Eden Mills-John A. Vear, 77, passed away Monday, December 1, 2014 at his home. He was born March 7, 1937 in Morrisville, the son of Clinton and Eleanor Hinds Vear. John graduated from the St. Johnsbury Trade School in 1955 and then joined the U.S. Navy in June 1955, serving through June 1959. He married Sandra Williams on January 7, 1961.
John spent most of his career working as a machinist, beginning with Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut, before moving on to positions with General Electric, Stinson Canning Company and then Champion Paper in Maine. John devoted much of his free time as a volunteer fireman for the town of Hancock, ME.
In 1996, he and Sandy moved back to Vermont, where he became an active member of the Eden community. He served as a Town Lister, as well as a member of the Eden Cemetery Commission and Eden Town Beach Committee. John also quickly developed many close friendships through his and Sandy’s regular attendance at the Wednesday jam sessions, which they helped organize following its relocation from the Bobbin Mill to Westfield and then to its current location in Lowell.
John is remembered by his family for his tireless dedication to improving the lives of those he loved, giving his undivided time, expertise and advice. He would always take on projects that would better the lives of those around him. He would see what needed to be done and simply do it. His family relied and depended on him for his wisdom and generous support. He will be greatly missed by all.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra Williams Vear; their children, Wendy Vear of Eden Mills and Gary Vear and wife, Anne, of Belgrave, Australia; grandchildren, Nicole Vear Adams and her husband, Gregory Adams, Jr; Jason Vear, Madeline Vear, Tyrone Vear and Eleanor Vear; great-grandchildren, Mya and Avah Adams; sister, June Howe of Dummerston, VT and brother, Wayne Vear of Eden; step-mother, Virgie Kinney of Eden and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Elsie Vear Godin.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the United Church of Johnson. Visitation will be held at the church from 1 p.m. Wednesday until the time of the service. Interment will be in the spring in the Eden Corners Cemetery. Faith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to N.E.M.S. (ambulance), 62 Wilson Road, Johnson, VT 05656