Barry V. Washburn

BARRY V. WASHBURN RICHMOND - On Nov. 24, 2008, we lost our husband, father, beepa and best friend. Barry Vaughn Washburn was born to Margaret Montgomery and Fay Washburn on Nov. 30, 1948, in Burlington and raised in Richmond where, except for a few years, he remained his entire life. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1966, and in that same year met his future wife Jackie. After attending Champlain College for a year and working part time at McNash Motors in Burlington, Barry became very interested in Volkswagen and Porsche repair and left college to pursue this career. He stayed at McNash for 15 years while developing his craft and in 1979, he and Jackie purchased the Mobil station at exit 11 in Richmond. He had developed a great Porsche and VW following at that point and was able to continue the work he loved. Through this line of work he developed many personal relationships with customers which have endured throughout the years. In 1987, Barry and Jackie moved the automotive business to Huntington Road and expanded the Mobil station to a convenience store. They continued to run both businesses until selling the station in 1998, and concentrating their energies on auto repair and sales. Their son, Brian, and his wife, Lisa purchased the balance of the business in 2006, and continue to operate it at the same location. Barry had a lifelong passion for automobiles, flying, and skiing, and like most Richmond children he developed his great ski technique at Cochran's ski area, but his greatest joy in life were his wife, children, grandchildren and wonderful daughter-in-law and sonin-law. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jacqueline Benoit Washburn, formerly of St. Albans; their two children Melissa Washburn Carrara and her husband Dean Carrara, and Brian Washburn and his wife Lisa (McEnany) and their two children Mary and Grace; and Barry's mother Margaret Montgomery. His father Fay Washburn predeceased him in 1990. He also leaves his brother Christopher and his wife Suzanne of Swanton; and another brother Jeffrey Washburn of Hinesburg; his aunt Verlie Washburn; and several cousins and a large extended family of sistersin-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, who will miss him greatly. Barry fought a difficult battle with Multiple Myeloma for four and a half years and without the kindness and wonderful professional help from many people, would not have had the quality of life to continue on. Our family would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to Dr. Barbara Grant, Joanne Neilson, Paul Larson, and all the wonderful caring staff at the Hematology Department at Fletcher Allen, all his friends in PPR, FAHC, the Doctors and Nursing staff on Shepardson 4 at Fletcher Allen and the rehab department at the Fanny Allen, Vermont Respite House in Williston, and the kindness of the people who continued his care in the last few weeks of his life, Dr. Zale Berry, Clare, Nancy, Jeanette, Tom, Jan, Tonya, Earla Sue and everyone at the Hospice Center of Chittenden County. Our family could not have managed without your help and support, bless you. Thank you also to Dr. Edwin Alyea and his staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and the staff at Women and Brigham's Hospital. A celebration of Barry's life will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Stoweflake Inn and Resort in Stowe at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks to please make donations to Hospice of the Champlain Valley, 1110 Prim Road, Suite 1, Colchester, VT 05446, or Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495. Arrangements are by Gifford Funeral Service, 22 Depot St., Richmond. PROMOICON.jpg