Around Town – February 9, 2023

Condolences

Mark David Williamson died the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, in the presence of his loved ones at University of Vermont Medical Center. Mark was recognized for an infectious smile, unmistakable voice and quick wit. Mark was a hardworking man who found joy in the simple pleasures in life, whether it be a slow afternoon in the hammock or a cold beer on the water with friends. He was a loving and steadfast father, husband, brother, cousin and uncle who brought relentless compassion to every relationship he held. On top of his laidback nature, Mark was a furiously hard worker who valued the 43 dynamic years of his career at Fletcher Allen, now UVM Medical Center.

Mark was born Jan. 9, 1948, in Burlington, Vermont, to Harold and Eleanor Williamson of Bristol. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen and his two children, Kyla (28) and Tyler (26), as well as many extended family members who loved him dearly, including his three surviving brothers, Jack, Bruce and Chris. In his youth, Mark was elected the Governor of Boy’s State in June 1965 and later affectionately called the Mayor of Charlotte. After completing all the courses at Bristol High, he transferred to Champlain Valley Union High School in the fall of 1965 where he was elected class president. He graduated in June 1966.

After completing high school, Mark attended UVM and held a variety of interesting jobs. Mark became a legend at ski mountains across the state, working as an instructor at Okemo and a patrolman at Sugarbush. After his time on the patrol, he spent the rest of his years skiing at Bolton, Mad River and Sugarbush, where he skied his final day. In 1973 Mark joined the UVM Medical Center where he spread joy, laughter and kindness to everyone he touched. He then graduated from the University of Vermont in 1984 while continuing his career at Fletcher Allen. One of Mark’s lifelong goals came to fruition when he settled at Cedar Beach, where he lived for over 50 years, the remainder of his life. He was commonly found sharing a laugh and drink with his family and friends, out on the lake in the summer or tearing up Mount Ellen in the winter. In his children’s youth, Mark would be found cheering them on through their many sports games, school events and successes.

He will be dearly remembered and greatly missed. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he affected. Those who knew him will carry with them the sound of his voice and the passion for life he always held and cherished.

A funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Charlotte, Vermont, with a reception to follow at Backyard Bistro. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Three Peaks Medical Clinic at Sugarbush Mountain Resort.

Congratulations

The University of Vermont announced that the following students from Charlotte have been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester:
• Henry Bijur — neuroscience
• Olivia Hagios — English
• Skyler Heininger — biomedical engineering and computer science
• Seamus Higgins — chemistry
• Alyssana Lasek — biological science
• Henry Lunde — environmental sciences
• Antonio Pugliese — English
• Thomas Wright — mechanical engineering.

Sophie Pidgeon of Charlotte has been named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at the University of New England.

Angela Fortin of Charlotte has been named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Quinnipiac University.

Vladislav Moore of Charlotte was named to the Community College of Vermont’s dean’s list for the fall.

Hannah Cleveland of Charlotte, who is majoring in applied sociology, made the dean’s list at The University of Tampa for the fall semester.