Morrisville, Vermont
Mar 10, 1932 – Jun 6, 2018 (Age 86)
Ralph S. Barrows
Stowe - Ralph S. Barrows, 86, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 6, 2018 after a short stay at The Manor in Morrisville, VT. He was born March 10, 1932 in Barre, VT, the son of Max and Arlie Birtell Barrows. He married Norma Irish on September 12, 1954 in Enosburg Falls, VT.
Ralph was kind and funny and treated strangers like old friends. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, and usually did. Ralph loved travelling the world with his wife, Norma, and they travelled to every continent except Antarctica. He even received a certificate of completion for swimming around the southern tip of South America, (in the cold pool, on the cruise ship!). He was a prolific numismatist and loved gardening, basketball and football, especially cheering for his alma mater, the Texas A & M Aggies.
Ralph was a member of the Montpelier High School Class of 1950. He attended Johnson State College, where he played baseball and received his bachelor’s degree in math and science. Upon graduation, he began his teaching career in Stowe. During his summers, Ralph worked for the Vermont AOT on road painting and guardrails. This role enhanced his knowledge of almost every road in the state. He then received a master's degree in math and science from Texas A & M University. He returned to Stowe and became the Principal of Stowe High School. He went on to serve as the Assistant Superintendent at Chittenden East Supervisory Union. Upon retiring from education, he had a stint at Tubbs Snowshoes, delivering snowshoes and canoes around the country. He was always up for a delivery no matter whether it was here in New England or as far away as Montana. After "retiring" Ralph continued to teach for the remainder of his life. He worked for the American Red Cross and The American Heart Association teaching first aid and CPR for over 30 years. He taught CDL courses when Vermont implemented a commercial driver's license in 1992. He was a member of the Stowe Volunteer Rescue Squad for 38 years. He also was a Justice of the Peace for over 10 years, officiating at many ceremonies around the state. Ralph lived in Stowe his entire adult life and was very involved in his community, volunteering at numerous events including the Stowe Derby, Stowe 8-miler, and Octoberfest.
He is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Norma, his sons, Bruce and his wife, Theresa, of Stowe, VT, Jeffrey and his wife, Beverly, of NY, and his grandchildren, Mariah, Grace, Max, Eamon, and Mackenzie. He is also survived by his brother Norman and wife Dorothy of Palmyra, ME, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Alyn.
A remembrance service will be held on June 22, 2018 from 6-8:00 PM at a Faith Funeral Home, 165 Brooklyn St., Morrisville. Online condolences may be made by visiting faithfh.net.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Lamoille Area Cancer Network, 198 Farr Ave., Morrisville, VT 05661 or at LACNVT.org
Read MoreI was looking at some coins at the Waterbury Flea Mkt. last week and as I was doing so I couldn’t help but think about Ralph and how much he is missed by many who loved to spend time buying from and talking with him. A really wonderful person.
David Audet
June 08, 2021 | Friend
Hard to believe its been a year. Within this past year I also lost my dad who had done business with Ralph. Ralph was definitely one of the nicest coin dealers and people in general that Ive met. I really enjoyed and miss doing business with him at the Flea Market in Waterbury. I will not forget his kind and gentle way about himself which was what made it so nice doing business with him. It was a privilege knowing him.
David Audet
June 08, 2019 | VT | Friend
I met Ralph at the Waterbury Flea Market many years ago and looked forward to seeing him everytime I went there. We spent far more time talking than we did doing business but we managed to do some business each time we met. He was such a pleasant and nice man. People like him are hard to find these days. I know he will be missed by anyone whose life he touched.
David Audet
June 25, 2018 | Barre, VT
Our sincere condolences to the Barrows family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day.
- Psalms 145:18,19
Your neighbor..
June 22, 2018 | VT
SORRY
Lionel Dube
June 20, 2018 | Reading, MA
It is with much sadness learning of Ralph's passing...at the same time remembering the happy times we shared together. Years at school in Montpelier (where he stole my first girlfriend), then my first year as roommates at Johnson State. He eventually met Norma and that was the end of any times with us guys...and we didn't blame him. A great friend, may he rest in love. mercy, peace and eternal life.
Paul Poulos
June 20, 2018 | Sun City Center, FL
I am saddened to hear about Ralph's passing. I was a member of Stowe Rescue with Ralph for many years in the 1990's. I had the pleasure of running into him in Walmart a year or two ago, and it was delightful to visit and snap a picture of the two of us. I have such fond memories of Ralph, and he will always have a special place in my heart. My condolences go out to Ralph's family during this difficult time.
Jeanne (Hosig) Mulac
June 20, 2018 | Colchester, VT | Friend
Condolences to family and friends.. Ralph's kindness and caring made Mt Mansfield a better place
Dave Lajoie
June 20, 2018 | Brownington, VT | Coworker
Ralph was an amazing man,. He looked forward to visiting Brewster Pqierce school in Huntington, and always hoped my mom Betty Lawyer was making her famous cinnamon rolls that day. He will be remembered fondly
Ellie Lawyer
June 19, 2018 | Huntington, VT | Student
