Dennis P. Carver

1947 - 2016

Dennis P. Carver

Age: 69 • East Montpelier

Dennis P. Carver, 69, of Sibley Road, died on December 31, 2016 at his home with his family by his side after a 10-year battle with cancer.

He was born in Burlington, VT on October 9th, 1947, the son of Robert and Francis (Emmons) Carver. He attended the Cathedral Graded School and Rice Memorial High School, graduating in 1965. He later received his bachelor's degree in secondary education from the University of Vermont in 1969.

On February 17, 1973, he married Sherry Spaulding, the love of his life, and as he jokes, "the pick of the litter" at the Bethany Church in Montpelier.

Work comprised the backbone of Dennis's life. Before graduating from college, he did some undercover narcotics work and then joined the Burlington Police Department. Next, Dennis decided it was time to pursue his life-long dream of owning a dairy farm and purchased a farm in West Addison in 1973. He quickly discovered just how hard he could work but also that there was more to life than work. He sold the farm and moved to Central Vermont with his wife to start a business, Northern Vermont Snax Sales, which was a distributor of Tom's Foods. With this business, Dennis was able to provide a good life for his family and also to model to his children a good and proper work ethic, two of his top priorities.

Dennis's biggest passion in life was hunting and he was a member of several hunting clubs and organizations in the area. He served as a lobbyist for the many outdoorsmen in the state to put an end to anti-hunting legislation in Vermont, a cause he was very proud of. Every year he looked forward to bear season and hunting with his hounds. Dennis formed many tight friendships through this sport and the accounts of their adventures are testament to his spirited sense of adventure and could fill volumes. Dennis was a true outdoorsman and found his greatest peace in the woods. In recent years, some of Dennis's happiest moments included spending quality time hunting partridge, turkey, and deer with his son.

Dennis was a friend to many and was known for his good listening ear and wise counsel. His friends knew his word was good and that they could depend on him. He was always ready and willing to lend a hand or kind word to anyone in need. Dennis was highly committed to truth and justice as he saw it and he stood by his convictions regardless of opposition or consequences.

Dennis's three children were incredibly dear to him and he loved them deeply, always encouraging them in their own pursuits. One of the bright lights and sources of joy towards the end of Dennis's long struggle was the birth of his granddaughter, Emma Adams. He just adored her and cherished his role of grandfather and afternoon babysitter alongside his wife.

Dennis served as the East Montpelier town constable for 18 years.

Dennis was also a licensed experimental, fixed wing, and rotary aircraft pilot.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Sherry Carver of East Montpelier; daughters, Karen Carver Adams of Cabot , VT and Kathryn Carver of East Montpelier, VT; son, Daniel Carver of Barre, VT; granddaughter, Emma Adams of Cabot, VT; siblings Tim Carver, of East Montpelier, VT; Matthew Carver of Denver, CO; Patrick Carver of Dominican Republic; Michael Carver of East Montpelier, VT, Thomas Carver of Largo, FL; Mary O'Donnell of Kingston, MA; Margaret Carver of Burlington, VT; and Nancy Hankins of Aurora, CO.

He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Bobby Carver.

Calling hours will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, January 5th at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, January 6th at the Old Meeting House, 1620 Center Road in East Montpelier. A committal service will be held in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, Dennis asks that you take a loved one to dinner.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.

Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.