Obituary: Vincent James Hampson Jr., 1952-2024

Vincent James Hampson Jr., 71, of
Colchester, Vt., passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024, at the
McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.

Vince
was born in Trenton, N.J., on November 17, 1952, to Mary (Crane) and
Vincent J Hampson Sr. His family moved to Burlington, Vt., in 1961,
where he attended Christ the King Catholic School and graduated from
Burlington High School in 1973.

Vince
lived to hunt and fish. He loved the outdoors and was a prolific
gardener with a fantastic vegetable crop, from which he gave
generously to his friends and family. He had a heart of gold and a
genuine love of people, which is why he enjoyed working at the St.
John’s Club. He was also employed by Digital Corporation and drove
a truck for Green Mountain Messenger.

Sail
Beyond Cancer Vermont brought great joy to Vince’s life as he
struggled relentlessly with his health. As he described his
sailing experiences, “It’s the silence … that moment when the
engine goes off. It’s magical.” In 2023, Sail Beyond Cancer
Vermont initiated a new award, the Wind, Water & Sail Award, to
be bestowed annually in honor of “the kindness, generosity and
courage shown by Vincent Hampson” and two other sailors.

Vince
is survived by his three siblings, Frances Hampson Stearns of
Willowbrook, Ill.; Patrick Hampson (Kathy) of Sandown, N.H.; and Mary
Hampson (David Mona) of South Burlington, Vt. He leaves behind nieces
and nephews Ethan J Stearns (Haley) of Sierra Madre, Calif.; Brenna
Stearns Gildner (Dutch) of La Grange, Ill.; Caitlyn Hampson of
Danville, N.H.; and Dr. Patrick Hampson of Manchester, N.H.;
great-nieces and -nephews Gray, Molly, Theo and Faye; and many close
and loving cousins. Vince had many devoted friends to whom his family
is forever grateful, including the Furlani family, the Mona family
and Napoleon Ploufe.

A
funeral mass is planned for Wednesday, May 8, 11 a.m., at Our Lady of
Grace Catholic Church in Colchester, celebrated by Father Thomas
Mattison. A celebration of life will follow at the St. John’s Club
at 9 Central Ave. in Burlington. Vince will be buried with his
parents at Resurrection Park in South Burlington.

In
lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Sail
Beyond Cancer Vermont at 150 Dorset St., Ste. 245-234, So.
Burlington, VT 05403, or at vermont@sailbeyondcancer.org., or
through Venmo @sailbeyondcancervt. Please visit awrfh.com to share
your memories and condolences.

This article appears in Mar 13-19, 2024.