brothers, Charles & Becky Read of Swanton, Frank & Ellen Read of St. Albans; many nieces, nephews and Kit Kat Diner friends.

The family would like to thank Carol Rainville Home Health RN for her compassionate and wonderful home care. Funeral services will be held Saturday September 8, 2012 at 11: 00 AM at the Bakersfield Congregational Church, 54 East Bakersfield Road Bakersfield, VT with Rev Lyle Miller officiating. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Enosburg Falls with Military Honors.

Visiting hours will be held Friday from 4-7 PM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls.

For those who wish, contributions in Davids memory may be made to the Vermont Cancer Center, 89 Beaumont Ave., Given E213, Burlington, VT 05405.