Robert Oliver "Tex" Gamelin

Winooski - Robert O. Gamelin of Winooski, VT passed away Thursday, February 13, following a period of deteriorating health. He was born at home in Winooski on September 19th, 1934 to Ernest and Eva (Mercure) Gamelin on "The Heights" in the house his father built on Bellevue Street. He earned the nickname "Tex" from a Winooski friend in high school and it stuck with him throughout his life.

Tex graduated from Winooski High School in 1953. Instead of waiting to be drafted, he enlisted in the US Army shortly after graduation and was deployed and stationed in Wildflecken, Germany from 1954-1956. In 1959, he married Monica Dorey, also from Winooski. They were happily married for 42 years. He worked at Green Mountain Power for 38 years, retiring in 1995 as Western Division Field Representative.

An avid sports fan, Tex played football, basketball and baseball as a Winooski High School Miller. He played softball in the 60's and 70's for various Winooski teams. He was a big fan of the Montreal Canadiens, enjoying Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday nights with his family. Tex loved the New York Yankees, Mickey Mantle being his favorite player. Watching Notre Dame football was also a favorite pastime.

Other pastimes included fishing, hunting, dancing, photography, puzzles, finding unique pieces of driftwood, solving word jumbles in the newspaper, and most of all, spending time with his family. After retirement, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels for several years.

He is survived by his partner of 18 years, Lorraine Greenough; his three children, Donna Gamelin of Winooski, Leslie and Jeffry Turner of Winooski, and Jason and Katherine (Roy) Gamelin of Colchester; and his grandchildren, Colin and Holly Turner, Ethan and Aiden Gamelin, and Mathewson Turner. He is also survived by his sisters Lorraine Donahue, Claire (Robert) Mancini, Rita Moffett, Lucille (Peter) Minotti, and Doris (Rod) Broker, all of Florida; and his sisters-in-law Dorlene "Billie" Sullivan, Charlene "Charlie" (Alton) Kellett, Laurie Farrell and Mary Bessette. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Monica (Dorey) Gamelin, his son Michael Bernard Gamelin, his parents, Ernest and Eva (Mercure) Gamelin, his brother Bernard Gamelin, and many beloved brothers and sisters in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 21 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in Winooski. Per Tex's wishes there will be no visiting hours. Burial will be in St. Stephen Cemetery sometime in the spring. Arrangements are made through LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Winooski. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Tex's name to the Winooski Food Shelf, The United Methodist Church, 24 West Allen Street, Winooski VT 05404.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press from Feb. 17 to Feb. 18, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gamelin

Sponsored by LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

33 Entries

Gary Chicoine

February 11, 2023

I recall one sunny summer afternoon (the year?) going with Tex and Michael to Burlington Airport for a 30 minute "spin" out over Winooski, the St Francis twin spires, and Lake Champlain. It may have Michael´s only chance for a plane ride.
Rest in peace, both of you.

Sheila and Joe Bourassa

February 24, 2020

To the Gamelin Family
Sheila and I are deeply sorry for the passing of
your brother TEX. Sheila remembers when her and Tex were Crowned King and Queen Of the High
School. I Played all sports with Tex and we greatly missed him on the basketball team his senior year when He ruptured one of His kidneys.

With all our Love Sheila and Joe

Maureen Eliasson

February 21, 2020

Uncle Tex was the George Bailey of our time! His life has left many wonderful ripples to anyone who came in contact with him! He has a special place in heaven and will be missed dearly! Many thoughts and prayers to my cousins in Vermont! Xxoo Maureen Eliasson

Colleen & John Leary

February 20, 2020

Leslie, Jeff, Colin & Holly,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. May peace be with you at this difficult time.

Tony Olio

February 19, 2020

Jason and family
We are sorry to read of your dads passing.
may you find comfort in your memories and the times you spent together. Thinking of you during this very difficult time.

Tony and Thresa Olio

February 19, 2020

Dear Leslie, Jeff, Holly, Colin and the entire family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father, grandfather, friend and so much more. We are sending hugs and wishing you the sweetest memories. There is NEVER enough time to be loved. With deepest sympathy, Nancy and Gerard LaVarnway, Northfield, VT

jason L'Ecuyer

February 19, 2020

Thoughts and prayers to all the Gamelin family and to all folks his life has touched. He was a really remarkable man and very humble at the same time. It's almost like he didn't strive to be exceptional, it was really just who he was. He was a role model on how to be a kind human being. He seemed to take great joy in things that most people took for granted. From landing a nice rainbow, to going out dancing, to spending time with his family. He had a way about life that he found enjoyable and for the people on the outside looking in...admirable.

