Joseph Mell Guilmette

RICHFORD It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph "Jody" Guilmette, age 67, of Richford, after a courageous 41 day battle with cancer. Jody was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at the McClure Miller Respite House on January 31, 2024. His departure came shortly after celebrating a milestone 40th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Mandy, on December 31, 2023, marking a poignant moment in their journey together just 10 days after Jody's cancer diagnosis.

Born in Ashuelot, New Hampshire to Delbert and Beatrice Guilmette, Jody grew up to embody the spirit of community and hard work. A proud 1975 graduate of Richford High School, he forged many lifelong friendships and later earned the affectionate nickname "Wales," inspired by Clint Eastwood's character in "The Outlaw Josey Wales." Jody's life was a testament to his many talents and unwavering work ethic.

Before becoming a self-made businessman for over 40 years, Jody gained diverse experiences working for large roofing companies, a chipping business and construction work throughout Maine on and off the Golden Road, clearing land, and building roads.

In the late 1980's, he bought his auto repair business Riverside Repair and Welding. In addition to his auto shop, Jody operated a snowplow business with hundreds of customers. "Riverside" became more than a business under his guidance; it was a community hub where friends could gather for help, advice, laughter, and occasionally, a cold beer. His work eventually moved into a full time excavating and trucking business where his skills and talents really shined. The past five years of construction work gave him great satisfaction, he picked jobs he wanted and truly enjoyed the work. "Retirement" would have meant spending more time at camp, working on fine tuning things at the property. He was a loving guy, loyal friend, chef of the house and a true jack of all trades, mastering most, even though he would never admit it.

Over twenty years ago he purchased a fifty-acre woodlot for plans of a hunting camp. Little did any of us know about or understand his vision for transforming the property. He worked quietly and endlessly on what is now a "piece of paradise," Camp Guilmette which stands as a testament to his dedication and love for family and the outdoors.

There are endless stories of Jody with his family and friends golfing, jeeping, hunting, 4-wheeling, cooking, fishing, and sugaring.

Additionally, Jody was an enthusiastic skier, having embraced the sport since childhood and even participating in long jump skiing and racing. His passion for skiing brought exhilaration to those around him, as he raced down the mountains, turning with grace, and precision through the bumps, never missing an opportunity to catch some air.

Jody's legacy is carried forward by his devoted wife, Mandy, and his loving family, son, Taylor Guilmette and Chelsea; daughter, Lindsy Shea and her husband Ryan; grandchildren, Cooper Shea, Beckett Shea, Hazen Shea, Iyla Shea, Willow Guilmette, Wilder Guilmette; siblings, Terry Waters and his wife Nikki, Paula Monette, Ramon Guilmette, Valrie Steinhour and her husband Fred, and Gary Guilmette and his wife Christine; sisters-in-law, Sam Thompson and her husband Dennis Himes, Jenny Stryker and her husband John, Candy Barbeau, and Patty Guilmette; brother-in-law, Daniel Thompson; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Jody was predeceased by his parents, Delbert and Beatrice Guilmette; brother, Jon Guilmette; and sister, Lorraine Tremblay, brother-in-law Jeff Barbeau.

A close friend told Jody, "Wales, it's been a hell of a ride It's not goodbye. It's see ya later." This sentiment echoes in our hearts as we bid farewell to Jody, a man with integrity, passion, and boundless generosity. His spirit will forever live in the memories we hold dear and the community he helped build.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rain fall soft upon your fields

and until we meet again, as you guide us through the mountains, may God

hold you in the palm of His hand.

"Cheers to the Mountains Ole Boy"

The family wishes to thank the UVM Medical Center, The Hope Lodge in Burlington, and McClure Respite House in Colchester. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either of these, in his memory, to honor his compassionate spirit and support those facing similar battles.

Family and friends are invited to Jody's life celebration events to include a visitation from 6-8:00PM on Friday, February 9th 2024, at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickenson Ave., Enosburg Falls, VT 05450. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 10th, at 11:00AM at the All Saints Catholic Church.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com