Gilbert A. Dewing
FRANKLIN: Gilbert A. Dewing, beloved father, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, of a broken heart, at the UVM Medical Center. He was 92 years young!
Gilbert was born in Franklin on November 8, 1930, the son of the late James A. Dewing and Kathryn (Gilbert) Dewing.
Gilbert held many titles in his life as he was a visionary and a man of many talents. He attended college at VTC, Electrical Technical Institute in Chicago, and UVM. His greatest adventure was marrying the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Benjamin on September 26, 1953, and spending 69 plus years of his life with her! Together they raised a family, ran businesses, and were seldom seen without one another. His education led him to a variety of endeavors and jobs spanning from farming and raising chickens, becoming a master electrician working at the Pulp Mill, installing bulk tanks for Andy Bonneau, operating Benjamin and Dewing Lime/Manure Spreading Service, F. W. Webb Co., Bourbeau International Parts Department, and then onto Dewing Industries, and craft shows! He was also an active member of the Franklin community serving on many boards including the Select Board, Auditor, Lister, Justice of the Peace, Treasurer of the East Franklin Cemetery, and the Franklin Homestead Board.
Gilbert’s family was very important to him and his favorite titles were Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. “Dad” was always there for his family whether it was solving problems with one of his many inventions, helping Jimmy and Priscilla with “everything,” building and wiring whatever needed to be done, revamping closets, or helping Betty to mow lawns. He created a menagerie of rocking animals, “poop spreaders” and any piece of farm equipment toy that his grandsons “needed”. Gilbert and Betty took countless trips across the USA, often accompanied by their grandchildren, and in later years, they enjoyed long rides together going to cheer on family at sporting events or getting Ice Cream at Devyn’s on Sundays!
Gilbert is survived by his son, James A. Dewing II and his wife Jennifer of Franklin, and his daughter, Priscilla Grant and her husband John of Sheldon. He was an adventurous, fun loving “Grandpa” to his grandchildren: Stephanie Ho (John), Jessica Dewing, Melissa Dewing, James A. Dewing III (Maggie), Matthew Grant (Julia), Michael Grant (Brittiny), Amber Gerbode-Grant, and Jonathan Gerbode-Grant (Kate). He was proud to be a Great Grandfather to Kaeden, Liam, and Hannah Ho; Amelia and David Dewing; Lucas Grant; and Grace and Lucy Gerbode-Grant; and many special nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Gilbert was predeceased by his wife, Betty in December, his one sister Marion Priscilla Gates, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 2 – 5 pm at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls. A Memorial Service in loving memory of Gilbert will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, February 20, 2023, at the East Franklin Union Church, East Franklin, VT with a luncheon following the service at the Franklin United Church in the town of Franklin. A committal memorial service for both Gilbert and Betty will be performed in the Spring at the East Franklin Cemetery.
For those who wish, contributions in Gilbert’s memory may be made to the Franklin Homestead, 142 Homestead Dr, Franklin, VT 05457.
Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com
