Colin H. Carter, 75, of St. Albans, VT, formerly of Irasburg, passed away on January 11, 2024, at the VA hospital in White River Junction, VT.  He was born on March 1, 1948 in Newport, VT to the late Harold and Julia (Judd) Carter.

He is survived by his two daughters, Christelle Plourde and Coralee Boardman, and Coralee's husband, Namath Boardman.  As well as seven Grandchildren - Jasmine Keefer, Madison Keefer, Bryhannah Plourde, Kierra Plourde, William Keefer, Skylar Keefer and Anna Boardman.  And three Great Grandchildren - Asher Sova, Emmett Sova and Nora Miller.  He is also survived by his sister Velma Crowell and brother Alex Carter.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Sheila.

Mr. Carter is to be remembered as a valiant war veteran in the United States Navy.  He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer, E-7, through his service spanning from 1965 through 1978.  He served on both the USS Wainwright and the USS America.  He served proudly in the Vietnam War where he was awarded The Silver Star, The Purple Heart and many other medals and ribbons.  Upon his retirement from the military, his service to his fellow veterans never wavered.  He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.  He spent his free time working with these organizations along with the Society for Disabled American Veterans, the Tin Can Sailor's Association and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  Chief Petty Officer Carter was instrumental in the formulation of the Vermont Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Sharon, Vermont.  This Memorial is believed to be the first State sanctioned Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the country.  Prior to his death he was presented a Quilt of Valor for his service and sacrifice.

Mr. Carter was an avid stamp and coin collector.  He enjoyed the outdoors and raising Beagles.  He also found solace in writing poems.

The beloved Chief Petty Officer Carter will forever be missed, admired, cherished and loved by his Country, Family and Friends.  He will NEVER be forgotten.

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"I'M NOT GONE"

I'm not gone, just further away.

Our Spirits continue to touch,

In many unique and special ways.

I am the dew in the morning,

I am the voices of the birds hidden in the trees.

I am the prism of light when sunlight hits glass.

I am the breeze that lifts the butterfly.

I am the smell of freshly cut grass.

The light of the moon in the black of night.

I am the rhythm of the water falling in a cascade.

I am the snow covering the mountain peaks.

I am the colors in the rainbow which gently pass by-

I am the flicker of the trout swimming up stream.

I am the voices of the frogs in spring.

I am the honking of the geese who fly so high.

You see, I am still with you, only in a unique way.

So when you view rainbow, or watch a butterfly,

Notice the scent of freshly mowed grass,

Hear water gently flowing,

View the moon at night,

Sight a deer sleek and shy.

Think of me, I'm your Dad and you see,

I am always close by.

~ Poem written by: Colin H. Carter - June 14, 1999

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* If family and friends wish to make a donation or contribution in Mr. Carter's name, we ask that they be made and given to the VFW post 758, P.O. Box 802, St. Albans, VT 05478.  Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.  Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.