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A. Peter Woolfson

1936 - 2016

A. Peter Woolfson obituary, 1936-2016, South Burlington, Vt

BORN

1936

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Boucher & Pritchard Funeral Home

85 N Winooski Ave

Burlington, Vermont

A. Woolfson Obituary

A. Peter Woolfson

Age: 79 • South Burlington, VT

A. Peter Woolfson died peacefully on February 29, 2016 at the Starr Farm Nursing Home in the presence of his wife and son. Peter was well-known for his keen intellect, and his kind and caring nature, and he will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

Peter was born on March 14, 1936, in Toronto, Canada to the late Solomon Jacob Woolfson and Kathlyn Natalie Langer Woolfson. His older brother, Sidney Woolfson, and his older sister, Loretta Lundy, still live in Toronto. As a young man, Peter's interest in the power of language brought him to the University of Toronto to receive both a B.A. and an M.A. in English (in 1958 and 1961, respectively). Influenced by Marshall McLuhan, he became fascinated with how language itself can shape cultures and people, and in 1967, he received his Ph.D. in Anthropology with a concentration in linguistic anthropology from the State University of New York in Buffalo.

In 1970, he joined the faculty at the University of Vermont where he helped spearhead the establishment of a separate Department of Anthropology, and eventually served as Chair of the Department of Anthropology for many years. It was important to Peter to use his knowledge and skills to improve the lives of others, particularly those who might not otherwise be listened to. In addition to teaching every Anthropology major during his 32 years at UVM, he used his scholarship to advocate for the civil rights of ethnic and cultural minorities, such as Native Americans and Franco-Americans. He also made significant contributions to medical anthropology by studying doctor-patient interactions in geriatric wards, specifically so he could develop valuable recommendations to improve the care and dignity of the elderly. After he retired from the University in 2002, he continued his commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless by participating actively as a Guardian ad Litem in Vermont probate courts as well as nursing home ombudsman programs.

The greatest impact he made, though, was in the lives of his family, whom he made sure felt safe and loved at all times. He was predeceased by his parents Solomon and Kathlyn, and also by his first son, Jonathan. He is survived by his wife, Vicki Torsch Woolfson, and his second son, Alex MacDonald Woolfson, as well as two step-daughters, Sarah and Stephanie, and three granddaughters, Talia, Shayla, and Lumen. He is remembered by them for his quick sense of humor, his gentle yet steadfast protectiveness, and his thoughtful consideration for their feelings and needs. A lover of books, especially spy novels, Peter took great pleasure in reading to young Shayla, and making her laugh with funny character voices. He was an inspiration to his son, Alex, who remembers him always looking to improve himself throughout his entire life—Peter even earned a black-belt in Moo Gong Do in his 50s! He was an extraordinary husband and father, and all those who knew him are grateful to have had him in their lives.

There will be a graveside service at Ahavath Gerim Cemetery, 200 Patchen Rd., S. Burlington on Thursday, March 3 at 1:30 P.M. On Friday, March 4 there will be an open-house memorial from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. at 1203 Brand Farm Drive, South Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of Peter's favorite charities, Vermont Kin as Parents, PO Box 415, Williston, VT 05495.

Arrangements are by Boucher and Pritchard Funeral Directors.

Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on Mar. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for A. Woolfson

Sponsored by Boucher & Pritchard Funeral Home.

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Charles Underhill

April 23, 2016

Peter Woolfson gave me a lifelong interest in language and culture; as an engineering student at UVM, I completed and entire elective set from Prof. Woolfson's class offerings. The lessons learned helped me later to design culturally appropriate communities and housing units in Morocco. However, my most impressive memory of Prof Woolfson was standing in the front of the class and having him repeat back, concurrently, everything I said exactly as I said it.

Richard Rabinowitz

March 17, 2016

I didn't know Prof. Woolfson personally, but I've been reading his work as I'm just beginning a research project on the experience of families in Burlington through the Great Depression and World War II. His scholarship was remarkable for his humanity and compassion, a model for all of us. I was about to write and see if I could visit when I discovered his passing. May his memory be a blessing to the family and community and the mourners in Zion.

Sheldon Jacobs

March 5, 2016

Dear Vicky and Alex,

We regret to have heard of Peter's death. Though we were not able to spend much time together, we admired Peter for his views and the many accomplishments he made in so many areas.

Suzanne and Sheldon Jacobs

Sandi Hofbauer

March 5, 2016

Vicki and Alex,

We are so sorry to learn of Peter's passing. His wit, charm and caring manner will not be forgotten.

Harvey and Sandi Hofbauer

Lynda McGee

March 4, 2016

I don't know you, but a friend shared this on Facebook. I wanted to honor your request to read your father's obituary and honor his life in a small way. When I lost my parents this was important to me and helped ease my grief. You are not alone.

Sue Nimmich

March 4, 2016

Peter, you will always be in my heart. You took care of me during the years when I was confused and lost, and you did it with gentleness and your warm smile. We have lost you too soon. Rest in peace.

Erica Perl

March 4, 2016

Hi Alex,
Thank you for sharing this. Please accept my condolences. I love that you paid tribute to not only your father's obvious talents and accomplishments, but to the quieter yet equally if not more important things he did to care for his family. May his memory be a blessing to you and your family, and may the love and support of friends and family bring you comfort and peace.
Erica Perl

Cindy Longwell

March 3, 2016

Vicki and Alex:

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband and father. Peter was such a wonderful man that I enjoyed working with at UVM immensely. He was so generous in sharing his wonderful mystery novels with me; he introduced me to some great authors that I still enjoy to this day. He will be greatly missed.

Cindy Longwell

Karen Lundy

March 2, 2016

The Lundy/Woolfson families are devastated by Peter's passing. Alex and Vicki, we all share your grief. We will cherish his memory always.

Elizabeth Smith

March 1, 2016

My condolences to you Vicki and to the rest of your family on your loss.

Deborah Blom

March 1, 2016

Peter was such an important part of so many budding anthropologists' lives, and a good friend. He will be dearly missed.
Our condolences to you, Vicki and Alex.
Deborah Blom, Jeff Clarke and Grayson Blom-Clarke

Jeanne Shea

March 1, 2016

We will miss you, Peter! Rest in peace! -Jeanne Shea, Tim Tremblay, and Linden Shea Tremblay

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Memorial Events
for A. Woolfson

Mar

3

Graveside service

1:30 p.m.

Ahavath Gerim Cemetery

200 Patchen Rd., S. Burlington, VT

Mar

4

Memorial Gathering

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

1203 Brand Farm Drive, South Burlington, VT

Funeral services provided by:

Boucher & Pritchard Funeral Home

85 N Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT 05401

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