John C. Belding

BARRE - John C. “Jack” Belding, 89, died peacefully at Lincoln House in Barre on Saturday, June 23, 2018. He was born in Northampton, MA on October 5, 1928, to Robert J. and Lucia S. Belding.

Jack graduated from Northampton High School in 1948, and from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1953. While at UMass, he met Patricia J. Wyman, whom he married in Auburndale, MA, on October 3, 1953. His first job was at Gould Farm in Monterey, near Great Barrington, MA.

In 1957, he was hired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Plant Pest Control Inspector. Initially overseeing the southern half of Vermont in that capacity, he was transferred to the northern half in 1963, when he and his family moved from Rutland to Barre. Jack continued at the Dept. of Agriculture until retiring in 1983.

A long-time member of the Barre Paletteers, Jack was an accomplished photographer who won many awards. His work was featured in Vermont Life in the 1970s and 1980s. He and his wife collaborated on several magazine articles and books, Pat providing the text, and Jack providing the pictures.

After Pat had retired in 1993 from her long-time position at the Aldrich Library, she and Jack became dedicated hikers, and Jack continued his photography, as well as appearing with his work at many craft shows. Jack’s “man cave” was his dark room in the basement, where he developed all of his own work and produced countless prints, both in color and black-and-white.

Soon after the death of Pat on March 9 of this year, Jack, who had been in poor health for some time, chose to end his 55-year residence at 8 Delmont Avenue, and moved to Lincoln House. His last days were spent there under the excellent care of Lincoln House staff, who made his transition as comfortable as possible.

Jack leaves a daughter, Janet W. Belding of Sandwich, MA, and her partner Melinda Smallwood. Janet and Melinda have two children, Allie and Peter Belding; and Jack’s son, Russell Belding, lives with his wife Lori in Barre. Jack was predeceased by his parents, brother Robert Belding, and sister Joyce Hart. A sister, Ruth Munro of Mount Jackson, VA, survives him, as do many nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in the fall, at a date and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lincoln House, 120 Hill Street, Barre, VT 05641.