John F.

Van Deren III

John F. Van Deren III was born on March 9, 1946, in Greenwich, Connecticut, and passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on November 7, 2026. John lived a full and interesting life and will be remembered as a genuinely good soul, a loving and kind friend, and a patient listener who made people feel heard and valued. He was someone others could count on, whether they needed a thoughtful ear, a helping hand, or someone who could fix or assemble almost anything. He had a remarkable practical ingenuity and a quiet willingness to help that made him a person others naturally turned to.

An avid reader, John enjoyed exploring the world and its history through books and ideas. Throughout his life he pursued a variety of interests, but he especially loved spending time in his workshop studio, where he crafted woodworking projects and found satisfaction in creating, repairing, and making things with his hands.

John also had a lifelong adventurous side. He loved riding motorcycles and looked forward to trips with friends. One tradition he particularly enjoyed was their annual spring motorcycle ride down the Blue Ridge Highway. These trips were an opportunity to share the open road and the companionship of good friends.

John attended Lehigh University from 1964–1965 and graduated from Johnson State College in 1969. He went on to earn his master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Antioch New England Graduate School in 1994.

In 1969, John was drafted into the United States Army, where he served until 1972. He was stationed in Germany.

John's professional life included several distinct chapters, reflecting his technical abilities, creativity, and independence. In the late 1970s, he was a manager and part owner of Country Camera in Montpelier, Vermont. In the early 1980s, John owned and operated Cougar Photography, his own photography studio. He photographed weddings and, being colorblind, had a particular affinity for black-and-white photography.

From 1986–1991, John worked as an audiovisual producer for National Life of Vermont in Montpelier, as part of the company's Communications Department.

John also devoted many years to community service. He worked for the Family Center of Washington County for over a decade, including five years as a grant writer. He served on Montpelier's Tree Board and the Montpelier Community Fund Board, remaining active as a volunteer and contributing his time and talents to the community.

John's family was an important part of his life. In 1970, he married Lauren, and together they had two children, Jessica (Dan Herlihy) and John (SoHyun Kang).

John married Jane Kast in 1996 and was a steady and caring presence in the lives of his stepdaughters, Annie (Tom Papp) and Caitlin (Josh Saxby).

John was also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Celeste and Baxter Herlihy, TaeO Van Deren, Everett and Eleanor Papp, and Sloane and Lennon Saxby. He took great pride in his grandchildren and delighted in watching them grow.

John is also survived by his sister, Nancy Van Deren, and his step-siblings Tom MacCracken and Linda MacCracken.

His family extended across generations, and each relationship was part of the larger family story he helped build.

John will be remembered as a kind and patient listener and a good friend. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will carry forward their memories of his kindness, his friendship, and the many ways he touched their lives.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared by the family once arrangements are finalized.

Arrangements are in the care of Guare & Sons Funeral Home. To share online condolences, please visit www.guareandsons.com.