William D. Blakeney

CABOT - William Douglas "Bill" Blakeney, 66, of Cabot, Vermont, passed away after a long illness Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at the McClure Miller VNA Respite House in Colchester, Vermont, with his loved ones by his side.
Bill was born July 3, 1951, the son of Raymond and Evangeline (Bisson) Blakeney, and grew up in Barre with his five siblings. In 1991, he met the love of his life, Joanne Vecchiola. They married in 1993 and together raised Joanne's three sons, Ben, Daniel and Damien "Bucky" Dunham.
Bill and Joanne founded Dunham Brothers Painting Inc. more than 23 years ago and devoted their time and energy growing and fostering their business together. Today, it continues under the stewardship of Bucky and his wife, Jen.
An accomplished and talented wood-turner, Bill preferred raw materials that showed unusual and interesting qualities. He made everything from "Wizard Wands" for children of all ages, to gorgeous, raw-edged bowls. It was, many remember, always heartwarming to see him emerge from his shop smiling and covered in sawdust.
When Bill wasn't working in his shop, he deeply enjoyed traveling, spending time with his grandchildren, meticulously mowing his lawn, sitting on his beloved porch at their Coles Pond camp, and helping Joanne tend the gardens.
Bill was a welcoming and generous friend to many. He was a good man who had the courage to be himself - brave, courageous, kind and wise. He had a dry wit that will be long-remembered, and a humble manner that brought you into any conversation with him in a warm and genuine way. His journey through life was one of grace, love and humility.
He will be remembered with great love by his wife of 25 years, Joanne; and children Ben (Bonne), of Montpelier, Vermont, Daniel (Heather), of Cabot, and Bucky (Jenny), of Cabot. He will also be missed by his eight grandchildren Damon, Mae, Sawyer, of Montpelier, Riley, Parker, Hannah, Chloe and Jackson, of Cabot; and his son, Jed Hutt (Michelle), and grandchildren Dominic and Cali, of Guam.
His is also survived by his brother, Jim (MaryBeth), of Colchester, Vermont; sisters Beverly (Jon Crystal) and Deb (Bob Howard), of Vermont; and brother, Bernard, of Arizona. He was predeceased by his sister, Roberta.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, and to thank the staff of the McClure Miller VNA Respite House. All were wonderful, kind and caring to Bill and his family.
Memorial donation may be made to Bill's favorite charity: Child Haven International, Box 5099, Massena, NY 13662-5099 USA or at www.childhaven.ca.
A celebration of life will be held later in the spring.