Wilbur Locke died March 12th at home at the age of 80 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 6, 1943 to Dorothy (Martin) and Kenneth Locke in Albany Center, VT.  Graduating from Orleans High School in 1961, he then joined the U.S. Army in August of 1964. Stationed in Germany, he serviced tanks and other vehicles damaged in Vietnam as a Track Vehicle Repairer and shop supervisor. He was honorably discharged in July of 1967 as an SP5. He returned home to marry his teenage sweetheart Susan (Gebbie). They soon settled into their current home in East Albany, VT where they raised their three daughters. They had many beloved animals from horses to rabbits, pet and hunting dogs, cats, chickens, and one cow. He fondly referred to his home as "Locke's Mini Ranch", even signing cards to include his pets-most recently "Osker and chickens".

Wilbur worked in mechanics and parts his entire life from body jobs in his own garage to managing Newport Auto Supply, finishing his career at Bond Auto Supply. After 47 years in the parts business, he retired at the age of 70.

Wilbur enjoyed decades of hunting with his family on the mountain.

He was predeceased by his parents, a brother Donnie, his in-laws Donald and Madeline Gebbie, his Uncle Roger Locke, in-laws Pauline Locke, Donald Gebbie II, and Donald Mercier, and others.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years and his children, Deborah Locke-Rousseau and DJ Rousseau, JoAnne Locke, and Amy Locke and her significant other Josh Burden; his "beautiful grandchildren" Ember, Carbur, and Foster Rousseau; older brother and best friend Marcel Locke, siblings William and Judy Locke, Kenneth Jr, Ronald, and Donna and John Morley; in-laws Patricia Mercier, Peter and Sandy Gebbie, and Aileen Gebbie; and many generations of nieces and nephews.

Many thanks to special neighbors and family; Irasburg Fire Department; Dr. Gregory Ripple and Stephanie LaRoza, APRN, and the many caring nurses at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and the NVRH infusion lab.

Per Wilbur's wishes there will be no services. A private burial will be held with immediate family in the spring. If you wish to honour Wilbur his family asks that you consider donations to

The Northeast Kingdom Cancer Action Network (NEKCAN.org / NEKCAN PO Box 4415 St. Johnsbury, VT 05819), Orleans Ambulance (Orleans Emergency Unit 1 Memorial Square Orleans VT 05860), or a cause of your choosing. On-line 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.