ROBERT ELLIS WHITE ALBURGH - Robert Ellis White of Alburgh, Vt., passed away quietly and peacefully on Monday evening, April 6, 2009, at the age of 90. Bob was born in Ryegate, Vt. on Aug. 25, 1918, the son of the late Robert M. and Etta (Welch) White. He received his early schooling in East Ryegate and went on to graduate from Woodsville High School (New Hampshire) in 1936. Following his graduation from the University of Vermont in 1940, Bob became employed as a DHIA tester in Orleans County. He eventually returned to the family farm in Ryegate which he managed alongside his father for several years. On Jan. 20, 1945, he was married to the former Evelyn Hobart, with whom he shared 64 years. In 1948, he and Evelyn moved to Alburgh where he served as the Grand Isle County Agricultural Extension Agent until retiring in 1981. In addition to his loving wife, Evelyn, he is survived by their four daughters, Linda Strandberg and her husband Donald of Georgia, Rachael McFadden and her husband David of Alburgh, Susan Haubrich and her husband Jeffrey of Derby, and Wendy Tatro and her husband Larry of Alburgh. He and Evelyn have six grandchildren, Jennifer Stockwell and her husband Kevin, Scott Strandberg, Rebekah Curtis and her husband Tim, Heather Haubrich, Erika Haubrich, and Kristin Tatro and her husband Jamie Sylvestre; and by six greatgrandchildren, Samantha, Tanysha, Peyton, Justin, Jordan and Matthew and one to be born in May. Bob is also survived by three sisters, Ruth Whitcomb of Groton, Vt., Alida Buckland of Holderness, N.H., and Dorothy Rowell of Tucson, Ariz.; and by many nieces and nephews. Bob was a generous, hardworking, honorable and loving man who always put his family first. He was wellknown for his large vegetable garden and as recently as last summer, he and Evelyn could be found processing and canning the fruits of their labor well into the evening hours. Those who knew him remember his many activities and service to his profession, church, and community and he was always available to lend a hand to a friend in need. He served on many committees and boards in association with his many interests and devoted a good share of his life to the youth of Grand Isle County through the 4-H program. He was even known to emcee a 4-H dress review or two whenever there was a need. He continued to be active after retirement and particularly enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking and spending time with his family in addition to serving on various village boards. He was also a substitute operator for the Alburgh Village Water Treatment and Waste Water Plant where he enjoyed working with his good friend, Alton. Bob cherished his friendship with Alton and would often seek him out for a chat. Bob's family would like to offer their sincerest thanks to the administration and staff of Northwestern Medical Center, Fletcher Allen Health Care, The Vermont Respite House and especially Cathy Tatro for all of the professional care and support that they gave to Bob and his family during these last weeks. He showed great courage and strength especially during his recent illness and leaves his family with many gifts and wonderful memories for which they will always be grateful. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life to be held on Saturday, April 11, 2009, at 12 noon from The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, (802-8683331). Pastor John C. Kehoe and The Reverend Molly Comeau together will officiate. Interment services will follow in the White family lot at Bush Cemetery, Alburgh. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the hour of the funeral. In lieu of flowers gifts in Bob's memory may be made to the Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue, 4 Fire House Road, Alburgh, 05440, or to the Alburgh Public Library, Main Street, Alburgh, 05440. To offer private online condolences please visit: www.kiddermemorialhome.com .