Raymond Paradis

Enosburg Falls - Raymond J Paradis, age 78, husband of Amanda (Vachon) Paradis,
passed away Friday, April 12, 2013 after a brief illness with his family at his side.

Raymond was born August 16, 1934 in St. Isidore, Quebec, Canada. He moved to the United States in 1953 at the age of 21. He grew up working and playing hard. He loved the outdoors - playing hockey with his brothers, snowmobiling, hunting, bowling, horseshoe, playing pool and cards.

Raymond married the love of his life, Amanda, in 1957. Raymond began his working career in the states as a lumberjack and worked many different occupations to support his family. He was never afraid to try new things and was always there with a helping hand. He purchased his first dairy farm in Fairfield in 1966 where he later started sugaring along with working outside the farm. As his family grew it was time to transition to a larger farm. He sold the farm and bought land in Sheldon in 1979 where he moved the family to a house and farmstead they built together. Farming until 1988, he proudly passed down the farm to his son, Daniel and his family. Raymond and Amanda retired to Enosburg while he continued his livelihood by selling farm equipment and using his vast array of handyman skills doing carpentry, masonry, sugaring and other assorted jobs.

Raymond was involved in the community by volunteering on local fire departments for both Fairfield and Sheldon. As a member of St. Patricks Parish in Fairfield, he also was a board member for the St. Patrick Parish Credit Union. He always made time to help family, neighbors and friends if there was ever a need.

Raymond is survived by his wife Amanda, children Raymond Mark Paradis Jr. (deceased), Joanne Edwards and husband Roy, Daniel Paradis, Karen Douglas and husband Michael, and Dianne Leach and husband Scott. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and siblings, Wilfrid Paradis and his wife Rejean, Denise Bessette and her husband Laurent, Philippe Paradis and his wife Lorraine, Andre Paradis, and sister-in-law Rita Paradis. Raymond has been predeceased by his siblings, Jerry Paradis, Claire Paradis, Marguerite and husband Aime Sanshagrin, Collette Paradis, and sister in law Berta Paradis.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 222 Missisquoi St., Enosburg Falls with Rev. Karl Hahr celebrating the Mass of Christian burial. Interment will take place at a later date in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 5-8 PM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls.

For those who wish, contributions in Raymonds memory may be made to the Cold Hollow Hose & Ladder Company, 83 Sampsonville Rd., Enosburg Falls, VT 05450.