Stephen D. Eddy Sr.

Stephen D. Eddy Sr., 70, of Rutland, died suddenly August 31, 2010, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center. He was born February 3, 1940, in Rutland, Vt., the son of Thomas W. and Charlotte M. (Smith) Eddy Sr.

He graduated from Rutland High School in 1957 and attended the University of Vermont.

Steve had an early career as a publisher's representative at Time-Life, and later opened Book King in 1971. He was a member of the downtown business community until 2009, when he sold his bookstore. He will be fondly remembered by his many loyal customers for his winsome smile, wonderful sense of humor and his dry wit.

He was a member of the American Booksellers Association for many years.

Steve had an enormous love of Vermont, especially the Rutland community. He was passionate about localism and building downtown and as a bookstore owner had a committed following of customers. In 38 years of business, he and longtime employee Joanne Johnston sustained the literary needs of the area residents in providing not only books but poetry readings, children's story times and other programs. He served on the Board of Directors for the Rutland Redevelopment Authority and the Rutland Area Farm to Food Link and, as a part of that organization, he was active in the Grow a Row program, which provides fresh produce to area nonprofits. He served on many committees for the Downtown Partnership, and served as a Rutland Free Library trustee for five and a half years and, for the past six years, he served on the executive committee for the library's fundraisers. He was a volunteer for the Vermont State Guardian Ad Litem program, as an advocate for the needs of children in the court system.

Steve was very active throughout his life and was an avid runner. He also enjoyed playing volleyball in various leagues throughout the region and, in recent years, prided himself on competing against players who were half his age. He was an outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing, never missing an opening day.

Steve was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Nancy (Cook) Eddy of Rutland; his four children, Stephen D. Eddy Jr. and wife Nancy and their daughter Amaya and stepson Luke Hartson of Trenton, Maine, Lauren Eddy Oberg and husband Chris and their children Emily and Christopher of Rutland, Nathaniel J. Eddy and fiancée Sue Eggen of Philadelphia, Pa., and stepson Gregory E. Durgin of Belmont, Vt.; his sister, Charlene Eaton and husband George Skovira of Rutland; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Thomas W. Eddy Jr.; and an infant daughter, Ann Marie Eddy.

The celebration of life will be held Friday, September 3, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Paramount Theatre, 30 Center St., Rutland, Vt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Paramount Theatre, 30 Center St., Rutland, VT 05701; the Rutland Community Cupboard, 191 Columbian Ave., Rutland, VT 05701; or to a charity of one's choice.

Tossing Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.