Franklin D. (“Johnny”/”Grink”) Cutler
Franklin D. (“Johnny”/“Grink”) Cutler, 82, passed away at his home of 55 years on January 12, 2015 with many family and friends at his side. He shared this home with his wife, Lundy Edwards Cutler, who predeceased him on March 18, 2009.
He was born November 18, 1932 in Montpelier, the son of Marcus Albert and Agnes Peterson Cutler. He grew up on the family farm in East Montpelier. He attended St. Michael’s High School and left to enlist in the service alongside his brothers.
Upon returning from serving his country after the war, he married his high school sweetheart and worked on several family farms, eventually purchasing a farm of his own on Beckley Hill in Barre. Dad never shied from work, milking cows, running a milk route, sugaring and cutting wood to heat his farmhouse that had more holes than Swiss cheese. Two sons were born along the way and while maintaining the farm he started a career with New England Telephone. He packed his family up and moved to southwest Wolcott where a daughter was born into the family.
His joy of the land with strong Vermont values never left him while traveling back roads, having family parties, going on morning fishing excursions, playing cards or cribbage or taking trips to the casino. He seldom missed a night of caring for the farm.
He always had time to share the stories of his life. His farm became a gathering spot for all to share the season’s events with food and drinks.
Every neighbor was his family and their children were his grandchildren. He loved them, fed them and taught them the values of life on the farm. Who knows how many little hands dropped eggs in the hen house or whose sudden movements scared his beloved animals. Grink’s patience and guidance never wavered.
Grink was independent and opinionated but was always willing to give a helping hand or provide common sense and wisdom. He charmed all that he met.
He is survived by his children, Stephen and Clara; David and Cindy; Becky and Eric; grandchildren, Travis and Amber; Cory and Xiao; Christina, Chad, Adam, Ashley and Jessica; Frank, Crystal, Savannah and Scott; and Brook and Abe; great-grandchildren, Tanner, Joslyn, Adrian, Alex, Kristi, Jonathan, Rhylie and Jacob. He is also survived by his siblings, James, Madeline, Marguerite, Lorraine and Bill; Marc and Charlotte; Flossie and Eliott; Donald and Elaine; and Vonnie and Jo Ann.
Pete, thank you for being the farm’s free hired hand and taking Dad on so many rides and spending so much time helping. Anna, thank you for sharing so many meals, cards games, gardening and trips to the casino and also daughter, Becky, who was there for many adventures in his life and endlessly throughout his illness. The family would like to thank the many medical professionals that helped our Dad.
Grink’s wishes were to celebrate his life at the Cutler family homestead on July 25, 2015 starting at 1:00 p.m.
Contributions may be made to Lamoille Area Cancer Network, 198 Farr Avenue, Morrisville, VT 05661. Faith Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting faithfh.net.
