Robert H. Gervais Sr.
ENOSBURGH: Robert H. Gervais Sr., age 85, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, surrounded by his 15 children and his sweetheart of over 66 years by his side at his home in Enosburgh.
He was born February 3, 1939, in Enosburgh, the son of the late Antonio & Annetta (Martel) Gervais. Robert graduated from Enosburg Falls High School in 1958 and was known for his unwavering dedication to farming and his community.
Robert’s passion for farming led him to become a pioneer in his field. After contracting farmer’s lung early in his career, he embraced innovative farming practices such as open-bunker storage, free-stall management, and parlor milking operations. He loved to reminisce about his early days farming, raising draft horses and working them in the woods. He also loved taking trips to the Morrisville auctions where he discreetly purchased various breeds of cattle and other livestock including “free-willed” horses that he’d have his children break. Over the years, he diversified his operations and built thriving businesses including maple sugaring, and the Boston Post Dairy, a goat farm and artisanal cheese making facility.
Robert’s commitment to his community extended beyond his farm. He served as a selectman for the town of Bakersfield for 27 years and was a valued member of several agricultural organizations including AgVenture and the Farm Bureau. His leadership and wisdom made him a cherished voice in Vermont’s agriculture and rural communities.
When Robert wasn’t working, he could be found spending time on Lake Carmi – fishing, swimming, or pontooning with his family. He also enjoyed hunting, and attending any sporting event his children or grandchildren were participating in. A devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Robert’s spirit and generosity touched the lives of many. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and compassion that will be remembered by all who knew him. The greatest part of his legacy is his cherished family. It’s almost impossible to go anywhere in Franklin County without running into some of them.
Left to cherish Robert’s memory are his wife, Gisele Gervais, and their 15 children, Charles Gervais Sr. and his wife Tami, Daniel Gervais and his wife Kim, Anne Doe, Larry Gervais and his wife Laurie, Theresa Lawyer and her husband Lee, Susan Blouin and her husband Damian, Robert Gervais Jr. and his wife Tanya, Paul Gervais and his wife Kelly, Philip Gervais and his wife Sue, Clement Gervais and his wife Colleen, Annette Brown and her husband Todd, Gabe Gervais and his wife Amy, Sam Gervais, Pierre Gervais, and Michael Gervais and his wife Taryn; 46 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his siblings, Marcel Gervais and his wife Donna, Rose-Marie Manahan and her husband Timothy, and Carol Wickert and her husband Dean; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his sister, Helen Bushey and her husband Donald; son-in-law, Randy Doe; granddaughters, Alyssa Gervais, and Kristen Doe; and a great-granddaughter, Isla Kittell.
Robert’s family would like to thank everyone who helped care for him and keep him comfortable, especially Bayada Hospice, and his granddaughter, Ally.
Friends and family are invited to Robert’s life celebration to include visitation from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Avenue, Enosburg Falls, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Church, Missisquoi Street, Enosburg Falls, VT. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Enosburg Falls.
For those who wish, contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, P.O. Box 563, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450.
Condolences, photos, and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com
