Obituary: Gordon Pyle, 1944-2023

Gordon Pyle, 79, of Jericho, Vt., passed away suddenly at home on
December 27, 2023. He was born on September 16, 1944, in Washington,
D.C., to his late parents, Ann and James Pyle.

Gordon
spent his early years in Washington, D.C.; Colorado; Florida; and New
York before arriving in Vermont, his home for over 45 years. It was
there that he met his wife, Debbie, whom he married in Shelburne on
February 17, 1979.

A graduate of
Goddard College, Gordon spent his career helping people improve their
lives. He devoted himself to work at the Weeks School in Vergennes
and, later, at the State Hospital in Waterbury as a licensed nurses’
assistant.

Gordon enjoyed
traveling to his favorite vacation areas: the Adirondacks and Acadia
National Park. During these trips, he created endless memories. At
Acadia, he enjoyed hiking around Long Pond, up Day Mountain or having
popovers at Jordan Pond; in the Adirondacks, adventures in Keene
Valley or on Mount Marcy.

An innate
storyteller, he carried the memories from his trips and adventures
into epic tales enthusiastically shared with his family and friends.
Those that knew him best would eagerly encourage his stories, whereas
those who might be the story’s subject silently squirmed in
anticipation. The experience, invariably commenced with a single
finger in the air calling for attention, never disappointed.

He is survived by
his wife, Debbie; his daughter, Abby, and her husband, Scott Yanco;
his son, Matt Pyle, and his wife, Robin; and his grandchildren,
Alison and Emily Pyle and Lucy and Oliver Yanco. He is also survived
by his siblings David Pyle, Diana Rowan and Ann Brickley. He is
predeceased by his brother John Pyle.

A private family
memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial
gifts may be made to Cochran’s Ski Area.
Cochran’s has inspired a love of skiing in Gordon’s four
grandchildren as a place that fosters confidence and love for the
outdoors and community.

This article appears in Dec 27, 2023 – Jan 9, 2024.