Louis Provost, whose kind heart and welcoming table were known to all, passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 89. Louis was born on February 19, 1937, in Burlington, Vt., to Joseph and Alice Vincent-Provost. Growing up in Winooski, Vt., he was the cherished only son among five loving sisters, a dynamic that shaped his life profoundly and fostered his unique understanding and appreciation of women and womanhood. He often bragged about having five sisters and how much he loved them.
One of his many part-time jobs as a young adult found him delivering milk for Gamelin Processing. As a young boy, he would climb to the top of Leclair Street to go to the Richard Farm, where he would help milk the cows, load up the cart and attach the horses to deliver the milk to the processing center downtown.
A proud veteran, Louis served in the Air National Guard. During one of the initial training drills, he was working with a partner to put out a fire when his teammate panicked and left him to fight the blaze alone. He fought through and freed himself from the flames. This fight resulted in Louis sustaining severe burns on his hands. Many procedures followed to restore and heal his hands. Despite this setback, Lou returned to the Air National Guard to serve for nine years.
Louis’ career as an educator spanned over 30 years, during which he was a dedicated teacher and innovator. Starting his teaching career in the Northeast Kingdom at Derby Line and Barton, he then returned to Winooski in 1961, where he worked for the Winooski School District for the remainder of his education career. At Winooski’s JFK Middle School and Senior High School, he not only enlightened students in the classroom but also helped develop the Winooski Learning Media Center for current and future minds. During his time there, he was granted a sabbatical from the Winooski School District to attend Boston University, where he earned a master’s degree in higher education. Lou also served on the Visiting Committee (1987 to 1990), assessing public schools throughout Vermont to ensure the highest standards of education were being met statewide.
A man of diverse interests, Louis loved the outdoors, whether he was tending to his garden, coaching sports, hiking, spending time at Lincoln Gap, cross-country skiing or enjoying the serene beauty of Lake Champlain. He was a passionate mentor, an original member of the Winooski JCs and a lifelong parishioner at St. Francis Xavier Parish, where he served Mass from grade school through college.
From 1965 to 1966, Louis and an accomplished crew of family and friends spent their time outside of work building the house that would be home to generations to come. He held an immeasurable amount of pride and love for the home and all that it brought to the family.
Louis went on to marry his soulmate, Marlene Sue Collins, on August 1, 1959, in Montpelier, Vt. Their union was a testament to love and partnership, showing people what true love truly looks like over 67 years of marriage. Together, they built a family filled with love and lots of laughter, welcoming four children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren into their lives.
In May 2000, Lou and Marlene packed up their slide-on camper to venture across the lower roads and provinces of Canada, headed west from Ottawa to the Pacific Ocean. Destination: Alaska. Alaska may have been the destination, but the journey was filled with pulling over to appreciate views and wildlife and forming a deeper connection with each other and nature. Gradually, they added provinces of the West to the provinces in the East on their list of places visited. Their goal to visit every province in Canada was completed by 2010.
Louis is survived by his wife, Marlene; sisters Rita Gilbert and Lena Lynch; forever friend Roger Frenette; children and grandchildren (and their loving partners); great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and countless amazing friends.
A service to celebrate Louis’ life will be held on June 20, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at St. Francis Xavier Parish, located at 3 Saint Peter St., Winooski, VT, followed by a gathering to share food and memories together at the Dumb Luck Pub and Grill in Winooski. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring his legacy and to share in the memories of a life beautifully lived. Arrangements are in the care of LaVigne Funeral & Cremation Services. To send condolences to his family, please visit vtfuneralhomes.com.
Louis George Provost will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to the power of love, education and community, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire.