Llewellyn “Welly” K. Cobden, 57, of Hinesburg, Vt., beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly, seemingly at the pinnacle of health, on October, 13, 2025. Welly was born on October 29, 1967, to Geoff and Peggy Cobden in New Haven, Vt.
Welly was a kind, soft-spoken soul with a huge heart, a wonderful laugh and a brilliant smile. His twinkling eyes held love and humor for those around him. Welly shared a curiosity for the world surrounding us that fueled his sense of adventure and love of life.
Music was a profound part of Welly’s life from a young age, from guitar and singer in a rock-and-roll band to a classically trained French horn player to trumpet and saxophone in jazz ensembles. Welly pursued his love of music and technology at the University of Vermont and then at the University of Washington. His love of the local live music scene was deep and unyielding, frequently enjoying the incredible depth of talent in our area.
Welly spent 27 years at NRG Systems in Hinesburg, Vt., because he cared deeply about growing renewable energy globally. Over the last 12 years, he became their foremost expert in LIDAR (light detection and ranging) wind measurement. He was fascinated by a technology that could shoot photons into the air and then create meaningful information from a few reflected back. He loved both working the hardware and working with customers and traveled the world extensively doing training and repairs. His coworkers described him as brilliant, clever and always low-key, focused on work and directly honest.
Perhaps the most important lessons we can all learn from Welly are the importance of setting boundaries around work, prioritizing family, and living a life of joy and fun. Every day held laughter, love and adventures, from mountain bike rides and hikes to river dips and motorcycle trips. The joy and wonder was found in equal measure in our own backyard as it was traveling the world. Welly loved great food and was a wonderful and creative cook. Any tribute would be remiss without a mention of his love of beer and a good martini.
Welly’s greatest pride was his children, for their unwavering kindness, their curiosity for the world around them and their courage in facing life during our challenging times.
He is survived by his wife, Christa Shute; children, Bronwen Cobden and Olive Cobden, and their mother, Heather Rhodes; father, Geoff Cobden; mother, Peggy Cobden; and brother, Dylan Cobden, wife Joanna, and their children, Carter, Chloe, Camden, Austin and Nolan. He was predeceased by his stepmother, Nancy Cobden.
We appreciate the efforts, responsiveness and kindness of the Richmond Rescue EMT and ambulance services as well as the UVM Medical Center emergency and surgical teams.
A celebration of life and a dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, 2 p.m., at NRG Systems in Hinesburg, Vt. For updates on the event and to share with the family your stories, photos, memories and thoughts, please visit awrfh.com.
This article appears in February 18 • 2026.