Name: Visitation for Henry Vernon Atherton
Start: 2016-03-04T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-03-05T00:00:00.000Z
Location: LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Henry Vernon Atherton

Age: 92 • South Burlington

Henry Vernon Atherton passed away at his home March 1, 2016. He was an amazing man, deeply devoted to his family, a WWII veteran, a pioneer in the dairy industry, and a committed volunteer in the community.

Henry was born on November 12, 1923 in Eden, Vermont, the third and youngest son of Phineas Alger Atherton and Maude Lillian Marckres Atherton. He graduated from Barton Academy as Class Valedictorian in 1941; received a B.S. Degree, Cum Laude in Dairy Manufacturing in 1948, and an M.S. degree in 1950, both from the University of Vermont; and a PhD in Dairy Technology from Penn State in 1953.

He became a professor in the Animal and Dairy Science Husbandry Department at UVM, where he had a distinguished 36-year career as a professor, research investigator, and Dairy Extension Specialist, focusing on special interest areas of dairy and food microbiology and sanitation. He established the popular dairy bar in the newly constructed Carrigan Dairy Building, wrote the widely-used textbook, Chemistry and the Testing of Dairy Products, and mentored many of the current leaders in the dairy industry.

He became a pioneering investigator on the influence of bulk-milk cooling on the quality of milk and dairy products. For that work he was identified as a leading researcher in a 100-year history of the American Dairy Science Association. He was a founding member of the Dairy Practices Council, and president of the Vermont Dairy Industry Association, and served on several national boards in the dairy industry. He worked with the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency to establish farm water quality criteria.

He retired in 1989, and received the Sinclair Cup Award for lifetime achievement, and was elected to the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Henry was deeply involved in scouting and earned the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, and longtime member of the Kiwanis Club. He was active in his church, and volunteered with the Community On Temporary Shelter (COTS), the Joint Urban Ministries Program (JUMP), Meals On Wheels, The Flynn Theater, and the Firehouse Family Shelter.

Henry was married on August 24, 1947 to Phyllis Marie Hardy, daughter of Wayland and Alice Hardy, in their family home in Dummerston, VT. They celebrated their 68th anniversary this past August.

Along with Phyllis, Henry is survived by their son Bill and his wife Toot; son Larry and his wife Linda; son Bob and his wife LeAnn; and 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday March 4 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 132 Main St., Winooski, VT 05404. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday March 5 at the First Congregational Church of Burlington 38 South Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT 05401, as parking at the church is limited, please use the parking garage and on street parking. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Henry's name to COTS (committee on temporary shelter) in Burlington. Condolences may be shared at www.lavignefuneralhome.com.

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 from Mar. 2 to Mar. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Atherton

Sponsored by LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

22 Entries

Linda Henzel

March 17, 2016

Dear Phyllis and family,
My father John Henzel and I were saddened to hear of Henry's passing. I just took a picture of his photograph at the Champlain Valley Fair this past summer to show to my parents. His photo was posted due to his receiving a prestigious, well-deserved award for his agricultural achievements. My parents appreciated your friendship and annual August wedding anniversary parties. We hope you are getting through this rough time and we send you our love and sympathies. We are recovering from Leah's passing around noon on March 2. I hope you and my dad can get together one of these days. He lives in Essex Jct. now. 662-2305 Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. Linda Henzel

March 6, 2016

Sorry to hear of Henry's passing. I knew him through the Kiwanis Club. Just a all around good guy

Steve Ribolini. Montpelier

Sally Ballin

March 6, 2016

I will always remember with gratitude the grace and dignity with which Henry anchored the front desk at the COTS office every week--for many more than the 10 years that I worked there--greeting visitors and welcoming people in search of shelter. His calm and warm manner in our office was the face of COTS for many, and we all benefitted from his steady presence, his heart, and his friendship. My thoughts are with his family today.

March 5, 2016

To Phylis and boys:

So sorry to hear of Henry's passing...One of my last family cousins...Also partners in the dairy industry.

Gerald K. Marckres

Jennifer Comstock Coleman

March 4, 2016

My Dearest Phyllis and Family;
I was so sorry to hear about Henry's passing. He always treated me like one of his own. When I decided to continue my education Henry was my greatest supporters and cheerleaders! I will forever miss that infectious laugh and beautiful sparkle in those eyes. We have truly lost one of the great one. All my love...Jennie

Jennifer Comstock Coleman

March 4, 2016

Dearest Phyllis and family;
I was so very sorry to hear about Henry's passing. He always treated me like one of his own. Henry's infectious laugh and the sparkles in his eyes will be greatly missed. We truly have lost one of the great ones! All my love, God bless.

My start in dairy science thanks to Dr. Atherton

Cary Frye

March 4, 2016

My sincere condolences for a loss of a great friends, teacher and mentor. I am so grateful to have been mentored by Dr. Atherton during my time at UVM. he guided me and supported my education and career in the dairy industry in many different ways after I graduated.

