Leonard F. Charland, age 80, a longtime resident of Richmond, VT and St. Albans Bay, VT, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, in the comfort of his lake house on Lake Champlain; one of his favorite places in the world. Leonard was born on August 23, 1943 in Burlington, VT, the 5th child to his loving parents Joseph and Edith (Lawrence) Charland.
Leonard was a self-taught, diligent, and zealous businessman, but also a compassionate, committed and loving family man. During most of his life you could find him hard at work for his HVAC company sunup to sundown, seven days a week. After retirement you could find him in his home shop building furniture (oak beds, hope chests, desks…anything his family asked for – he built it); relaxing with a cold Coors Light (or Crown Royal on the good days). During the summer days you could find Leonard at his lake house on Lake Champlain, whether it be gardening, napping on the porch, fishing, boating and watching his family partake in various water sports. Leonard loved the summer and being near the water – it was his favorite time of the year.
Leonard met his wife Betty (Champney) Charland in 1962 and they were married on April 25, 1964. They were happily married for 60 years and built a wonderful life together, filled with love, laughter, and adventure and went on to start a beautiful family with their two children, Jerry and Karen.
Leonard was the epitome of success, at the age of fourteen he started working full time on local farms to help support his family. Even from a young age family was the most important thing to him and not only did he make it his priority he didn’t think twice about doing whatever it took to help his family. This instilled a strong work ethic and dedication to family that he strongly believed in his entire life and that he passed on to his family.
Leonard enlisted in the U.S. Army and following his honorable discharge he went on to have a very successful career in HVAC. Working for Vermont Heating from 1966-1975; New England Air from 1975-1983; Northeastern from 1983-1987; and from there he partnered with lifelong friend, Donald “Jonesy” Jones establishing Sheetmetal Specialist in HVAC Incorporated “SSI” in 1987 where he worked until his retirement in 2009. SSI is still thriving today under the ownership of Leonard’s son Jerry Charland and devoted friend David Laurie.
Leonard was an avid hunter; he spent many years of his life traveling the globe with his friend Scott Thomas. He passed on the love of hunting and outdoors to his son Jerry.
Leonard enjoyed long drives, traveling and quality time with his daughter Karen.
Leonard’s entire life was his family, especially his granddaughters and great grandchildren, they were the light of his life and he theirs. Leonard, was more commonly known to his family and their friends as “Bubba”. He never was “Grandpa”, only “Bubba” and it could not have suited him better. The bond he shared with his granddaughters and great grandchildren is something to be cherished. He was the leader of our family and a hero and idol whom we will always look up to.
Leonard’s daughter-in-law, Kim, once described Leonard as being a “silent leader” and it was the best way to describe him. He didn’t say much, but what he did say was brilliant and words that you listened to and remembered.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Edith; siblings Phyllis (Charland) LaPlant, Lawrence “Bucky” Charland, Walter Charland, and Paul Charland.
Leonard is survived by his wife Betty (Champney) Charland; daughter Karen Charland; son Jerry Charland and daughter-in-law Kim (Martin) Charland; grandchildren Anna (Charland) and husband RJ Sargent, Emily Charland and husband RJ Moore, Courtney Charland and fiancé John Keen, Katie Charland and fiancé Shawn Careau, and Allison Charland; great grandchildren, Devyn Sargent, Daxton Sargent, Izek Careau, Rosemary Careau, Harlow Careau, Kai Anne Careau and Blake Careau; along with many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.
His family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the VNA and Hospice of the Southwest Region for all their support in his final care. A special thank you to his granddaughter, Emily Charland, who provided respite care in his final days so that he could remain in the comfort of his own home.
In accordance to Leonard’s wishes a private family memorial will take place.
To know Leonard was to love him. There will never be enough words to accurately describe who he was or the impact he had on his family and friends. We are forever indebted to him and we will miss and love him for everyday that is to come.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Boston Children’s Hospital BostonChildrensHospital.org, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital stjude.org, or VNA and Hospice of the Southwest Region vermontvisitingnurses.org
Posted online on June 12, 2024
Published in Burlington Free Press
