Michael L. Vachon Sr.

COLUMBIA – Michael L. Vachon, Sr., 75, of Columbia, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, July 18, 2025, after a long period of complications due to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam conflict.
He was born in St. Isidore, Québec, on June 17, 1950, a son to the late Jean T. and Irene (Rodrique) Vachon. He emigrated to the U.S. with his family at the age of 6, and became a U.S. citizen later in life.
Mike met his wife when he was 16 years old; he would go around work at the Ethan Allen factory signing "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair." Jean's Aunt Jo introduced them and 3 years later they were married. Soon after they were married, Mike was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam as a truck driver, seeing many places which he said was a beautiful countryside. Mike and Jean would have celebrated their 56th anniversary in September.
He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW.
He is survived by his wife, Jean (Gilbert) Vachon of Columbia; his two sons, Richard (Jodi) of Columbia, and and Michael Jr. (Maureen) of Nashua, N.H.; his sister, Madeline (Brian) Elliot of Sanbornville, N.H.; seven grandchildren, Joseph (Katelyn) Duplissie of Belmont, N.H., Danielle Hopps of Littleton, N.H., Tricia (Dewald) Steinmann of Randolph, N.H., Billy (Denise) MacKay of Hudson, N.H., Nick MacKay of Nashua, Courtney (Andy) Othot of Nashua, and Morganne MacKay of Dorchester, Mass.; eight great-granchildren; and his two closest adopted family members, Mike (Mandy) O'Leary of Augusta, Me., and Moe Harriman of Columbia; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
There are no public calling hours. A celebration of Mike's life will be held at the family home on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 1 to 5 p.m., and all are welcome (BYOB).
Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.