Gary F. Gilmond, Sr. Sr.

Gary F, Gilmond Sr., "Big Gary," or "Poppy" passed away unexpectedly twenty-four days shy of his 80th birthday at NMC in St. Albans on July 3, 2025. Gary was a long time resident of the Town of Georgia. He was born in Burlington Vermont on July 27, 1945 where he attended grammar and high school.

Gary started farming at his Uncle Ray's farm at age 8, where both cows and horses became his passion. Gary married Olive Barrette in 1962 and continued his career in farming and also worked as a chef for several restaurants. Gary and Olive moved to Georgia Vt in 1969 and started the Rainbow Ranch both a Dairy Farm and horse ranch. Gary served as the Chairmen of the Georgia Select Board for three years and also served as a volunteer fireman.

They had two children Gary Jr and daughter Trudy. Their young family successfully competed in Gymkhanas with their horses and later Gary Sr. and Gary Jr. started Horse pulling Competitions as they expanded to Draft horses. The family needed to dedicate a whole room in their house to sport the numerous ribbons and trophies they collected.

Gary Sr had a big heart especially for horses or cows that had faced tragedy such as barn fires and floods. He would always welcome these animals on his farm until their owners could get back on their feet. Gary helped several men with developmental disabilities and started the first Vermont Developmental Home in 1988. He had his most loving relationship with Bill, who will miss him immensely.

Gary is predeceased by his parents Allston Gilmond Sr. and Doris Dupree Gilmond. Also his brother Allston Jr. and sister Carmelita Kirby.

Gary is survived by his wife, Olive and long time life partner, Theresa Fitzgerald. Gary had a very close relationship with his brother, Craig. He leaves his Son, Gary Jr, Daughter, Trudy, Daughter in law, Jean, Grand Daughter, Kathryn, Grandsons, Mark, Gary III, and Brendan. Also Gary Sr. "Poppy" had special relationships with his six Great Grandchildren: Gary IV, Haven, Griffin, Isabella, Nina and Rip. Gary was close with his sister in law "Chickie" Diane Gilmond and dearly loved her son, Craig Jr "Cubby" as well as his sons CJ and Brady.

Gary loved all family and friends so much and held a special place in his heart for his numerous nieces and nephews. Gary's closest friends span the local farming and broader horse pulling community.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions in Gary's name be made to the Champlain Valley Exposition - Horse Pulling; 105 Pearl Street Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Ascension Church, 3157 Ethan Allen Highway, Georgia, with the Reverend Father Karl Hahr as celebrant. A Private family burial will take place later this summer in the family lot at Sanderson Corner Cemetery.

Honored to be serving the Gilmond family is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.