Gilbert W. Cheney

Gilbert W. Cheney, age 67 years, of West Swanton passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, on Sunday November 3, 2024 after an 8-year courageous battle with cancer. Gilbert was born in Swanton on October 5, 1957. He was the son of the late Arnold and Bertha (Jackson) Cheney. He attended Swanton schools and graduated from Missisquoi Valley Union High School.
Gilbert was always on an adventure, you were as likely to see him at home as making an appearance on a back road somewhere in Northern Vermont. He was a free spirit who lived life to the fullest but always came home to spend time with his family and to work on his family's dairy farm. His flowers, plants and landscaping were premier and seemed effortless. He had a knack for finding the most unusual gifts for his family members that were always perfect. But most of all he had a kind soul and attracted all people to him both young and old. He always made time to sit in the swing in the front yard with the young ones helping them to brew up ideas to get them all in the fun kind of trouble, or just being a kind ear to listen. He was easily exasperated by the seriousness of life and liked to focus on and enjoy the good parts. If you traveled anywhere with him be prepared for him to see people he knew and you may get caught up in a conversation about situations and people you have never heard of. Gilbert seemed to know everybody and was a friend to all.
Gilbert worked at Dowling's in St. Albans, Lucille Farms in Swanton, Bertek in St. Albans and in Swanton, and Maple Run Unified School District where, he enjoyed the students and faculty he worked with.
Gilbert leaves behind his siblings Eldora (Dodie) Cheney of Colchester, Ernest A. Cheney of Swanton, Kathleen A. Cheney of St. Albans, Betty L. Cheney, Cathy L. Fournier (Rene), Joyce M. Campbell (Duncan), all of Swanton. Nieces and nephews Marka B. Feeley (Christopher), Marcus W. Cheney II (Mary), Benjamin R. Fournier (Katie), Jason A. Campbell, Katie Lee Campbell (fiancée, Montanna Heinlein), Andrew Cheney (Sarah), Lesley Underwood (Andrew) and Matthew Cheney (Rebecca), great grand nieces and nephews Hunter M. Choiniere-Cheney, Tucker A. Campbell, Avery Feeley, Samuel Underwood, Charlie Underwood, Ryker Heinlein, Adalynn Campbell, Harlan Cheney, Declan Cheney, Lucie Fournier, Emmet Cheney, Henry Cheney, Hudson Cheney and close family friend Phyllis White.
Gilbert was predeceased by his brother Marcus W. Cheney I., his nephew Nicolas G. Fournier and sister in law Sandra (Sandi) J. Cheney.
Special thank you to VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region for the care and support they provided to Gilbert and his family.
A funeral service will be held Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Memorial United Methodist Church, 23 Grand Avenue, Swanton. Burial will follow at the Donaldson Cemetery in West Swanton. Per Gilberts request there will be no public calling hours.
It is requested that in lieu of flowers, gifts in Gilberts remembrance can be made to the Nicolas G. Fournier Scholarship in care of Franklin Northwest Supervisory Union, 100 Robin Hood Drive #2, Swanton VT 05488, or a charity of your choosing.