Clifford J. Douglas, 82, of Addison, Vermont, known to many as Bucky, Bucket the Clown, or Santa, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 26, 2025, at the University of Vermont, surrounded by his children and granddaughters.
Born on May 13, 1942, in Rutland, VT, to Clifford G. and Amelia (Amoriello) Douglas.
He attended graded school at Christ the King in Rutland and graduated from Rochester High School class of 1960.
Bucky served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1972 as a Machinist Mate aboard the USS Austin, stationed in Norfolk, VA. He married Kathleen Senesac of Vergennes, VT, on June 26, 1965, and together they had three children.
After his military service, Bucky worked for over 20 years as an agent with John Hancock Insurance Co. He was an avid collector who had many hobbies. As a skilled accordion player, he not only taught many students but also found joy in sharing his music with patients at Helen Porter Nursing Home. His passion for music brought happiness to those around him. His greatest delight was bringing smiles to others, whether as “Santa’s helper” or as Bucket the Clown with the Shriners.
Bucky was an active member of St. Peter’s Parish in Vergennes, the Dorchester Lodge, the American Legion, Vergennes Rotary, Shriners, and the Vergennes City Council.
He is survived by his three children, Michelle (Todd) Chamberlain, Michael (Heather) Douglas, and Matthew Douglas, as well as his six grandchildren: Grace, Adrian, Madison, Mackenzie, Vincent, and Eliza. His brother Ronald(Debra) Douglas. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Stephen.
His partner of 34 years, Effie Cole, passed away on the same day, hours apart, at the Vermont Respite House, surrounded by her family. They are also survived by her children, Cevin (John) and Charles (Karen), and her six grandchildren: CJ(Rachel), Andrew(Nikki), Justin(Madison), Karlaysia, Karwan, Joe’l, and great-granddaughter Isabella.
Visiting hours for Bucky & Effie will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5th, at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 6th, at St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes followed by a reception at the American Legion in Vergennes. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com.
21 Responses
My sincere condolences to both families. 💔
My sincere condolences to the entire families. They both touched so many lives.
Our deepest condolences to both family’s.
May they both rest in peace 🙏!
They will both be missed ♥️♥️!!
We would like to give the both families our sincere condolences. These 2 certainly lite up any room.
Michael and family, Linda and I express our sadness at the death of your dad. Please except our condolences.
My condolences to both the families of Bucky and Effie. They will be missed as they were a big part of our community.
We remember Bucky with that giant smile and love of cars. He would always be the life of any occasion. Our thought and prayers are with you.
Rick and I are so very sorry for the loss of two wonderful people ❤️
Blessed to be able to have Cliff as a friend in my life’s journey. He and Effie were a powerhouse couple and definitely made an impression to many to include Ron and I. “Keep smiling, you’re beautiful” is what Cliff always said to me when he saw me. RIP Cliff & Effie. 💕
Our dad, Jim, grew up in Vergennes and visits north always meant a stop to see his sister Marie and our cousin Kathleen. When Bucky was there he always had us in stitches. Our hearts go out to Michelle, Michael and Matthew; losing a father is tough. Praying for you all and your families. The McCormick Family: Tom’s wife Laurie, Bob and Donna, Sue and Jim, Carol and TJ.
So sorry for your loss. Joyce
Two amazing people. Prayers for family and friends. You will both be missed.
Farewell dear fellow collector and musician. We already miss your presence at our meetings.
It was an honor and privilege to have known and cared for Bucky and Effie. May they rest in peace.
We are very sorry for your loss. We have fond memories of Bucky and Effie. They were a fun couple. We very much enjoyed Bucky and his accordion at family get togethers. We’ll miss his jokes and laughter.
Debbie and Larry Crone
Sorry to hear about the passing of Bucky. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as the family of Effie.
Michelle, Michael, Matthew and families
Please know I am thinking of you at your time of grief. It is difficult, I know, having loss my Mom in 1976, Dad in 2003 along with Tony and Mary. If I was in Vermont, I would be there to give you my condolences and a hug. I was your babysitter, many moons ago and also your neighbor. God Bless and stay strong. Keep all of your Dad’s memories close. RIP Bucky
A beacon of happiness has been lost in our community. My sincere condolences to both families.
So sorry for your loss. Bucky was a good neighbor when we lived in Vergennes many years ago. He will be remembered for his joking personality.
So sorry to hear about Bucky and Effie.They will be missed by so many.So glad I knew them both .Rest I peace.
So sorry to hear about Bucky and Effie.They will be missed by so many.So glad I knew them both .Rest In peace.