Steve Lapierre, a lifelong resident of Georgia, Vermont, suffered a heart attack while working a brush fire on April 27, 2016, and passed away on May 5, 2016.

Steve was born February 20, 1958, to Lucien Lapierre and Doris LeClaire. Steve has four sisters, Lynda Newton, Gale Morong, Jan Moreau, and Joanne Hamblett. The family owned a dairy farm for many years. Farming was very much a part of Steve’s life. He graduated from BFA-St. Albans High School in 1976 and received awards as part of the Future Farmers of America program, including events at state level competitions. Steve enjoyed collecting, restoring, and riding on his collection of International Tractors. He often joked with other farm neighbors in regards to their use of non-IH tractors, commenting, “If it isn’t Red, leave it in the shed!” Steve was known for his humor by those who knew him best. Steve lived for farming and firefighting!

Steve’s firefighting career began at a young age. His father was a fireman. Steve was a full-time fireman for the City of St. Albans, Vermont, for over 30 years. He was known for his ability to train junior firefighters, aiding in their proficiency of lifesaving duties. He preferred working on and driving the tanker trucks. He completed and maintained various state and federal certifications. Steve had also been a longtime volunteer with the Georgia Town Fire and Rescue and was also charged as the Georgia Town fire warden. Steve was also a member of the Vermont State Firefighters Association. Steve’s hard work and dedication was distinctive throughout the fire department communities.

Steve married Beverly Hatfield in June 1980. Together they built a home and raised their daughter, Wendy, and son, Kevin, in Georgia, Vermont. Sadly, Bev predeceased Steve in March 2009. Steve enjoyed time spent with his grandkids, Vickie, Gage, Sam, David, Caitlin, Madison, and Emma. Sadly, Steve passed away before meeting the newest member of the family, William.

Steve enjoyed traveling, including visits to Colorado, North Carolina, and Texas. He had fun walking the National Mall in D.C., whale watching, visiting Salem, Massachusetts, looking for cactus, and the beach in South Carolina. Steve was a huge “old school” NASCAR fan and met his favorite driver, Richard Petty, in person. Steve enjoyed attending races in New Hampshire and North Carolina. He was always up for an adventure.

Steve had many friendships in the community, including his fellow firefighters, neighbors, workers at the town office, town garage, ABC Store, and fellow farmers, all of whom miss him greatly!