Arnolds Vilcins, 86, of Duxbury, Vt., passed away on March 28, 2025, at the University of Vermont Medical Center. He was born on July 29, 1938, in Laudona, Latvia. Arnolds emigrated with his family to Elizabeth, N.J., to escape a war-torn Europe. His journey eventually led him to Vermont, which reminded him of Latvia and is where he became a U.S. citizen. Vermont became his home and where he built a remarkable life centered on family, creativity and devotion.
Arnolds was a very diverse artist who graduated from the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts in 1961, where he met his future wife, Beverly. His work began in New York City as a graphic and packaging designer for Winthrop Pharmaceutical Company, additionally working as a freelance designer/photographer for various studios and agencies. In 1976 Arnolds moved to Vermont and dedicated many years of his professional life as the director of graphics and printing at UVM. He accepted the challenge of revising the UVM Printing Shop, taking it from a letterhead/envelope service to a full-service design, printing and publication office from 1979 to 1991, where his talents, vision and leadership left a lasting impact. He continued his artistic talents with many different mediums and was constantly involved in home renovations, woodworking and metalworking, and handcrafted gifts for his family. His graphic designs continued to assist his wife in their home-based bakery, where he designed and handcrafted their own unique cookie cutters, used for their very elaborate hand-baked and hand-decorated cookies.
Throughout Arnolds’ professional career and life, he gave tirelessly to multiple volunteer projects for civic groups and his church. He was a very generous, loving, impressive man in stature and personality but a man of few words who would roll up his sleeves and set to work for anyone in need. He cherished his time outdoors and had an extraordinary ability to find inspiration and beauty in nature. A creative spirit, Arnolds expressed himself through his talents and found fulfillment in sharing his gifts with those around him.
Arnolds’ greatest joy was his family, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness. He was a strong and nurturing provider and a loving presence who instilled values of compassion, creativity, hard work and resilience in his children and grandchildren and looked forward to doing the same with his great-grandchild.
Arnolds is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Beverly (Townsend) Vilcins; his two children, Andra (Vilcins) Liberty and her husband, Todd Liberty, of Duxbury, Vt., and Kenneth Vilcins and his wife, Sharon (North) Vilcins, of Wilmington, N.C.; four cherished grandchildren, Mariah Liberty and partner Joseph Marc, Logan Liberty and fiancé Kiana Lane of Boston, Mass., Maksis Vilcins and wife Nicole Vilcins, and Annika Chittum and husband Sawyer Chittum; and his first great-grandchild, Ella Palmer Vilcins of Wilmington, N.C. He is predeceased by his parents, Andrejs Vilcins and Marta (Berkis) Vilcins. His legacy lives on through their lives and achievements and the love he cultivated.
Arnolds leaves behind a family that will forever carry forward his values, warmth and unwavering support. His life was a testament to love and creativity, and his legacy lives on in the family he raised and the lives he touched.
Per Arnolds’ request, there will be no funeral or calling hours. A private gathering will happen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in his honor to the Waterbury Ambulance Service, PO Box 95, Waterbury Center, VT 05677 and the United Methodist Church in Waterbury Center, PO Box 216, Waterbury Center, VT 05677. To send online condolences, please visit perkinsparker.com.
This article appears in The Money & Retirement Issue 2025.