West Berlin, VT

Walter Sherman Goodwin Jr. died at his daughter (Pamela) and son-in-law's (Kenneth) home in Barre Town on August 3, 2024. Walter had just turned 93 years old.

Walter was born on July 29, 1931, in Hubbardton, VT. He was the oldest son of Walter and Marjorie (Smith) Goodwin. From his father's first marriage, Walter had a younger brother, Theron, and an older step-sister Helen.

Walter grew up on Lake Bomoseen. His parents owned three camps there. He grew up farming and in the summer after haying he would always end the day swimming in the lake. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping for most of his life.

Walter was drafted to South Korea and spent two years there. When he returned home, he began working for New England Telephone Company, which he retired from when he was 63.

In 1955, he met his wife, Frances (Allard) and they were married on May 13, 1956, at St. Dominic's Church in Proctor, VT. Soon after, they moved to Montpelier and raised their seven children on Pleasantview Street. Their oldest son, Ronald died in 1972. In 1980, Walter and Frances moved to West Berlin. They began operating Goodwin's Leather Shop in Waitsfield and then moved the business to their home in West Berlin.

Walter always said he lived a full life and had a good life. There were summers when the family went to Maine on vacation; stayed in Vermont and rented camps; or before his family's camps were sold on Lake Bomoseen, the family would stay on Lake Bomoseen swimming and fishing.

Walter and Frances loved to go for car rides, especially to get creemees in the summer. On other rides, Walter would find treasures at yard and garage sales, which he would then fix up and sell at his garage sales while Frances worked the register.

Walter is survived by six of his seven children, daughters; Pamela Hepburn and her husband Kenneth of Barre Town, VT; Cheryl Goodwin-Abare and her husband, Charles, of Moretown, VT; and sons Michael Goodwin and his wife, Caren of Westfield, Indiana; Walter Goodwin III and his wife, Michelle of Northfield, VT; Brian Goodwin of West Berlin, VT; and Greg Goodwin of West Berlin, VT. He also leaves behind his six grandchildren; Chuck, Ben, Jordan, Zach, Cory, and Rachel, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was especially fond of his chocolate lab, Cami. Walter also leaves behind his brother-in-law Andrew Allard and sister-in-law Mary Smith. Walter would like to thank Donald Gauthier for always being a great friend and being able to spend time with him recently.

Walter was predeceased by his wife Frances, son Ronald, his parents Walter and Marjorie, brother Theron, and step-sister Helen Goodwin.

Services for Walter will be held at Guare and Sons Funeral Home 30 School Street Montpelier, VT 05602, calling hours Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 6-8 pm, and funeral services Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 2 pm.

Arrangements are in the care of Guare and Sons Funeral Home of Montpelier, VT. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.