I have fond memories of grabbing an ice cream soda for lunch at Carrigan Hall's dairy bar and heading up stairs to visit with him. We would welcome me, rocking in his chair with "Howdy, howdy, come on in." His class in dairy science and testing and text book, which I still use, inspired me to begin my career as a dairy food lab technologists.

I am honored that he kept in touch with me and his other dairy students to follow and encourage our careers. Happily we had a chance to visit with him this Fall.

He will be greatly missed!

Mark Puliafico

March 4, 2016

Henry was a mentor and a true friend. He shared his knowledge and experience and taught me so much about dairy farm sanitation that helped forge my career. I was also privileged to work with him on many occasions to travel and teach sanitation to field personnel around the country.
We all have lost a great man and friend.

March 4, 2016

I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Atherton's passing. I remember him from my days as a Boy Scout in Troop 23, Sough Burlington. My thoughts and Prayers go out to the Atherton family. He was a great and well-respected man. John Thomas-Squire

Elizabeth Galloway

March 3, 2016

I am so sorry to hear this , I was one of Dr. Atherton's advisees in the Department of Animal Science at UVM from 1972 through 1976. I was very fond of him and he was in some ways like a second father. My deepest condolences to his family and all those who loved him.

Julie Cohen Sloma

March 3, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear of Henry's passing. He was a gem...such a gentle, elegant man. I worked with him for years at the Flynn and appreciated his wonderful stories, his thoughtfulness (always asking about my sons), and his work ethic. During one bad snowstorm on a show night, as many of our volunteers called in because they couldn't make it to the theater to work, Henry came walking in, leaning on his cane, smiling and insisting that he was absolutely fine and would help in any way he could. I was thrilled to see him, but really surprised that he had taken such a chance during a storm. He told me he and Phyllis had decided they had a wonderful, long life, and if something happened, that was fine; they were both ready. I've thought of those -- and many other -- moments often, and I will always remember them. The Flynn feels a little emptier knowing Henry won't be coming by again...but he is in our memories. God bless, and thank you for sharing Henry with us.

Joel Stoddert

March 3, 2016

I'm sorry to hear of Henry's passing. He was, as the old saying goes, truly "a scholar and a gentleman." He had a friendly and hospitable way about him that made people of whatever age feel welcome in his presence. May your memories of this fine man be a comfort to you as you all adjust to life without him.

John Freeman

March 3, 2016

I worked with Henry for close to 20 years at the COTS Phonathon and I came to appreciate his compassion and tremendous dedication , but mostly his great sense of humor. The church community will miss him. Betsy and I send our best to his family.

Rita Markley

March 3, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear this news.
Henry was beloved at COTS. His extraordinary warmth and quick smile comforted countless Vermonters in crisis. Henry's soothing words and wonderful stories provided a loving refuge year after year to the most vulnerable members of our community. He inspired all of us to greater service and will always shine brightly here at COTS.
I'm sending love and deepest sympathy to Phyllis and family.

Dick Shattuck

March 3, 2016

I'm very sorry to read this. I met Henry in the South Burlington Kiwanis Club, in which he served loyally for many years... always with a smile. Whether he was tugging on one of those heavy appliances we used to collect for our annual auction or participating in some good-natured fun with fellow members (I soon learned he had a terrific sense of humor), it was always a pleasure to be in Henry's company. A true gentleman, and a true Vermonter. Condolences to his family.

Doris Ogden

March 3, 2016

Thinking of you, Phyllis, and your family during this difficult time. We've all missed you and Henry sitting in your usual place in the balcony!

Robert Sinclair

March 3, 2016

Dolly and I were saddened to learn of Henry's passing. He was one of the last of the great post-war professors of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and had a notable career.
We extend condolences to Phyllis and his family.

Kathy Del Hagen Sayers

March 3, 2016

So very sorry. Thinking of you, & your family.

Clark Webster

March 2, 2016

I am very sorry to hear of Mr Athertons passing. He was always a very understanding and friendly man while I was growing up in the neighborhood. Always enjoyed playing hockey in the backyard with Bill, Larry and Bobby. My deepest sympathies to the family.

March 2, 2016

Henry was a great mentor and role model. He had a very positive impact on countless students - myself included. His positive influences will impact us for countless years to come.

Mari Peloquin

March 2, 2016

I am so sorry to hear that your husband and dad has passed away. He was a fine man and I had a great deal of respect for him. God bless you all! -Mary Louise Wilbur

March 2, 2016

Offering my deepest sympathy. May every sunrise hold more promise, every moonrise hold more peace. May God's word strengthen your family to endure times like this.. Jeremiah. 29:11, 12. God says "For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,' thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. And you will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

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