Berlin, VT Steven M. Rich, 71, of Hill Street Extension, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 3, 2018 at his home. He was born on August 17, 1947, the son of Donald and Lorraine (Desilets) Rich. He lived in Berlin all his life and attended Berlin school and graduated Montpelier High School Class of 1965. On September 22, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart Susan Nuissl at the First Congregational Church of Berlin. Prior to opening his business he worked in several capacities in Central Vermont as a mechanic and small engine repair. Beginning in 1985, he opened his home business as Steve Rich Sales and Service. He offered sales and service of chainsaws and small engine repair for close to 3 decades. Anyone who was a customer knows that he was very knowledgeable and skilled at this trade albeit not always friendly. He did love to laugh and humor was a huge part of his life. Steve loved spending time in Alaska. It was a second home to him for years and he treasured the countless trips with his wife, brothers, brother and sister in law and many friends. There was hunting, fishing and enjoying all that great state has to offer. Particularly special was his cabin that they built at Lake Creek, Alaska. He would take his daughter Kate and Sue and later his son in law Pat and grandson Isaac to spend time at this little piece of Heaven where you have a view of Denali from the runway (on a good day). There are many bear stories from the years spent at this land, enough to swear he was part grizzly. He was a gun enthusiast, an avid reader and was an endless resource of information about many topics not limited to guns and hunting. He had a gun shop out of his home in the 1980s where he had many long conversations with friends over the years. He was a life time member of the NRA. He enjoyed using his side by side ATV and tractors around his yard and woods. He had a small hobby farm where he and his family raised chickens, turkeys and pigs. He loved his home of 45 years that he built in Berlin on a piece of the old Nuissl farm and spent so much time outside this property with his family and friends. Survivors include his mother Lorraine Rich of Berlin, his wife of 51 years, Susan Rich of Berlin; his daughter, Katie John and her husband Patrick and their son Isaac of East Montpelier, VT with whom he was so very close and incredibly proud. He also leaves behind his sisters, Bonnie Hall and her husband Richard of East Montpelier, Pam Rich of Berlin, VT; brothers, Gary Rich and his wife Judy of Anchorage, Alaska and Kim Rich and his wife Pat of Nelson, NH; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his beloved German Shepard, Denali. Pre-deceased by his father Donald Rich. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 11th at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Berlin, 1808 Scott Hill Road, Berlin, VT 05602 or a charity of your choice. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.