Burial Date
Obituaries » LEO A. GARAND
GARAND, LEO A., 98, of The Gardens, Williamstown, died peacefully April 20, following a short stay at Rowan Court Nursing Home. Leo was born October 3, 1915, the son of Simeon Louis and Eva Juaire Garand, in Montpelier. He graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1933. On September 29, 1938 he married Bertha Pinard in Montpelier, where they resided and raised their family. Soon after they married, Leo joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was awaiting deployment into the Army when World War II ended. In 1940, Leo and brother Oscar took over the family business, S.L. Garand Granite Co., following the death of their father. Two younger brothers, Fred and Raymond, later joined them in the business. Leo was very innovative in bringing about new ways of producing, handling and transporting finished stone monuments at their granite plant. He also taught the art of stone cutting to many potential craftsmen in the local area. The business suffered a fire loss in 1947 that totally destroyed the building. They rebuilt and expanded their operation in two other nearby locations. They also purchased a quarry in Adamant. Leo retired at 60 and passed the business on to his sons. Leo and Bertie enjoyed going on business trips and traveling the U.S. and Canada in their RV, making many new friends along the way. They spent most of their retired years in Barre and Estero, Fla., returning to Vermont in 2007 to The Gardens in Williamstown where they were welcomed by their family with open arms. Leo loved being at home with his family when not working. He was a very devoted husband and father. He often would say that his greatest joy was bringing up his family. He loved debating politics and talking with enthusiasm about life and whatever was the news of the day. He was a very positive thinker, loved life and always had a smile for people and an encouraging word to say to those he met. Leo was an avid reader, loved golf, and enjoyed music and singing. For over 20 years he sang with the “Barbershoppers” chorus as well as the “Gentleman Songsters” octet. He was a member of St. Augustine’s Church, Country Club of Barre, Country Creek Golf Club of Estero, Knights of Columbus, Barre Granite Association, St. Monica Church of Barre, and Lady of Lights Catholic Church of Estero. Leo lost his sweetheart, Bertie, in November, 2013, one month after celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary. Prior to her death he had a dinner date with her at Rowan Court Nursing Home every day for three years. Leo is survived by his six children: Suzanne Corning (John), Richard (Virginia), John (Elizabeth), Dorothy Vautier (Neil Davis), Jayne Walker (David), and Stephen (Lorie). Leo was grandfather to 13 grandchildren, two of whom predeceased him. He also leaves 20 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Rico Babic, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Surviving are his brother Frederick and wife Louella, and sister-in-law Frieda Garand. He was predeceased by his brother Oscar and wife Frances, and his brother Raymond.
