David W. Stearns

The Stearns Family is profoundly sad to announce the death of David William Stearns, 85, of Bridgewater, VT on December 22, 2020. David was born in Hartford, CT on July 2, 1935, the second son of John Hartwell Stearns and Laura (Waters) Stearns. He attended William H. Hall High School in West Hartford, CT before graduating from Wesleyan University in 1957 with Honors and High Distinction in Fine Art and was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He served in the US Army Reserve from 1958 to 1962 and worked at the Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford, CT for over thirty years. David was an artist. He saw the beauty of possibility in so many things and applied his own creative aesthetic to reveal true potential. His unique approach influenced all aspects of his own life, through his art work, culinary skills, interior design and garden landscaping. He was a gifted creator, sensitive listener, thoughtful contributor and meticulous record keeper who had an eye for detail and a sharply curious mind.  Over the years, David's art work has been widely acclaimed and greatly admired right up until his death. His intricately created knotted tapestries and whimsical vessels have been viewed in juried shows, exhibitions and galleries all over New England. He was an active participant in the Wesleyan Potters, and his reputation as a fiber artist has always been highly respected. David was also an inspired stone wall builder and an avid gardener. He patiently followed the natural rhythm of the seasons to create a distinctive garden landscape that both reflected his skill and indulged his imagination. David applied his artistic vision to the restoration of the Thomas Lamb House in Bridgewater, VT, which he bought as a dilapidated, 200 year old farm house in 1972. His steadfast dedication to this project, along with his brother John and sister-in-law Judy, helped to create a place of beauty and love for the whole family, which will forever stand as his legacy. David was a gentle man, his smile was warm, his heart was open and he welcomed people into his life and his home without judgement or expectation. Never one to dominate a group, he generated his own special karma, which touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him. David was predeceased by his brother John H. Stearns Jr. of Glastonbury, CT, and leaves his step-brother James Standish of Avon, CT; step-sister Janice Standish of Woodstock, VT, and sister-in-law Judith Stearns of Bloomfield, CT. He also leaves five nephews, Jay Stearns of Colchester VT; Bob Stearns of Granby CT; Jim Stearns of San Francisco, CA; James David Standish of West Hartford, CT and Darren Standish of Avon, CT, along with numerous grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins. The family wishes to express its deep gratitude to Jay and his wife, Jenny, for their constant and steadfast love and care they gave to David during his final weeks. He was able to fulfill his wish of dying on Bridgewater Hill, at peace and in his own bed. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date when we can all gather safely in David's beloved garden.   Donations can be made in David's name to Wesleyan Potters in Middletown, CT or Artistree Community Arts Center in South Pomfret, VT.