Carl Raymond Hackett

1931 - 2018

Carl Raymond Hackett was born on January 17, 1931, and passed peacefully on July 7, 2018. Carl was the first baby born in the Orleans County Hospital in 1931 and therefore the recipient of the "First Baby of the Year" gifts. He was the only son of Earl E. and Gladys Hackett of Derby Line, Vermont.
He graduated from Derby Academy and went to work for his father at E. E. H Farms as a farm machinery repairman and operator. In 1950 he designed the first log loader for a truck in Orleans County. Carl and his father Earl built the Redwing Dance Hall on Route 5 in Derby which is currently the Elks Lodge. He also built the building which housed the Vermont State Police for 53 years before their relocation to their own building.
Carl married the love of his life, Norma Leland, in Derby, VT on May 5, 1951. Their wedding was held at the United Church of Derby with the reception at the Redwing. It is said that 900 to 1000people attended!
In 1958, Carl left the farming job to begin his own business, Carl Hackett Plumbing and Heating.
Operating out of his home adjacent to the Redwing and State Police property for 17 years, the business grew and prospered. In 1975 Carl sold it to Fred Oeschger, currently Fred's Plumbing and Heating of Derby, VT. Then in 1976, Carl and Norma purchased the Shattuck Hill Mobile Home Park. Carl, with Norma at his side, operated the park and 18 to 25 rental apartments on Main Street in Derby for over 20 years.
Carl has never been one to be idle. He had a stump removing business for a time. As his son Earl became a farmer, Carl helped in more ways than anyone can count! Carl was an excellent fabricator, passing this skill on to his son. Together they have built and rebuilt all kinds of things. While in the plumbing business he designed and built his truck bodies to make his service calls efficient. He has built larger truck bodies, snow trail groomers for the snowmobile club, and numerous other projects to improve the workplace. Many of the designs were formulated on a napkin or scrap of paper at the dinner table while on lunch break! His practical creativity was a gift the entire family has accessed throughout the years. In all his adventures, Norma was Carl's 'right hand man' - always by his side in work or play! Carl and Norma enjoyed their time with their children, Debra Lynn, Shirley Ann, and Earl Leland.
When the kids were young, Carl built a summer camp on Lake Salem. He enjoyed waterskiing and always had a boat to tow all who were ready to go for a ski. He even tried some Cypress Garden style shows with building pyramids, skiing on trick skis and even some backward underwater starts! Snowmobiling was a major part of the winter activities.
The Hacketts have been lifelong residents of Derby. Carl was active in the community. Carl served as a selectman for the Town of Derby for 17 years. He was the first trail-coordinator for the Orleans County Snowmobile Club. He is a charter member of the Elks Club and has been a member for over 56 years. He was a member of the Derby Lion's Club. During this time, Carl co-organized the Derby 4th of July celebrations for many years. He was an initial investor in Jay Peak Ski Resort. Carl was a member of the Drift Dusters Snowmobile Club, actively helping to groom and maintain trails all over the Northeast Kingdom. In one year a fellow member, Joe Lippens, helped him build over 11 bridges!
Another hobby for Carl was antique cars. He was a member of the Cars of Yesteryear. He owned a '55 Packard for 19 years - a familiar sight in the Derby 4th of July parade. He also had a '76 Cadillac convertible and '58 Edsel.
Carl lost his bride of 67 years and love of his life, Normie, in January of this year. Carl is survived by his sister-in-law Tillie Pierce of Medway, MA, daughter Debra and husband Bob Partridge of Derby, VT; daughter Shirley Hackett and partner Dan Souliere of Derby, VT; son Earl and wife Karen Hackett of Derby, VT. He also leaves behind a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren; Leah Partridge of McLean, VA; Toby and Colleen Partridge and their children Maria and Avery of Chippewa, PA; Katelyn and Aaron Elzinga and their children Mia and Kade of Grand Rapids, MI; Ben and Michelle Partridge and their daughters Polly and Sadie of Derby, VT; Daniel and Meagan Van Woert of Fairfield, VT; Andrea Van Woert and her partner and her daughter Addison of Derby, VT; and Carl Hackett of Willow Spring, NC, as well as many other nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, July 10th from 1:00 - 2:30 PM with the memorial service immediately following at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Committal will be at the Derby Cemetery immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to the DerbyCommunity Church, 3064 US-5 Derby, VT. 05829