Will Lewis passed away unexpectedly at
the age of 54 on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the University of
Vermont Medical Center.
Will was born in Vermont on July
27, 1970, but moved as a young child with his mother to the beautiful
island of Bequia, located in the Caribbean. Many years later, he
returned to his birth state to attend UVM.
Will left UVM
upon learning that his mother had died. Now on his own and needing to
make his own way, Will worked first as a landscaper for several
years. He then found employment at Lightning Couriers, where he
worked for the past 30 years, until recently starting his own
delivery business.
Though Will rarely spoke about himself,
his regular customers may be surprised to learn that Will loved
spending time in nature and had hiked the Appalachian Trail. He had
an amazing green thumb and loved tending a garden when space
permitted — or making containers to grow his vegetables and flowers
when no space was available. He was a gentle soul who loved animals,
especially dogs. Will had a special relationship with his little
terrier companion, Buddy, who accompanied him almost everywhere in
the car while Will was on his rounds making deliveries.
Will
found peace and happiness for many years with his partner, Theresa
Ladue, who predeceased him in 2018. He is survived by Theresa’s
three sons: Mike Sumner, with whom he shared a special friendship;
A.J. Sumner; and Kenny Sumner; along with many friends he made
through his work over the years. In addition to Theresa, he is also
predeceased by his mother and his beloved dog, Buddy.
Funeral
services will not be held; however, if you so choose, please consider
a donation in Will Lewis’s name to the Humane Society of Chittenden County.
This article appears in Feb 28 – Mar 5, 2024.