David "Dave" Lafoe

David "Dave" Lafoe

Dave Lafoe, 85, of Warren’s Gore, Vermont, and Tucson, Arizona, passed away on October 10, 2026, in Orleans, Vermont. He was born on June 27, 1941, in Burlington, Vermont, to the late Bruce Henry Lafoe and Ruth (Bates) Lafoe. Dave graduated from Derby Academy as the class valedictorian before continuing his education at the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington. Following his college years, he went on to a dedicated career with Pike Industries, ultimately retiring as an area manager. Dave also logged many winters in the Bill Sladyk Wildlife Management Area.

Dave taught his children the value of hard work, appreciation of nature, and doing their best. Through splitting and delivering firewood from his logging yards, his children learned firsthand the value of an honest day's labor and the satisfaction of earning their own money.

Dave lived life entirely on his own terms, choosing a simpler, unconventional way of living. He wasn't afraid to rough it and found true contentment away from modern conveniences. For years, he was one of just three residents of Warren’s Gore. Over his 40 years living in his beloved "camp" on Norton Lake, he lived completely off the grid. He initially relied on gas lighting before eventually upgrading to solar power, celebrating the simple joy of having light with the flick of a switch. Dave never owned a television in all his years on Norton Lake; he preferred the peaceful serenity of sitting in front of his wood stove, listening to the call of the loons and the purr of his cat. He was an avid listener of Vermont Public Radio (VPR), especially enjoying Joel Najman’s My Place or Garrison Keillor’s News from Lake Wobegon.

Though he loved cars and owned many nice ones, Dave's favorite modes of transportation were two-wheeled. He owned countless bicycles and motorcycles, riding them through all four seasons. He could even be found navigating snowmobile trails in the dead of winter on a bicycle or motorcycle.

Dave possessed an endless curiosity for innovation; he was one of the first to get a cell phone and always eagerly upgraded his bicycles, meticulously researching every component to build the lightest, fastest ride possible.

Dave was a complex thinker who cared deeply about people and the environment. He took personal responsibility for enacting the changes he believed in, serving proudly as a selectman in Morgan and on the Board of Governors for the Unified Towns and Gores.

In the final decade of his life, Dave fell in love with pickleball. He cherished the tight-knit communities of friends he found on the courts in both Vermont and Tucson, Arizona. As his Lewy body dementia progressed and his game began to decline, his pickleball friends stood firmly by him, welcoming him onto the court and ensuring he always remained a valued, respected part of their community.

For the last nine months of his life, Dave resided at the Maple Lane Nursing Home. The family wishes to express their deepest, heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinarily talented, compassionate staff at Maple Lane. Their kindness, patience, and expertise gave Dave comfort and made his final months as peaceful and comfortable as possible.

He is survived by his three children: Laurie Durivage and her husband Randy, Richard Lafoe and his wife Lisa, and Charles Lafoe and his wife Shelley; his brother, Richard Lafoe and his wife Anne; his cherished grandchildren: David Durivage, Thomas Durivage and his wife Kerrianne, Isaac Lafoe and his wife Hayley, Moriah Nelson and her husband Quinn, Caroline Lafoe, and Dax Lafoe; and his precious great-grandchildren, Maycee Durivage and Isla Lafoe. He is also sadly missed by Teresa Lafoe, his first wife and the mother of his children, and by Sally Frawley, his former spouse.

Dave was predeceased by two Bengal tiger cats, Java and Ember, who brought much joy to his life.

A spring celebration of life will be planned.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Memphremagog Ski Touring Foundation (MSTF), P.O. Box 1032, Derby, VT 05829, or to a local charity of one's choice. Online condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home and Cremation service, locally family owned and operated.