Allan R. Heath

SOUTH BARRE - It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that the family of the beloved Allan R. Heath announces his passing on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Born on April 6, 1938, he was the firstborn son of the late Eldon E. and Honorinda (Linda) Heath.   A sixth generation Vermonter, Allan lived in Barre his entire life. He attended Lincoln School, South Barre Elementary School, graduated from Spaulding High School in 1956 and completed Military Electronic Communication School in 1958.

He served in the Vt Air National Guard from 1956-1962 before being Honorably discharged.

On August 1,1959 he married the love of his life, Genella R. Buick. They have spent their entire lives in South Barre where they raised two children and this year celebrate their 65th Anniversary.

Allan’s work career started at WCAX-TV on top of Mt Mansfield, Washington Electric Co-op for 35 years in East Montpelier and Lincoln House for 12 years in Barre.  He and his wife, owned the Milady Shoppe, a women’s apparel store for 21 years and The Bolster Block for 24 years, both in Barre.

He served his community on several commissions and committees, receiving the first Wendel Pelkey Citizenship and Public Service award for the town of Barre. He was a member of the Barre Lions Club beginning in 1984 and received The Melvin Jones award. The highest award for service. In 1993 he began service for State of Vermont on the District 5 Environmental Commission retiring after 11 years.

Allan was active in the Boy Scouts of America as a scout and then as an adult serving as an Assistant and Scout Master in South Barre. He was an avid water and snow skier, bowler, fly fisherman and camper. He had many hobbies including hunting, landscaping, woodworking, oil painting and “puttering” He enjoyed helping family and friends with any and all tasks that were asked of him. The Resident Handy man. He loved and cherished all family gatherings.

Above all, joy came to him from those who called him Papa. He proudly wore a hat displaying each and every name of those who were lucky enough to call him that.

Survivors include his wife Genella of 65 years, his children Todd Heath of South Barre and Robin Gingras (Andrew) of Essex, his grandchildren Ashley, Drew, Joshua and Jamie, his great-grandchildren Grayson, Quinn, Charlotte (Charley), Hudson, Jane and Allister as well as dearly loved extended family and many forever friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Wayne Heath.

Allan and his family will always be grateful for the excellent heartfelt care and attention given by Dr. David Ospina, his staff, and everyone in the infusion and blood transfusion services at Central Vermont Medical Center.

A graveside service in Hope Cemetery will take place at the convenience of his family.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish Vermont, 6655 Shelburne Road, Suite 300, Shelburne, VT  05482, the Lions Club of Barre, PO Box 211, Barre, VT 05641, or to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT  05641.