Edward John LaBatt 1939-2011 DANBY Mr. Edward John LaBatt 72 a resident of Depot Street, died Tuesday October 25, 2011 at Bennington Health and Rehabilitation following a brief illness. Ed was born in Bennington on July 23, 1939, he was the son of Charles and Irene (Smith) LaBatt, he grew up in Arlington, graduating from Arlington High School in 1956. Ed was a Army veteran and had served in Germany. He had worked at Mack Molding where he met and eventually married Georgia Lilla Smith on May 6, 1967 at St. Paul's Church in Manchester Center. He had worked as a U.S. Post Office Clerk in Manchester for many years. He was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church for many years. Being raised in Arlington, he occasionally posed for Norman Rockwell with his siblings. He resided in Danby for more than 44 years where he raised his loving family. Ed loved scouting and was the Scout Master of Troop 319 in Danby for almost 20 years. He enjoyed hiking and camping for many years with the scouts and most recently shared that love with his grandkids. He caved with friends until he no longer fit into tight places. Ed was a quiet man with a warm smile for everyone and a keen sense of humor. He was fiercely competitive and taught all "how to win" at card games like hearts and pinochle, usually teaching by example. He enjoyed a home court advantage at croquet, much to others' chagrin. He was an avid hunter, although he never saw an avid (nor a snipe), fortunately he brought a book along on many hunts and occasionally a hammock. In retirement, he became an enthusiastic genealogist, and was active with the Danby Historical Society. He was a member of the Gem Society of Rutland and was always trying to strike it rich panning for gold. As soon as the ice metled and the first snowflake, Ed was in his second home, the pool. His grandchildren were the apples of his eyes. His quiet generosity will be missed in Danby. He leaves his wife Georgia LaBatt of Danby, daughter Abbie LaBatt- Dansereau and husband Lt. Col. Paul Dansereau of Shaftsbury, son Charlie and wife Lara LaBatt of Pownal, brother Earl and wife Jacqueline LaBatt of Arlington, sisters Nancy and husband Clifford Hoffman of Arlington and Shirley Etue of El Cajon, CA, grandchildren Patrick and Caitlin Dansereau and Ethan, Eli and Maggie LaBatt. FUNERAL NOTICE: The memorial mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday October 28 at 11 a.m. from Christ Our Savior Parish (St. Paul's Church) in Manchester Center, officiating will be Reverend Thomas Mattison. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. when the family will be present. A memorial reception will follow the mass in the parish hall. Interment will take place privately in St. Columbans Cemetery in Arlington. Memorial gifts may be made to Boy Scout Troop 334- Arlington , Cub Scout Troop 353- Bennington or any troop of your choice in care of Brewster Funeral Service, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255. To send personal e-mail condolences to the family, please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com


Published in Bennington Banner on October 26, 2011