John Charles Heaslip, 63, of Charlotte, Vt., passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on December 16, 1962, in Puerto Rico, John lived a vibrant life filled with adventure, humor, and deep devotion to his family and community.
From a young age, John was known for his adventurous spirit. He spent his youth skateboarding and building ramps in his parents’ driveway, longboarding down Main Street in Burlington, and was one of the early pioneers to snowboard Tuckerman’s Ravine in New Hampshire in 1982 on an original wooden Burton snowboard.
Above all, John’s greatest passion was his family — his wife, Bonnie, and his children, Jack and Kendra. He was a devoted and active father who loved sharing his passions with his kids. He taught them how to ski and snowboard, faithfully attended their games and recitals, and instilled in them the importance of being self-sufficient and capable.
John found great joy on the water. He spent much of his life boating on Lake Champlain, where he was most at peace. Whether cruising the lake on a sunny day, enjoying quiet mornings on the bay, or pulling his kids on a tube or water skis, the lake was his sanctuary and the place he felt most content.
John was a true jack-of-all-trades who could tackle just about any home project — from tiling and plumbing to electrical work and boat repairs. He took great pride in mowing his lawn and keeping his property looking its best. He was also a dedicated community member, serving as a longtime volunteer with Shelburne Rescue, where he became an EMT, and as a volunteer with the Shelburne Fire Department.
He will be remembered as a devoted family man with a fantastic sense of humor and a gift for storytelling. John was hilarious, quick-witted and loved making people laugh. He could hold anyone’s attention with his engaging tales, and his warmth and larger-than-life personality meant everyone who met him enjoyed his company.
John is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Heaslip; children, John “Jack” Heaslip and Kendra Heaslip; soon-to-be son-in-law, Ken Krofel; mother, Colleen Heaslip; brother Jay Heaslip and wife Tina; brother Jeff Heaslip and Deb Fennell; sister, Jan Monteith, and husband Neil; and many nieces and nephews.
John’s adventurous heart, infectious laughter and loving presence will be deeply missed by his family and all those whose lives he touched.