It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Curt McCormack on September 16, at the age of 72. He was born in Little Neck, New York and lived most of his life in Vermont. He lived with purpose, integrity, and intention. He was a loyal friend, a persuasive advocate, and a courageous change-maker. He was open to house guests, even at the last minute. He loved to meet and learn from new people, and to understand their perspectives. And he was generous with his solar hot water.

Curt was a loving partner, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.. He was also an electrical contractor, legislator, painter, musician, cyclist, and admirer of the arts, especially opera. He enjoyed music from Bob Dylan to Beethoven to Puccini. He did not clutter his life with unnecessary items, living simply and honestly. Curt had a natural curiosity for life that endeared him to many people. He found joy in the smallest parts of our world, inhaling deeply when he encountered flowers, especially lilacs.

Curt represented Rutland City in the Vermont State Legislature for 13 years and Burlington for 9 years. He was a fierce advocate for the environment as both a policymaker and in his personal life. He led by example – he did not own a car, took a no-fly pledge, composted food waste beginning in 1984, led the recycling effort in Rutland in the 80s and 90s, was a vegetarian for more than 50 years, and was instrumental in crafting legislation regulating chlorofluorocarbons and creating the Ethan Allen Express Amtrak service, first to Rutland and then to Burlington.

His life was punctuated by adventurous trips to learn about other parts of the world and their environmental practices. He spent three years in the Peace Corps in Senegal, creating a large composting facility in Joal – an impact that has lasting effects on the community there. He helped wire a hospital in Haiti for Partners in Health. He toured many places on his bicycle, including Ireland, Poland, Germany, Mexico, Cuba, Canada, California, and New England.

Curt's legacy will live on in the stories his loved ones share, in the public services he performed, and in the memories of those who love him.

He is survived by his partner, Lisa Scofield; the mother of his children and first wife, Virginia McCormack; his second wife, Nicole Dewing; his children, Blythe (Timothy Lynch) McCormack and Jamie (Amanda) McCormack; his grandchildren Aidan, Claire, Mason, and Leah; his siblings Richard, Robert, and Dorothy McCormack; his step-sisters Sharon, Virginia, Cynthia, and Doreen; and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Dylan McCormack, and step-sisters Alice Crotty and Eileen Felicia.

His family would like to thank Dr. Maura Barry, the UVM oncology team, and UVM Hospice staff for their compassion and incredible care for Curt.

Services will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Society (Burlington at 152 Pearl Street, 05401) on October 19 at 2:00. Donations in Curt's memory may be made to Local Motion in Burlington or UVM hospice.