Burial Date
Obituaries » KENNETH S. GIBSON
GIBSON, KENNETH STEWART “STEW,” 85, formerly of Waterbury, died peacefully at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, N.H., on October 1. Born in St. Johnsbury on Aug. 8, 1928, he was the son of Charles E. Sr. and Elizabeth (Garvin) Gibson. Stew’s fondest memories of youth were of working for his Uncle John on the farm at “Gibson Acres” in South Ryegate, his hometown. Stew attended St. Johnsbury Academy, graduating in 1946. He lettered in football, basketball and track, was class president, and consistently achieved academic honors. Stew graduated from the University of Vermont College of Agriculture in 1951 with a BS in agronomy. In 1953, he received his Master of Science in dairy cattle nutrition from the University of New Hampshire. After their simultaneous graduation from UNH in 1953, Stewart and Marion Webster joined in matrimony. Stew enrolled in the U.S. Army as an officer trainee, and the newlyweds were stationed at a base near Baltimore, Md. In 1956, Stew began his career with the UVM Extension Service as the assistant county agricultural agent in Chittenden County. In 1960, the couple purchased a 30-cow dairy herd and farm on Kneeland Flats in Waterbury, and Stew left the Extension Service temporarily. Stew and Marion farmed from 1960 to 1968. In 1963, Stew “re-upped” with Vermont Extension as the Washington County agricultural agent. In 1967, Stew became State Extension dairyman, which included teaching courses in the UVM ag college. With anguish, he and Marion sold the farm and moved the family to Gregg Hill in Waterbury Center. In this statewide role, Stew hoed a unique row in his profession, compassionately meeting each individual “where they were,” helping to sort out issues and priorities, then providing guidance, instruction and mentorship from a custom-fit blend of research, personal experience and common sense. Stew’s influence gained a larger than Vermont and New England reputation from his practical synthesis of information delivered to farmers in various leadership roles: superintendent of cattle (1964; 1969-1981) and director (1958-1981) for the Champlain Valley Exposition; award-winning management of the UVM dairy herd; dairy fitting and showing, judging and teaching thereof; instruction, guidance and selection of Vermont youth for 4-H dairy showmanship; leadership activities with Cabot Creamery Co-op, VT Dairyman’s and Industry Association, VT Dairy Herd Improvement Association, UVM Extension Faculty Organization and the VT Housing and Conservation Board; and teaching, advising and befriending countless students at UVM for nearly 30 years. Stew was formally recognized numerous times for his contributions, including the Joseph E. Carrigan Award, as Outstanding Herdsman, George D. Aiken VT Agriculturist of the Year and inductee to the VT Agriculture Hall of Fame, to name a very few. He was asked by then-Gov. Madeleine Kunin to be her commissioner of agriculture. In 1976, Stew married his second wife, Joan Myers, of Waterbury. They relocated to Blush Hill in Waterbury. Stew and Joan were avid gardeners, Harwood Union sports supporters, ham radio operators and devoted to animals, including beloved cats and golden retrievers, and the annual flock of ducks on their pond. They were active in the Waterbury Fast Squad, McLure’s Alumni Band and the Waterbury Community Band. Stew served over 10 years as Waterbury selectman. Stew retired at age 69, following Joan’s gallant battle with cancer in 1997. Named professor emeritus at UVM, he left a legacy in the agricultural community, but he never left it behind. Stew spent retirement volunteering at Fletcher Allen oncology, as well as with Vermont Hospice, and cultivating friendships. Stew demonstrated incredible love of and pride in his children and grandchildren, basking in their presence and surrounding them with his love and devotion. He also continued to make farm visits and attend farmer activities with his son Willie, extending his affection and admiration to many farmers and professionals who otherwise would not have met him. Stew’s highest form of legacy was his family and friendships. He was predeceased by many beloved: his parents, Marion (Webster) Gibson, Lucia Gibson, David Gibson, Joan (Myers) Gibson, beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Stew leaves dear ones to carry on his memory and works, including (children) Mary Truax and companion Jeff Holden, of Waterbury Center, William Gibson and wife Martha, of Ryegate, Lucia Burke and husband Sam, of Berlin; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother Charles E. Gibson Jr. and wife Joanne, of Montpelier; many dear friends, including Stew’s best friend from St. Johnsbury Academy, Dick Hovey, and wife Dot, of Peacham, the rest of his beloved classmates of ’46 and so many more.
