Douglas T. Denison

ORANGE -- Douglas Thayne Denison, age 65, died unexpectedly Monday, September 30, 2019, at his home in Orange.

Born April 20, 1954 in Barre, the son of Thayne and Florence (Carrier) Denison. Doug grew up in Orange and attended and graduated from Spaulding High School from the building trades program. Doug spent many happy early years working on his Uncle’s farm. Early in his life, he learned woodworking and became an accomplished carpenter and builder.

As a young man, Doug married Pat Vallie. They had two children, Jenny and Jimmie whom he loved beyond all measure.

Early in his career, he worked as an apprentice carpenter for Paul Vermette of Washington, and later worked in the granite industry at S.L. Garand in Montpelier. Doug eventually went to work for Allen Lumber Company where he spent much of his career as a house designer and estimator drawing blueprints, and providing construction advice, support, and guidance to numerous local contractors, builders and homeowners.

Throughout his life, Doug was an exceptionally talented master carpenter and craftsman. There is nothing he couldn’t build, design or fix. He built over 30 homes as a side job working nights and weekends. He was well known for his quality craftsmanship and skill in renovating old structures into new beautiful spaces.

In 2013, Doug married his best friend and love of his life Sarah Field with whom he spent his remaining days. In 2014, Doug embarked upon a new career as a Realtor for Heney Realty. Together, Doug and Sarah purchased an old 110-acre farm in Orange and Doug spent endless hours over the next 5 years lovingly restoring the old farmhouse and barn, and building a horse barn and riding arena, and riding trails through the woods for Sarah and his stepdaughter Julia. He worked daily with substantial help from his son Jimmy, on bringing back the old farm and breathing new life into the fields and surrounding woods to create a paradise for his and Sarah’s retirement years. Buying and renovating an old farm was a lifelong dream of his and he completed the final touches just days before his passing.

Doug’s greatest joys were working hard, being outdoors, and spending time with his close circle of friends, and family. He was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. His love of “the season” was legendary and his hunting skills were matched by few, and his stories and good humor were endless.

Survivors include his wife, Sarah Field; his two children, Jenny Denison Coates of Burlington, and Jimmy Denison, of Barre; a granddaughter Olivia Coates and a grandson Harrison Coates; his two stepchildren (Sarah’s children) Matthew McIntyre, of Washington, DC; and Julia McIntyre, of Hebron, NH.

The Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate and honor his life will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre. Father Bilodeau will be the celebrant. Family and friends may call on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Doug’s name to the St. Monica’s Church for the benefit of Father Jude’s Christian school mission for youth education in Uganda, c/o St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre, VT 05641.