Calais, VT Robert Alfred LaFountain, II of Calais, VT passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 26, 2011, following a short hospitalization at Central Vermont Medical Center. He was a wonderful man, a loving and devoted husband, the best father anyone could have, a dear brother, a good friend and neighbor, and a consummate prankster who also appreciated being on the receiving end of a good joke. Bob was born to Robert and Mary (Wallace) LaFountain October 22, 1929, in Lowell, MA. He spent his boyhood on Martha's Vineyard, in Hopedale, Ma, and in Springfield, VT. He worked on the family dairy farm and in the family restaurant and graduated from Springfield High School in 1948. He married Barbara (Lengyel) of Middlebury, VT in 1953. Joining the army in 1955, he was stationed in Wurzburg, Germany. The time there made a lasting impression on Bob and Barbara and was remembered very fondly by them both. After completing his enlistment, he enrolled at the University of Maine at Orono, where he received his degree in Business Management. After returning to Vermont in 1960, Bob became Winooski's first city manager. In 1963, Bob moved his family to Calais, VT and he began a successful career as a budget analyst for the State of Vermont with the Department of Budget and Management. Bob subsequently worked for the Department of Mental Health and for the Office of the Attorney General. He retired in 1991. He also served as a Calais selectman for several years. Along with being an avid reader– Bob was rarely found without a book– he enjoyed gardening, model railroad trains, sports, and spending time with his family and friends. Catching up with former classmates at reunions was always a pleasure for him. He was also a lifetime member of the Springfield Elks Club. Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara; his daughter Marcia LaFountain (married to Kurt Pettinga) in Duxbury, VT; son Robert LaFountain, III (partner Cassandra LaRae-Perez) in Montpelier, VT; daughter Lisa LaFountain-Dearing (partner Brian Pusey), stationed at Hill AFB, UT; his sister Faith Horsky in Fountain Valley, CA; his sister, Sally Hanson (husband John) in Berlin, CT; sister-in-law Pauline (Lengyel) Novak in Middlebury, VT and brothers-in-law Charles Lengyel in Middlebury, VT, Frank Lengyel in Springfield, VT, Willis Knight in Bennington, VT and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bob will be remembered and missed by all who knew him for his kindness, open-mindedness, competitive streak, indomitable wit and his love of all things humorous. Per Bob's wishes, his immediate family held a private celebration of his life. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Lung Association of VT, 372 Hurricane Lane, Suite 101, Williston, VT 05495 or Central Vermont Medical Center, PO Box 547, Barre, VT 05641. The family wishes to thank the staff of CVMC for the care, kindness and respect provided to Bob and his family. Those wishing to send on-line condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Bob's obituary.