Robert (Bob) Ovitt dies July 7, 2023 BFA Class of 1961

Obituary

Robert Orman “Bob” Ovitt Sr. 80 a lifelong resident of Fairfax passed away peacefully at his home on Friday July 7, 2023. He was born on May 26, 1943 son of the late Orman and Ivy (Webb) Ovitt. After graduating high school in 1961. He began work for Coca-Cola Company and then General Electric.

Upon graduating Bob married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Barkyoumb. They decided they would start farming and they bought their farm on Buck Hollow in 1968. They farmed together and raised their 4 children Sam, Carol, Rob and Joan. While raising the children they started Ovitt’ s Construction and also started sugaring. Eventually they parted ways, and the cows were sold shortly thereafter. Although Bob and Gloria divorced they remained the best of friends throughout their entire lives until her passing in 2021. Holidays were always spent together as one blended family and all were welcome. Nobody would pass up one of Gloria’s home cooked meals. Spending time all together was the greatest gift they continued to give their children and grandchildren.

Ovitt’s Construction and the sugar operation continued to be ran by Bob and his son’s Sam and Rob. The operations are still up and running today with grandson’s helping. Bob loved to run a bulldozer or an excavator, he loved rocks of all sizes. He loved to place them just so to create a beautiful area around a pond or build a stone wall.

In high school Bob was known for being quite the baseball player really a talented athlete in all sports he played. He was even being looked at to play professionally but his life took another path. He continued to love the sport and played on many softball teams. He played for years, made many friends and created some great memories. He also continued to send those softballs out of the park wherever he played. Bob was fun to watch and his enthusiasm showed on the field. He was a competitive kind of guy. He loved to hustle people in a good game of pool, setting himself up nicely to sink that eight ball. He enjoyed playing cards from cribbage to Gin and nothing was wrong with a round of poker. He also had a love of the outdoors he loved to hunt and fish. Deer season, if you didn’t know is a fifth season in Vermont, at least in his eyes. From all the deer hunting stories some good and maybe a few bad, oh how those stories and laughter rang out from deer camp. He loved to slip off in the afternoon to find those secret fishing holes and cast a line. He passed his passion for the outdoors and hunting down to his sons, grandsons, and some great grandchildren as well.

One of our favorite spots as a family is our camping lot at Fairfield Pond and we all enjoy it tremendously. We all have set on the stone bench placed so perfectly in front of the water by him. We have all enjoyed roasting food over the open fire built with stones. His parents purchased this land and it’s been a family tradition ever since. This is our families little piece of heaven where we have memories of 5 generations relaxing at the pond. We were lucky to celebrate his 80th birthday all together on May 26, 2023 not too long ago, that day was beautiful full of laughter and love. Having family and friends all together.

Bob had many friends, he lived his life fully on his terms and was a simple man and it took little to make him happy. He helped so many folks in difficult situations. His front door was always open. On any given morning you could find him sipping a cup of coffee, making eggs and bacon with a side of toast he loved breakfast. As he sat to eat, a whole lot of ketchup went on top. According to Bob everything tasted better with ketchup and I mean everything.

He was a joker at heart, the stories are many. He could be stubborn as a mule but down deep inside, had the biggest heart and would help anybody. Big Bob Ovitt, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa you sure are going to be missed. We love you and our hearts will carry you forward.
Bob is survived by his children Sam, Rob and Carol Ovitt all of Fairfax, Joan and her husband Kelly Sweet of Fletcher, 10 grandchildren Joshua, Jessica Jordan, Kaitlin Ovitt , Kyle Ovitt and fiancé Nicole, Kody and wife Hannah Ovitt, Kole Ovitt and girlfriend Sophie, Brittany Sweet and fiancé Jessie, Danielle Sweet and fiancé Tim, Jacob Sweet and Jarrett Sweet, 7 great grandchildren which he enjoyed Ryleigh ,Nicholas, Jayleigh, Raelynn, Aubrey, Brayden and Granger, siblings Barb and Tom Sargent of St. Albans, Beverly and Dave Danyow of St. Albans, JoAnne and Jim Godin of Fairfax and Richard Ovitt of Fletcher, many nieces, nephews cousins and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Orman and Ivy Ovitt, sister Sandra Ovitt, His love of his life Gloria Ovitt-Ledoux and her parents.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Thursday July 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the family lot in Fairfax Plains Cemetery, McNall Rd, Fairfax with Reverend Elizabeth Griffin officiating. A celebration of Life will follow at the Fairfax Community Center, 1210 Main St., Fairfax. Please come join us, share a story, enjoy some food and Honor our Dad, thank you. Never Gone, Forever in our hearts. We Love You Dad!