April 16, 1939 - June 14, 2022
Springfield…
John E. Follett departed our home on June 14, 2022. John was born on April 16, 1939 in Springfield, Vt. To John C. Follett and Velma Wiggins Follett. The family moved to a farm in Chester, but moved back to Springfield when John was in second grade. A 1958 graduate of Springfield High School, John graduated from Bates College in 1962.
With his father, John E. Follett owned and managed E.R. Wiggins Builders Supply and later Wiggins Concrete Products, a local manufacturing/retail business with five locations in Vermont and New Hampshire. The companies provided building materials for all sorts of constructions, near and far, including the dormitories for athletes competing in the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid. Those building were then scheduled to serve as a Federal prison in Raebrook, NY after the Olympics.
In 1962 John married Patricia Jones of Springfield. Together they raised four daughters. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, hiking, cross country and downhill skiing. The couple also provided homes for two AFS exchange students while their daughters were in high school. John was devoted to Vermont and Springfield and served as Justice of the Peace for 30 plus years. He served on the Springfield Board of Selectman for three terms, including time as Chair of the Board. He served as Springfield’s Representative to the Vermont Legislature for two terms. John also served as an alternate on the Act 250 District Environment Commission. John served on the Boards of Springfield Hospital, Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire, AIV and on the Board of Directors of Connecticut River Bank for 47 years.
He enjoyed hunting with family and friends in the Northeast Kingdom where he and his father built a hunting camp. He was a longtime supporter of Vermont Traditions Coalition in the Kingdom.
A frequent traveler with his wife and daughters in this country and around the world, he visited each of the seven continents. He was admired and respected for his thoughtful planning, sound decisions, and wise prediction of future events. His good humor and sharing of memorable stories of Vermont, politics, hunting, and the construction business were a delight to his listeners.
In 2010, John married Winifred McDowell with whom he was able to continue his interests in traveling and enjoyment of his family for some years.
John was predeceased by his parents, his sister Kathryn Follett, his first wife Patricia J. Follett, his brother-in-law Neil J. Martin, and niece Colleen Martin.
John is survived by his second wife Winifred McDowell, his daughters, Susan F. Lusi, her husband Steve, their children, Robert and Christina; Nancy F. Wiese, her husband Michael, their children, Max and Abigail; Gail F. Suitor, her husband John, their daughters, Elizabeth, Madison, and Catherine; Jane F. Difranza, her husband David, and their children Patryck and Alicia Edgerton, his sister Patricia F. Martin, niece Sandi Prescott and her husband John, and by Norwegian A.F.S. exchange student, Astri Enevoldsen Sletteng, her husband Egil, and their children Trine Lise and Sondre.
Arrangements are in the care of Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date at the discretion of his family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vermont Community Foundation, 3 Court Street Middlebury, Vt. 05753 to “address the Foundation’s greatest need on behalf of John E. Follett”.
https://davismemorialchapel.net/obituaries/f/john-eugene-follett
Cynthia Dyshlevich (Ploof)
So saddened to hear of John's passing Another classmate has left us, John fought the good battle and always stayed so upbeat. He was an inspiration to all. We couldn't have had a better class president. He will be missed, Our thoughts and prayers with Winnie and family at this difficult time. Cynthia .
Patricia Hoskiewicz (Allen)
I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. We grew up across the street from each other and had lots of fun playing kickball, etc. in the empty lot next to his house. I enjoyed speaking with him and his wife at our last reunion. He was a good leader of our class. My condolences to his family.
Nancy Moore (Shanks)
So very sorry about John our great class president and a friend to all always loved his fantastic smile. And his caring for our class. He will be missed by all if us. Rest in peace johnVictor Bishop
So sorry to hear of John's passing. I considered 'Johnnie' one of my best friends in high school. He was a beloved member of the Ski Team. One of my favorite photos in the Greenhorn is of Johnny running a cross country ski race with hat askew. That photo symbolized for me his dogged determination to excel and complete all tasks to the best of his ability, which he did for the rest of his life. On my rare returns to Springfield from Bellevue, Washington over the years, John was one of the classmates that I would connect with.Vic Bishop
Priscilla Woychosky (Millay)
So sad to have another one of our very special classmate and friend pass away. He was a very caring and thoughtful friend, especially in the last five years since my husband passed away. He made sure to check in with me and I with him as he perserved through many years of illness. I spoke to John about 2 weeks before his death, not realizing that he was calling to say good--bye. This is very difficult time for Winnie and plan to keep in touch with her. Priscilla
Joel McKee Chapman
My eyes welled up with tears when I heard, via Sally O'Neill, that John had died. I was a transfer student from Windsor and had only lived in Springfield for the last year and a half of my high school days. So I never got to know John as he was at the top rungs of our class while I was at the bottom. Then in 1965 I moved to California, so I never had contact with my classmates until I returned for our 25th class reunion. I was sitting all by myself at a tressel table when I first and finally met John He saw me looking lonely at that table, so he came over and sat down and started talking to me. Well, from that moment on we were fast friends. I came back to Vermont several times and i always stayed at Pat and John's home He even came out to San Francisco once and stayed at m;y home. Since then I had always counted John as one of my very best friends.
Barrett Cowen
I'm now having to accept two losses within a week of my good friends and classmartes, John and Tom. I have wonderful memories of hunting, skiing (including the Ski Team) and other enjoyable activities until my living distances (e.g., Ithaca, NY and State College, PA) only permitted limited interactions with John in Springfield. Ruth and I extend our condolences to John's wife Winifred and his many family members.
Judith Parker (Turmail)
The news of John's passing is very sad indeed.
We had several conversations recently and as always his humor, upbeat personality, and thoughtful words will stay with me. John was a wonderful leader and example to follow for our class of 1958. President for all four years..how fortunate we all were.
Integrity, determination and kindness
Thank you John🙏🏻
Sandra Thomas (Pickering)
John was a special person and a great leader. I worked with his family when they had E.R Wiggins in Springfield and we were like family. Enjoyed working for them. His family was special. Prayers and thoughts always.
Diane Tabor
A vital member and leader of our class all through high school -- the inspiration and "captain of the works" for the "Elysian Garden" prom decorations, complete with hemlock hedges and working fountain -- and then mainstay family man, businessman, activist citizen. A caring, thoughtful, patient "can-do" person and problem solver. I spent a lot of time at Springfield Hospital when my parents were aging and ill, and frequently ran into John, who never failed to lift my spirits. My condolences to his extended family.