Donald I. Danforth

BARRE - Donald Ives Danforth, 64, of 143 Washington St., died peacefully at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, following a courageous battle with cancer. Donald was born Oct. 16, 1946, in Barre, the son of Ives and Freda Shover Danforth. Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Diane Lyford Danforth; his loving children, David and Laurie Danforth, Robin Danforth and Christopher Danforth; eight grandchildren, Ashley, Amanda, Ryan, Amber, Cody, Courtney, Taylor and Destiny; along with his brother, Ronald Danforth of East Corinth; his brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews dear to his heart. A special note of love goes out to his mother-in-law, Nina Lyford, whom he called or visited daily.

Donald had a wide circle of family and friends whom he visited or called frequently. He seldom passed up an opportunity to ride the country roads, attend a state fair or eat at a favorite restaurant. He loved farming and frequently raised his own beef. He owned and operated a lawn care business in Barre for the past 15 years. For many years, he was a welder at Blodgett Oven in Burlington and a fabrication welder in the Fort Worth, Texas, area.

Donald was predeceased by his parents, brother Michael and sister Sandra Danforth.

Donald's life will be celebrated Thursday, Oct. 21, at 1:30 p.m. at the United Church of Chelsea. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea.