Gordon "Sonny" Boomhower

FAIRFIELD - Gordon A Sonny Boomhower, Jr

Under the warmth of the early morning sun and the pleasure of a light breeze in the air, Sonny enjoyed being in his apple orchard one last time while passing away Saturday morning, June 7th, 2008 with his devoted family at his side. His last sounds were the singing of the birds, the distant tractor, grazing cows and the voices of his family singing personal songs to him.

He was born in the original Chester A. Arthur birthplace on August 23, 1935 to Gordon W and Marguerite (Paradee) Boomhower. He was married to Carolyn (Austin) on January 6, 1957. He joined the family farm, working with his parents and his new bride for the next 10 years. After which, they purchased the farm themselves. They raised seven children on that farm, and today the family tradition continues with two grandsons working there. Sonnys latest pleasure was knowing and seeing the construction of a sugarhouse on the farm, after skipping two generations. Gordon was a long time member of the Vermont Farm Bureau and believed in all that the farm life had to offer. He was also a founding and life time member of the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department. Dads devotion to volunteerism had no boundaries. His passion lives on today in his grandsons, whom are members of the same fire department. Dad had the wonderful power of dowsing and he is responsible for many a Fairfield residents water source. His abilities were well known and respected. Dad also was an amazing artist. His sketches adorn many a home of loved ones and the lucky recipients of his home made birthday cards, anniversary cards or a just a hello sketch to brighten up ones day have treasured them for years. His collection has been lovingly preserved by his daughter Shi in a scrap book for all to enjoy. He also was featured in April 2008 as a local artist in resident displayed in Burlington, VT for a month.

To say that he was an avid Boston Red Sox fan is an understatement! Sonny was devoted to the team and to the game. Many a pleasurable time was had traveling down to Fenway Park with his brothers and uncle, and then later with his own children and grandchildren. He loved nothing more than to share his love of the team and game with them. It is in this spirit of devotion to the team and game that we ask all fellow Red Sox fans (and the indulgence of the Yankee fans) to wear your Boston Red Sox caps to the funeral. Nothing would make him happier than a sea of those hats.

Gordon leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Carolyn and seven children: Michael and his wife Cathy of Jeffersonville; Karen and her partner Andrew Durfee of Fairfield; Paula Yandow of East Fairfield; Shila and her partner Alan Coupal of Fairfield; Trevor and his wife Crystal of Newport, NH; Angela Gharabegian and her husband Stephan of Lexington, MA; and Amy of Fairfield. He leaves sixteen grandchildren: Delight, Damien, Crystal, Brian, Chassi, Meghan, Danielle, Michael, Jordan, Sunni, Lucas, Alexus, Katelyn, Jennifer, Isabella and Olivia. He also leaves four great grandchildren: Dalton, Shawn, Taylor Jo and the newest edition Haleigh. She entered into our family just four scant hours after his ageless spirit soared.

He had eight brothers and sisters, but he leaves Richard and his partner Joyce of Williston, Jackson and his wife Shelly of Colchester, George and his wife Linda of Essex Jct., Marguerite Peggy Lawyer and her husband Thomas Teed Bakersfield and Gloria Kane of Fairfield. He was predeceased by Arita St Pierre, Mable Greene, Patricia Niles and his parents.

The following poem summed up our dads unconditional love and devotion to his children. He never chose one over the other or loved one more, but you always felt like you were the one when you were with him, having that special dad time.

\tBefore I leave this world, I want to tell my children a few
\timportant things about who I am and what I believe.
\tIt may not make a difference in the big scheme of things,
\tbut at least for me, I will feel as if I shared my heart and
\tthe truths of my soul. I want them to know that my spirit
\tdanced with each new day and quietly kissed each evening
\tgood-night, and I loved them with all that I am, and that
\twherever their journeys lead them, my love will be there too.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 1:00 PM at The North Fairfield Brick Church (near Sonnys farm) on the Duffy Hill Road.

Visiting hours will be held Friday from 6-9 PM at the Spears Funeral Home on 96 Dickinson Avenue in Enosburg Falls.

In lieu of flowers and in respect for Sonnys devotion to volunteerism, donations can be made to: The Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Lyndon Corey, Box 3545, Fairfield VT 05455 OR in grateful thanks for their gentle care of our father, donations can be sent to: Franklin County Home Health Agency/Hospice Program, 3 Home Health Circle, St Albans VT 05478. Condolences can be sent to Sonnys family on line through www.spearsfuneralhome.com