It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our beloved Gary Crowningshield, who passed away unexpectedly on May 28, 2026. There are no words to express the heartbreak and sadness felt by many or how much he will be missed.

Gary was born in Middlebury, Vermont on June 22, 1969, to Sheridan and Sandra Crowningshield. He attended Barre Town Elementary School and Spaulding High School.

Gary’s strong work ethic and determination were evident throughout the entirety of his life. No matter the challenges he faced, he never stopped giving his all in everything he did. From delivering newspapers as a young boy, to working at Walker Motors, Casella, and roofing alongside his late father-in-law, Gary built a career defined by dedication and perseverance. He later established his own lawn care business while spending more than 20 years in the granite industry, working for several companies throughout the Barre area. In time, he discovered a passion for the gas and propane industry, becoming a CTEP-certified technician and working alongside his brother, Doug before joining several local oil and propane companies. Whether through his professional career, personal pursuits, or more recent work with ReSOURCE and Goodwill in the Burlington area, Gary took great pride in helping others and making a positive difference in their lives. Whatever he set out to do, he did with integrity, care, and a commitment to doing it right.

Outside of work, Gary found great fulfillment in the Martial Arts. Under the instruction of Freddie Lapan at Fred Villari’s Studio in Barre, Vermont, he earned the rank of Third-Degree Black Belt and went on to become an instructor for both children and adults. Through his teaching, Gary mentored countless students, built lifelong friendships, and left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Many of those he taught have shared how deeply they valued the lessons, encouragement, confidence, and guidance he provided.

Gary also found joy in the simple things he loved most- watching NASCAR, hunting, fishing, boating, annual trips to the beaches of Maine and New Hampshire, and spending time with family. In recent years, Gary especially enjoyed relaxing in his backyard, watching the birds that brought him a sense of peace.

Above all else, Gary's greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family. His children and grandchildren were the center of his world, and his love for them knew no bounds. He treasured every moment spent together and took pride in the memories they shared. The lessons he taught, the values he instilled, and his boundless, unconditional love will continue to live on through them for generations to come.

Gary was known as hardworking, kindhearted, generous, selfless, and a dependable friend, neighbor, father, and grandfather. His genuine kindness, endless generosity, and welcoming spirit touched everyone he met. To know Gary was to know someone who gave freely of himself without ever expecting anything in return.

His outgoing personality and wonderful sense of humor made him unforgettable. Whether sharing a joke, telling a story, or making one of his famous impressions of John Wayne, Gary had a gift for making people laugh and bringing joy to those around him. His smile and laughter were contagious, and he had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome, comfortable, and valued.

Pure, immensely resilient, and humble, Gary leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love that will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Gary is survived by the love of his life, his former wife Karyn Tremblay, whom he married in 1999. Although their marriage ended, they found peace, forgiveness, and a lasting friendship built on mutual respect and shared love for their family. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Taylor Crowningshield, Kayla Crowningshield and Ryan Crowningshield, who were among his greatest sources of pride and joy. He is also survived by his four cherished grandchildren, who brought immense happiness to his life and whom he loved beyond measure. Gary is lovingly remembered by his two sisters, Debbie DeForge and her husband Allen DeForge, and Lisa Crowningshield and her fiancé, Bill Phelps; and his two brothers, Doug Crowningshield and Chris Crowningshield; as well as many cousins, extended family members, dear friends, neighbors, and loved ones whom he left a lasting impression on. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Sheridan and Sandra Crowningshield, whose memory remained close to his heart throughout his life.

While words can tell the story of Gary's life, they will never fully capture the man that he was. His presence, humor, strength, and kindness were things that had to be experienced. Those fortunate enough to know him will remember a man who worked hard, played hard, loved deeply, laughed often and never stopped caring for others.

Gary will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is at peace and that his spirit lives on through the countless lives he touched and the love he leaves behind. One of Gary’s final expressions of love was simply, "I love you all.” He truly left this world better than he found it.

While we can only imagine what Gary saw as he journeyed from this world into the next, rather than saying goodbye, we say, "see you later," to a man who lived fiercely, loved deeply, laughed often, and embraced life to the fullest until he could no longer do so.

We will honor Gary and his loving heart with a graveside service to be held at Hope Cemetery in Barre, Vermont on Sunday, June 14th, 2026, at 11:00AM, for all to attend to honor and celebrate him. There will be no calling hours. A private family gathering will be held following the service. The family will form a reception line at the cemetery to thank all whom attend.

Never forgotten, forever loved, forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to the Green Mountain Bird Alliance, P.O. Box 4333, Burlington, VT 05406 or online via https://www.gmbirdalliance.org/membership-and-donations.