Walter E. Armstrong, 85, of Barton, VT passed away at his home on February 21, 2022. He was born in Bury, Quebec on June 8, 1936 to the late William and Hannah Eileen (Ord) Armstrong. In his early childhood, he lived with his family on his grandparent's farm in Quebec. After emigrating with his family to Vermont, Wally graduated from Orleans High School in 1955. On June 29 ^th , 1963, he married Priscilla May who survives him. In the years following their marriage, they lived in Barton Village before building their log cabin home on land near Cilla's family in Barton.

Wally was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in the years following the Korean War. His time in "The Service", as he called it, had a profound impact on his life and allowed him to meet people and travel to places he might never have otherwise. Among his various postings, Alaska was his favorite. During his years in the service, Wally especially valued the comradery and shared responsibility for one another's well-being .

After the Air Force, he worked in the Washington, DC area in the commercial airline industry for a time before returning to Vermont. Upon his return to the Orleans area, he worked in several jobs before he began work at Ethan Allen Manufacturing where he eventually became an Expeditor in the finish mill. Wally retired from Ethan Allen after more than 40 years.

Always an "early to bed, early to rise" person, Wally could often be found in the early morning hours out working in the yard. He was fastidious about his lawn mowing, grew an extensive garden and lovingly tended blueberry plants and apple trees. He knew the birds and the animals of the area well. He had a deep appreciation for creation and the natural world.

In the years after the founding of the Barton Golf Club, he and Cilla would often ride across the road in their golf cart and play rounds on the family land. He also created beautiful, functional pieces in his wood shop, most of which are still in use by various family members and friends.

He traveled many times to visit family in Chicago, IL, Cleveland, OH, and Seattle, WA, as well as trips to the Panama Canal, the Mississippi River and many summer visits to Maine. In his retirement, Wally made a return trip to Alaska with his wife, sister in law and brother in law and was delighted to show them the parts of Alaska he recalled best.

Wally lived life on his own terms, valuing loyalty, kindness, sincerity and a good work ethic. He was a devoted husband. He had a great sense of humor and a pleasant word for most everyone. He was quick to offer help and he had a wide ranging knowledge that his family relied on regularly. All this is to say that we miss this dear man deeply.

Wally is survived by Cilla, his beloved wife of 58 years. He is also survived by his brother-in-law William May and his wife Susan of Barton, VT, nephew James May and his wife, Claire, and their sons, Jonah and Mills, of Cleveland, OH, niece Alyssa May and her wife, Tabitha Bowling, and son, Marshall, of East Burke, VT, as well as several relatives in Canada and extended family and friends in Vermont.

Per his request, there will be no formal services. He was, however, informed years ago that we would celebrate him anyway, to which he said "Well, I guess I won't be able to do much about that!" A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later time at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, memorial contributions in Wally's memory may be made to the Union House Patient Activities Fund, 3086 Glover Street, Glover, VT 05839. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com . Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated.