Roger Poirier

Roger Poirier, 84, of Brownington, died peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Jeannette, by his side after living for several years with pulmonary fibrosis.

Roger was born on January 6, 1942, in Torrington, Connecticut, to Emil Poirier and Antoinette Laquerre Poirier. He grew up alongside five siblings and learned the value of hard work early in life, helping his beloved Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Helen Giordano on the family farm by the age of nine, hauling feed and caring for cows and horses.

A skilled carpenter, Roger put those talents to good use throughout his entire life. Early in his career, he helped build the infrastructure of two regional ski areas. Later in life, he worked on the interior structures and pole barn at the family farm in Brownington. If something needed fixing, building, or figuring out, Roger was always the man for the job.

In 1964, Roger was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served two years in South Korea.

On October 1, 1988, Roger married Jeannette, beginning a life built around hard work and a love of country living. Together they found their perfect place in Brownington, where they spent 38 years raising draft horses and mules, caring for the farm, and enjoying the quiet beauty of the Northeast Kingdom. Roger also spent many years driving for Vermont Transit Company out of White River Junction. He truly loved the job, the people he worked with, and the places the road took him. One of his favorite memories was driving a tour bus trip to the Grand Ole Opry — a story he was always happy to tell.

Anyone who knew Roger knew he had a soft spot for old trucks and tractors. He took pride in collecting and restoring vintage equipment, often with the help of his good friend Brian Dunn. Roger especially enjoyed spending Father's Day weekends at the antique truck show in Macungie, Pennsylvania, a tradition he kept for 18 years with close friends.

Roger was a kind and welcoming man who could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, whether they had known him for years or had just met him five minutes earlier.

Roger is survived by his wife, Jeannette Poirier, of Brownington; his sons and their spouses: Channing (Susan) and Roger (Rachel); his grandchildren: John, Shannon, and Benjamin; his stepchildren: Kate English (Todd), Colleen Gambardella (Al), Patrick English (Anna), and their children: Aaron, Sarah, Thomas, Alyson, Jake, John, and Meigan.

Roger was predeceased by his parents, sister Lucille (Poirier) Hintz and brother James. He is survived by sister Pauline, brothers Emil and Richard, and dozens of nieces, nephews, and their children.

He also leaves behind his loyal doberman Ranger, who loved riding shotgun in "the truck" and rarely missed the chance for a road trip with his best buddy.

Jeannette would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered support, kindness, visits, phone calls, encouragement, and helping hands during his final days. Special thanks go to his nephew Jason; granddaughter Sarah, who held a very special place in her Pepere's heart; family friend Kathy; Cheryl; neighbor and friend Roger; and the caring staff of the VNA and LNA teams, especially Amanda, for their compassion and support.

Roger will be remembered for his steady work ethic, his love of farming and his stories from the road, and the simple kindness he showed to others every day. In true Vermont fashion, he lived a practical life, worked hard, helped when needed, and appreciated the people around him — and that is a legacy worth remembering.