February 19, 2020

Dear Laurie and Kevin. We are so sorry to hear of Your Dad's passing Laurie. You have our deepest sympathy, May you have some comfort in the memories you share together. Love Linda and Bob

Maureen O'Reilly

February 19, 2020

My deepest sympathy to Donna and the entire family on the loss of such a wonderful man. I remember him fondly from my childhood growing up on Bellevue Street. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Derek Companion

February 19, 2020

Thoughts and prayers are with the entire extended Gamelin family. I knew Tex from his son Jason. We started kindergarten together and remain friends still today. I have many fond memories of Tex. Some of these dating back to the days of walking to school each morning and I would stop to pick up Jason. Mr. and Mrs Gamelin and Mike were always quick to greet me with a good morning and come on in while you wait for Jason. I remember Tex always quick to talk about the previous days Canadien's game or Yankee's depending on the season. As a young fan I would look forward to this. I also have fond memories of Tex and the Winooski fishing derby where he was in his glory being able to help all the young children land their first fish. Myself being one of them. It was clear that this time spent with family was very important to him. That same place where he helped us learn to fish he was right back there in the winter months ice skating with us.
These are memories I will not forget.

Jason, Katy and the all of the Gamelin family my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Louise Hill

February 19, 2020

Sincere sympathy to Donna, Leslie and Jason, their families and to Lorraine. Mr. Gamelin was the best! One of my favorite memories is the summer evening his daughter Donna and two friends took him for a ride in a Mustang convertible. We had the best time ever! RIP Tex you will be missed!

Debbie Bolig

February 19, 2020

Tex was my Godfather. He was a man that loved and appreciated nature. God has wrapped him in his arms and given him peace. May his family be comforted by the thought.

Kathleen O'Reilly

February 19, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Gamelin family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Mary Companion (Whitcomb)

February 18, 2020

My deepest condolences to Jason, Katie and the Gamelin Family. I enjoyed many a conversations with Tex. How he loved his family! Remember to keep all those beautiful memories close to your heart.

Sandy McGregor

February 18, 2020

My deepest condolences to the entire family and friends!

Ed Rivers

February 18, 2020

Worked at GMP many years when Tex was at GMP He was a friend to the costumers and also to his coworkers. I always thought that Tex was such a cool guy. Talk about knowing his job he was always spot on. You will be missed prayers to the family.

Ed Rivers Vergennes Vermont

Bernard Valley

February 18, 2020

Please except my deepest sympathies, I stoped by to say hi to Tex about a year ago, we had a great time looking at Mike's ART !! I will say that he spoke of his children with great love. God Bless

JERRILEE SILK

February 18, 2020

My northern morning coffee partner is now a star in the heavens above. Proud to have been in your life PiP. Sending hugs to you. You were a good hugger.

Jim Fontaine

February 18, 2020

Tex, fisherman extraordinaire, and loved the outdoors! Started working with him in 1969 and he has been a true friend since. My condolences to all the family, but you were truly blessed to have such an awesome father, grandfather, brother and friend for all these years. He will be missed but never forgotten.
,

Doris Gamelin Broker

February 18, 2020

I am comforted by the hundreds of kind messages shared with our family. Tex truly was a one-of-a-kind guy who touched the lives of so many, a Winooski icon as someone said. I feel so blessed to have had him as my big brother. So many memories ...

February 18, 2020

Prayers for his family. I didn't know him well but he lived near my mom who lived on Belvue Street in Winooski. Mom's name was Barbara Muir. Sure their visiting in heaven.

Peg Powell

February 18, 2020

Dear Donna, sorry for the lost of your kind wonderful Father. My deepest condolences to you and your family

peggy Powell

February 18, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ricky larocque

February 18, 2020

Rest in peace I remember when football games you would you would say to all of us keep your head up and keep going wonderful man you will be missed

Gary Chicoine

Sent Flowers

Jim DeFilippi

February 18, 2020

Tex was as kind and gentle and humorous. He was so fortunate to have such a wonderful family and town in his life.

February 18, 2020

To the entire Gamelin and Dorey family, my deepest condolences. Tex was one of the best. God be with you.

Helen Boucher

Barbara Worth

February 17, 2020

Farewell Old friend you will be missed. Condolences to the family we loved this man, he was a treasure to be around and work with. God Bless. Barbara Worth

Mike muir

February 17, 2020

Thoughts and prayers from the Muirs. Winooski loses another top shelf icon.

Linda Robinson

February 17, 2020

Tex, we have been friends for 50 years and enjoyed working with you at GMP. Our children went to school together and became good friends. Youll always be in our hearts. Until we meet again❤

Lynne Victorine

February 17, 2020

Dearest Doris, I am holding you in my heart as you trundle through this sad time. May you find comfort in the love of your wonderful family, as you all gather to share memories of your beloved brother. Peace be with you, dear friend.

Jerry Parit

February 17, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Doris.Tex was a special person .I am honored to have know him all these years .Rest In Peace Tex !!!!!

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