Dennis P. Bourtelle

Dennis Paul Bourtelle, 63, of Newark, Vermont, departed this life on July 7, 2026. He was born on November 23, 1962, to Esther Bourtelle-Cuthbertson and Calvin Howard Bourtelle.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Joanne Marie Bourtell.

Dennis graduated from Blue Mountain Union High School and proudly served his country in the United States military. Throughout his career, he worked for Pratt Fuels, Acro Redimix, and Delabruere Construction, where he earned a reputation as a hardworking, dependable man who took great pride in his work.

Dennis is survived by his children, Julie Gist (Donn Gist), Kyle Bourtelle (Aubree Hayles), and Natascha Bourtelle (Chance Humphrey); his cherished grandchildren, Aliah Hale, Malie Hale, and Chantler Humphrey; his beloved granddogs, Duke and Ziggy; his siblings, Elsie Carrier (Gene), Betty Achilles (Edwin Peake), Beverly Dusseault, Susan “Susie” Bourtell, Buddy Bourtell, and Brenda Sherman (Brad); many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He also leaves behind the mothers of his children, Della Racine and Deedee Grenier.

Above all else, Dennis was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His family was the center of his life, and he found his greatest happiness not in the things he owned, but in the people he loved. He was genuine, humble, selfless, and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

A true Vermonter and homesteader at heart, Dennis took pride in living off the grid and had an incredible ability to build, repair, or fabricate just about anything. Whether it was his home, a vehicle, or a piece of equipment, he always found a way to make it work through ingenuity, determination, and years of hands-on experience. He found peace in the Vermont woods, enjoyed fishing, and was happiest when surrounded by family.

If you knew Dennis, you knew his stories. He loved laughing about his younger days—pulling pranks, burning tires, stealing gas, and somehow always finding another unbelievable adventure. Those stories only grew better with time and were almost always shared over a hot cup of coffee, leaving everyone around him smiling.

Dennis was also known for his homemade Kahlúa and his famous no-bake cookies. Family and friends knew that if a fresh batch appeared, they had better grab one quickly because they never lasted long.

In his later years, Dennis found his greatest joy in life’s simple moments: remodeling his home, working on his truck, listening to music, reminiscing about the good old days, and enjoying long conversations over coffee. The projects were never just about getting the work done—they were about spending time with the people he loved, sharing knowledge, and making memories that will be treasured forever.

Dennis leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, stories, hard work, and unconditional love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the values he passed down, the things he built with his hands, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and generosity.

The next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, cast a line into the water, hear an old favorite song, tackle a project with someone you love, or sneak a no-bake cookie, think of Dennis. Share one of his stories, laugh a little louder, lend someone a helping hand, and remember a man who lived simply, loved deeply, and left the world a better place because he was in it.

Funeral services will be held at Goss Hollow Cemetery, 2452 Crepeault Hill Rd, St Johnsbury, VT on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 2pm. All are invited to wear purple, Dennis’ favorite color. Family and friends are invited to gather immediately following the service for a celebration of Dennis’s life at the Bourtelle Family Farmhouse.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saylesfh.com