Michael Gerald Vermette

St.Albans - With heavy hearts, we share the deeply saddening news of the passing of Michael Gerald Vermette, who left this world on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, surrounded by the love of his wife at their cherished farm, The Highlands.

Born in Caribou, Maine on September 18th, 1955, Michael was the loving son of Dr. Gerald and Ruth (Ouillette) Vermette, who nurtured his adventurous spirit in Skowhegan. He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1974, and briefly pursued his pre-med studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. During a pivotal moment in his college journey, a heartfelt conversation with a professor helped him recognize that his vibrant extracurricular life, albeit fulfilling, was keeping him from his academic goal. Despite this, Michael's adventurous spirit led him to serve in the Peace Corps, where he undoubtedly made a meaningful impact.

Michael's beautiful legacy continues through his devoted wife Debra (Gracie); and their interwoven family; Sarah and partner Kyle, Carrie and partner Laurie, along with his beloved siblings - Jean and partner Chris, Mary and partner Scott, David and wife Dori, Peter and partner Mary, Danielle and husband Peter. His treasured niece and nephews, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his faithful companion Willis. Michael was predeceased by Charlotte HIllas, and his dear parents, Dr. Gerald and Ruth Vermette.

Michael's journey into farming began in the mid-1980's- when he established The Highlands in St. Albans. He took great pride in being one of the founding members of the Skowhegan Farmers' Market, which launched in 1996. Throughout the years, his passion shone as he educated the community on the vital importance of knowing where your food comes from and the incredible qualities of Scottish Highland Cattle. Though he often worked behind the scenes, his wife Debra became the face of The Highlands. Together, they evolved their business by entering the food truck scene with Gracie's Farm to Wagon Food Truck, proudly sourcing local ingredients from neighboring farmers when not raised or grown on their farm.

Michael had a profound love for his herd of Scottish Highland Cows, aspiring for them to become the largest breed of meat cows in the State of Maine. With immense pride, he nurtured their lineage on their farm. Alongside Peter Schultz, he played a pivotal role in revitalizing The Maine Highland Cattle Association into a warm community, organizing twice-yearly meetings at host farms that fostered knowledge sharing among members, complete with potluck gatherings and farm tours.

Beyond his agricultural endeavors, Michael dedicated himself to various businesses, from overseeing teams of tree planters to managing blueberry raking crews across Maine. He personally planted over 10,000 seedlings in every state east of the Mississippi and many more in the west.

Though he has left this world, Michael will continue to live on in the hearts of those we knew him, remembered for his unwavering passion for farming, his dedication to stewardship of the land, his infectious humor, kind spirit and dazzling wit.

"Happiness comes in by the pound and goes out by the ounces." "I had a good run." - M.G.Vermette

A Celebration of Life for Michael will be held on October 4th, 2025, beginning at noon at 119 Bryant Road, St. Albans at the Railroad Car. We invite everyone to gather and honor the remarkable life of a truly wonderful man.

Instead of flowers - In Michael's honor, plant a Forest, Grove or Cluster of Trees through the Arbor Day Foundation. Visit arborday.org/giveatree.