John F. Lamson, avid gardener
John F. Lamson of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of South Burlington, Vt., and Mt. Dora, Fla., passed away peacefully Friday, April 5, 2013, at his Rehoboth residence surrounded by family. He was born March 21, 1920, in Shelburne, Vt., son of the late George William and Jeannette (McClinton) Lamson and had just celebrated his 93rd birthday.
Mr. Lamson grew up and worked on his family’s dairy farm in Shelburne, Vt., taking over the management of the farm at a young age following the death of his father. He attended the University of Vermont before serving his country in the U.S. Air Force. Upon his return to Vermont, he began a lifelong career in management with General Electric in Burlington.
Mr. Lamson was a devoted family man and dutifully cared for his mother and sister and then his brother in his later years. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing on Lake Champlain year round, telling many stories of ice fishing during the long winter months. He was an avid gardener and loved sharing the bounty of his vegetable garden with neighbors and friends. Golfing was his ultimate passion and he would walk the entire course, often playing 36 holes a day. He was known to have played every course in Vermont, New Hampshire and upstate New York at least once on golfing trips with his buddies. For the past 30 years Mr. Lamson and his brother wintered together in Florida, enabling them to golf year round.
Mr. Lamson moved to Rehoboth to enjoy time with his family, most notably his young great-nieces and great-nephew whom he adored. He made many new friends at Gull House in Rehoboth where he and his brother enjoyed social time together. Mr. Lamson also enjoyed the companionship of his wonderful caregivers through Hospice and private care, most notably his angel Ivanese Borigatto. He will be remembered for his kind heart, dry Yankee humor and determination to put mind over matter and carry on.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Lamson was preceded in death by his sister Eleanor Lamson of South Burlington, Vt., and by his brother William G. Lamson of Rehoboth just over a year ago. He is survived by his nephew and devoted caregiver, George W. Lamson of Rehoboth Beach; his niece, Jennifer L. Lamson and her partner Joni Reich of Rehoboth Beach; one great-nephew, Cole; two great-nieces, Sydney and Peyton; and his constant companions and best friends Buddy and Jasper, his dog and cat.
Private services were presided over by Courtney Mys, MDiv, as family and friends gathered to share fond memories and humorous stories of a gentle and kind uncle and friend. Arrangements were handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
