Silbert R. Lanoue

Silbert R. Lanoue

Colrain, MA - Silbert R. Lanoue Jr., (76), known to most as "Woody", passed from this life on November 12, 2025, at his home in Colrain, resting on the very ground his own hands had tended.

Born in Northampton, MA, on October 20, 1949, to Joan (Witkop) and Silbert Lanoue Sr., he was raised in Spruce Corner, Ashfield, attended Sanderson Academy and Mohawk Trail Regional High School. He went on to earn degrees from the University of Massachusetts and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture.

In 1981, Woody founded Lanoue Tree and Landscaping Service, a business he built with immense pride and hard work. As a landscaper and arborist, he cared deeply about the land and the people he served. His beautifully crafted stone walls, patios and landscapes will endure for generations , standing as quiet monuments to the pride he took in his work. His dedication and skill earned him the respect of a great many customers and friends throughout the community. Among his proudest personal accomplishments was achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor that reflected his lifelong love of nature, adventure, and self-reliance.

Woody's passion for hunting and fishing shaped much of his life. He was happiest in the woods of Colrain, or with dear friends at the Buck family farm in Jefferson, NY and his camp in Island Pond, VT; built years ago with help from his father and brothers. His hunting adventures took him far and wide; from the Rocky Mountains in search of elk to the northern reaches of Canada for bear and caribou to Alaska and the Great Lakes to fish for salmon - but his heart always belonged to Vermont, where he spent countless days hunting rabbits and evenings gathered around the fire cooking venison, celebrating, and sharing stories after long days in the snowy woods. Woody had a gift for making every trip to the camp memorable for all who joined him over the years.

Beyond the outdoors, Woody had a vibrant spirit and was an avid fan of all New England sports teams. He cherished the unforgettable memories with his son Chris of attending Game 6 of the 2013 World Series at Fenway Park and traveling to Atlanta to watch the New England Patriots win Super Bowl LIII. He enjoyed coaching his young sons' street hockey and baseball teams, and was their biggest supporter throughout their high-school sports. He loved music and was often the first - and last - one on the dance floor at any party, never missing an opportunity to have a good time. His gentle spirit, kind smile, and zest for life left an impression on everyone who knew him.

Woody will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his love of the outdoors, his tireless work ethic, and the joy he found in simple moments spent with friends and family. To his children, he was a source of strength, a quiet teacher by example, and a constant presence of unconditional love.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Jeffery Lanoue. Woody is survived by his beloved partner, Debra Koscinski (Colrain), his daughter, Carolyn Curtis (Gill), son-in-law, David Curtis (Leyden); and his son, Christopher Lanoue (Bernardston). He leaves behind his adored grandchildren - Gavin and Henry Curtis and Emma Lanoue. He is also remembered with love by Debra's family; Joe and Mandy Koscinski (Greenfield), Nick and Jamie Koscinski (Vernon, VT), and grandchildren Rylin, Ashlyn, and Zoey.

Woody is further survived by his siblings and in-laws: Susan Wall (Jim Logan), Jeanne (Michael) Lowinski, Barbara (David) Thompson, Nelson (Brenda) Lanoue, Eileen(Paul) LaDuke, David (Amy) Lanoue, Richard (Cyndi, recently deceased)Lanoue, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls, MA, on Wednesday, November 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Buckland, followed by a burial service at Spruce Corner Cemetery in Ashfield. A celebration of his life will follow at The Sweetheart, 42 South Maple Street, Shelburne, MA.

For online condolences or to share a memory of Woody for his family please visit https://www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com/listings