Jeff Boomhower passed away at home on Monday, December 21, 2020, surrounded by his family after a valiant struggle with cancer. Jeff’s last hours were peaceful and pain free. Until then, he was mobile and planning out his next adventure.
Jeff spent his formative years living in the Underhill community with the Browns River and Green Mountains as his guides, fishing, hunting and skiing. Problem solving was his largest fascination. His creative problem-solving skills came in handy while working for the Williston Schools and Engleberth Construction.
He was known to tie a sail to his canoe and hop from one Champlain Island to the other. During the time between camping trips, he preferred living in cabins he had made. In addition to the family clan, Jeff knitted together a group of friends and musicians with whom he camped and traveled from one bluegrass festival to another throughout the summer.
Jeff leaves his son Alex Boomhower; his wife, Celeste Plouffe, the love of his life; and a large extended family, all of whom will miss him deeply. We take comfort in knowing he is plucking tunes, drumming, hunting, fishing and regaling all of those who went before him with the stories of a life where every ounce of energy was spent enjoying our beautiful planet. As with us, he will have them laughing and dancing until dawn. Once the hay is cut and COVID-19 subsides, there will be a celebration of life in Jeff’s honor.
Thank you to the staff at the University of Vermont Medical Center for their superior care. Thank you to Vermont Home Health and Hospice for making Jeff’s last days so beautiful. Please consider giving a donation to the University of Vermont Cancer Center (UVM Medical Center Development Office, Courtyard at Given North 3rd Floor, Burlington, VT 05401) or to Vermont Home Health and Hospice (UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice, Attn: Office of Development, 1110 Prim Rd., Colchester, VT 05446).
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Cremation Society of Chittenden County, a division of the Ready Funeral Home. Please visit cremationsocietycc.com to place online condolences.
This article appears in Dec 30, 2020 – Jan 5, 2021.
Jeff owned one of the largest undeveloped tracts in Williston on the backside of Five Maple Tree Hill, all the way out to Rt. 2A. And he always allowed the public access to his land for recreation (except hunting; he said too many crazies were shooting near houses). I can’t even count the hours and days I spent hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, dog-walking, birdwatching, and even snowboarding in his woods.
Jeff, thanks for the access. You could have cashed out your land and gotten rich at a time when Williston was rapidly turning into Long Island, but you chose to preserve the land and it’s history and public access. I’m fortunate that I was able to meet you in life and share a moment on top of Five Tree Hill and thank you in person. Godspeed.