With hearts broken we are saddened to announce the passing of Bernard M. Dubois, 77, of Addison, Vt after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at home on Sunday, Jan 12, 2025.
Born on June 12, 1947 to Marcel and Noella (Lafromboise) Dubois of Addison, Vt. He grew up on the family farm which Bernard, Mike and Andre eventually took over and made it into the successful farm that it was until it sold in 2023.
He joined the Addison Volunteer Fire Department in 1966 and was Fire Chief for 20 years and was in the department for over 50 years. He was Past President of Addison County Firefighters and served 17 years on the Vermont State Firefighters Executive Board.
Bernard leaves behind his loving partner Carol Peterson. His son Peter Danyow, daughter Sarah (Peter) Bicknell and their children Gavin, Michaela (Dave), Isaac and Delaney. Carol’s daughters Shannon (Chris) Robinson and Heidi (Adam) Schmidt and their families. He leaves his siblings Jeannette (Mike) Simard, Maurice (Judy) Dubois, Michael (Janet) Dubois, Andre (Chris) Dubois and Anita (Allan) Campeau also numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Also longtime friend Todd and Dawn Reed.
Bernard was well respected and liked by so many people and it won’t be the same without him.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr Allan Eisemann and his staff at The Foley Cancer Center, Special thank you to Mary, Kelly and Andrea of the Infusion Center at Porter Hospital and also to Addison County Home Health and Hospice Sarah F, Sarah A, Amanda and Stefanie. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Bernards name to Addison Volunteer Fire Department, Addison County Home Health and Hospice or also to Camp Takumta .
Funeral will be held at St Peters Church, Saturday, Feb 1, 2025 at 10am. There will be no calling hours.
3 Responses
Bernard and I grew up together on our family’s neighboring farms. We both attended Addison Central School back when it went through the 8th grade. At Vergennes Union High School we played on the soccer team. Bernard’s father bought him a Ford Mustang when they first came out. He gave me a ride home in that sporty car every day after soccer practice or games. One year, the school chose Bernard and I to go up to Montpelier for a special conference on secondary education in Vermont. The school’s principal, Mr. Crown, drove us up on a very snowy day to meet with legislators and Governor Phil Hoff. Being farm boys, we both felt a little out of place there in the halls of the Capitol Building, but apparently our school administration thought we had something to offer. Later that school year, Bernard fell in love with a fellow student and she wound up becoming pregnant. He wanted to marry her but since they were teenagers, his parents would not consent so he never knew the joy of watching his son grow up and being with the girl he loved. I’m sure it was a painful aspect of his life because he remained single for much of his adult life. Even after a devastating barn fire, Bernard and his brothers went on to build up the biggest farm in our area of Vermont. And after working so hard his whole life, just a year or so after the farm sold for tens of millions of dollars, Bernard lost his life to one of the most lethal types of cancer known to man. Bernard Dubois was an exemplary citizen of his town, county and state, having served in many roles over the years, especially as chief of the Addison Fire Department. He was an upstanding member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Vergennes. His legacy and his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those of us fortunate enough to have known him. I know that Bernard believed in Jesus, and so I pray, “Into your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust the soul of our brother, Bernard.”
Dave and I are so sad to hear about Bernie’s passing. He will be sorely missed by all.
RIP Bernie, our fellow firefighter and friend.
Dave & Mary Harrison
I grew up in Addison with the Dubois family. All of them such hard working and an awesome family. Jeannette was one of my closest friends. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. May he be free of pain and at peace.🙏🙏