Edward R. Eurich

Edward R. Eurich – 93, a longtime resident of Waitsfield, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his family at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Born in Warren on May 24, 1916, he was the son of the late Roy and Blanche (Richardson) Eurich. On June 19, 1939, Ed married the former Alleen Nina Dodds in Waitsfield. Alleen predeceased Ed on Sept. 29, 2005. Ed was a 1934 graduate of Waitsfield High School and continued his education at the former Burlington Business College, graduating with honors with a degree in Agricultural Business. A dedicated Vermont Agriculture advocate, public servant and Republican, Ed began his career first at the Brandon State School where he served as the Superintendent in charge of the agricultural program for four years; worked in Windsor, CT as the herdsman at the Homestead Farm for two years; then was manager for a dairy farm and retail milk route in the Worcester-Providence MA area. Returning to his roots in Waitsfield, Ed purchased a farm, and in time two others, combining the operations as one that became a family endeavor with his son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and JoAnn. Ed and his family not only operated the dairy farm, but also a timberland and maple operation. A potato grower for 15 years as well, Ed pioneered the packaging of potatoes and maple products for direct sales from farm to market. Called upon for state service, Ed was Commissioner of Agriculture from 1969-73 and then again from 1976-78. From 1973-76 he was manager of the Champlain Valley Exposition. His memberships included; Past President of the Vermont Farm Show; Past President and Trustee of the Washington County Farm Bureau; Trustee of the Vermont State Farm Bureau; Past President and Member of the Washington County 4-H Foundation; Member of the Eastern States Farmers Exchange; served on the advisory committee for the UVM College of Agriculture and Home Economics; was a Trustee and Board Chair of the University of Vermont; and served as President of the Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture and the Board of Directors for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. In addition Ed served the Town of Waitsfield as a Selectman for 18 years; served in the Vermont House of Representatives for four years where he chaired the House Agricultural Committee; was a longtime trustee for the Chittenden Bank; and was active in the Vermont Republican Party for over 30 years. Ed was an active member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He was a Member and Past Master of Mad River Lodge #77 in Waitsfield; was a 33-degree Scottish Rite Mason and Member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Montpelier and Burlington. Ed was a Past Grand Master, Past District Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Representative and Lodge Secretary. His service to Free Masonry spanned over 5 decades. Ed was a member of the Waitsfield United Church of Christ, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Waitsfield Couples Club, the Grange, the Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of the Mad River Valley Rotary Club. Throughout the years Ed enjoyed singing and entertaining; many will remember his talents as a member of the Cabin Fever Follies. Ed is survived by his children, Gordon Eurich and his wife, JoAnn of Waitsfield, Janet Peduzzi and her husband, Len of Vernon, Sally Lyddon and her husband, David of Pittsford NY, Gregory Eurich and his wife, Michele Caitlan currently of the Bahamas, and Beecher (Beth) Eurich and her partner, Claire Doyon of Waterbury Center; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Madaline Kingsbury of Waitsfield, and Christine Crill of Rome NY; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. A sister, Marion Neil, and two brothers, Clesson Eurich and Roger Eurich, predeceased Ed. Ed's family would like to thank the staff and residents of the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center for all of the kindness, respect and care extended Ed and his family. Funeral services will be held from the Waitsfield United Church of Christ on Tuesday, February 23rd at 11 a.m. Friend may call at the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury on Monday from 7 – 9 p.m. Interment will take place this spring in the Waitsfield Common Cemetery. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center Patient Activities Fund, 98 Hospitality Drive, Barre VT 05641, or to the Mad River Valley Masonic Lodge #77 Porch Restoration Fund, C/O Charles Kettles, PO Box 448, Waitsfield VT 05673. To send on-line condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com