| Birth: | Apr. 5, 1945
Greenfield
Franklin County
Massachusetts, USA | | Death: | Dec., 2011
Alburg
Grand Isle County
Vermont, USA | 
In Celebration of Radkin's Life
1945 - 2012
RADKIN
Blue rising into the blue,
releasing the spirit
of the earth-loving man,
his soul soars into the beyond,
while we remain, arms raised,
our feet earth-bound,
clutching to our lives
that have been made richer
by the life of this man.
The balloons disappear,
gratitude, sadness, sweet memories,
linger in our hearts.
Written by Ann B. Day
at the Celebration of Radkin's Life and Balloon Launch
Shelburne Point, Shelburne, VT, August 26, 2012
Long time former Shelburne, VT resident "Radkin" was killed instantly in an accident on his property in Alburgh. He was found in March of 2012.
A Celebration of Radkin's Life was held on Sunday, August 26th, 2012 at 2 pm on Shelburne Point (where Radkin lived). The day was breezy, hot (90 degrees) and absolutely beautiful. Definitely a day Radkin would have loved.
This was a very informal event, and all those present celebrated Radkin's life with stories and songs. It was clear by the number of friends attending just how loved Radkin was.
An article featuring comments from Radkin regarding his tenure at Mad River Ski Area can be accessed by clicking here.
He later worked for decades as the caretaker of the Jackson family property on Shelburne Point, beginning in the late 1970's. He also worked for NRG in Hinesburg, and later worked assembling parts for windmills for NRG from his home . He lived a minimalistic, vegetarian lifestyle which was consistent with his concern for the planet.
Born Richard Burgess on April 5, 1945 in Greenfield, MA, he was the son of the late Arthur E. and Anne (Beagarie) Burgess. He graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1964, and later legally changed his name to just Radkin.
Radkin could frequently be seen riding his horse or mowing hay on the Point in the summer. He was well known in the area for his free spirit, his wit, his eccentricities, and his passion for many causes. He had a musician's soul, and thoroughly enjoyed playing the piano and guitar.
In his earlier years, Radkin lived and worked at the Mad River ski area until 1978 at which time he moved to Shelburne, where he then worked at the Shelburne Shipyard.
He moved from Shelburne to Alburgh, where he purchased property in 2003.
The people whose lives were enriched by having known Radkin will miss him. And because he died a tragic and untimely death I hope this site gives some comfort to those of us who cared for and miss him.
We will never forget you, Radkin!
Thank you.
Betty Marcher, Site Creator & Moderator
" All we have to do is tune into the right frequency "
Radkin
Born Richard A. Burgess in Greenfield, Mass., in 1945, he graduated from Deerfield Academy and later changed his name to just Radkin, and eventually lived as a caretaker on property on Shelburne Point. He worked at Mad River Glen ski area in Fayston at one point. He liked to go to auctions and flea markets and lived off the grid.
"He was an unusual fellow, that's for sure," Powell said.
Radkin had asked the owner of Shelburne Point, a prime piece of land on Lake Champlain, if he could keep his horse there and eventually built a house on wheels and asked if he could keep it there and live it in.
Willard Jackson said he agreed, with some trepidation. "For over 20 years, he was the self-appointed caretaker of Shelburne Point and in the process became a legend," Jackson wrote in an online memorial to Radkin.
Jackson's son said Radkin was told he needed to find another home when the family decided to subdivide the property. He moved 55 miles north to Alburgh, but it took him a number of years to leave the point, moving small amounts at a time, Van Powell said.
When a friend had not heard from or seen Radkin in a while, he called the sheriff's department. His body was found crushed under the trailer last March, in an accident that officials believe happened in December 2011. A memorial gathering was held in Shelburne Point in August.
"He was fiercely independent and, in his later years, lived like a pioneer or as Henry David Thoreau did at Walden Pond. He hardly ever bought anything and was content to make do with what no one else seemed to want. He was a farmer, mechanic, inventor, engineer, philosopher, concerned citizen and loyal friend," Jackson said in his memorial.
By LISA RATHKE and WILSON RING | Associated Press
| | | Burial:
Cremated, Ashes scattered.
Specifically: Radkin's ashes are scattered on Shelburne Point in Shelburne VT where his memorial service in August was held. |
Created by: SJK
Record added: Feb 02, 2013
Find A Grave Memorial# 104515108 |
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SJK
Added: Apr. 6, 2013 |
With Respect, May You Rest In Peace,
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SJK
Added: Feb. 2, 2013 |
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