Durward Ellis

Durward “Dude” Ellis passed away peacefully on March 10 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 20, 1935, to Glenn and Ida (Ashford) Ellis. Growing up in East Calais, VT he became a devoted NY Yankee fan listening to Mel Allen on radio WDEV, Waterbury. His adventurous life there lasted until his parents bought Stevens Paint & Wallpaper Store in St. Johnsbury in 1948. A fast runner, he was known in Jr. High as “The East Calais Flash”. He thoroughly enjoyed classes and sports at St. J. Academy where he was a 3 sport athlete. After graduation in 1953, he attended American International College (AIC) in Springfield, MA. graduating with a BS in business.

On August 16, 1958, he married Kay Sabens of Barre. They lived in Burlington for two years while Kay finished her degree at UVM. They moved to Connecticut where Durward worked for Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, and where their son, Michael, was born. Durward and Kay returned to St. Johnsbury to join his parents at Ellis Paint & Wallpaper in 1961 working there until it closed in 1996.

Daughter Esther joined the family in 1964. Durward enjoyed many activities in St. Johnsbury. He joined the U S Jaycees, a young men’s civic organization, serving in many offices. Elected Vermont State President in 1967, he helped establish Jaycee chapters in 21 cities and towns in Vermont involving about 2000 young men. He met with Governor Deane Davis to discuss how the Jaycee volunteers could serve the state of Vermont. An idea was to involve them in cleaning up litter on Vermont roads. Thus was born Green Up Day.

As a Justice of the Peace, Durward counted many ballots, performed over 60 marriages in many different locations and served on the Board of Civil Authority auditing tax complaints. As a member of the Diversion Board for 10 years, he helped many young people straighten out their lives. He was President of Little League and very involved in repairing the fields demolished by a flood. He served on the School Board for three years. As Chairman of Vermont Forest, Parks and Recreation he visited all the state parks and ran the quarterly meetings for eight years. He was President of the Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. In 1976 Durward was named St. Johnsbury Citizen of the year. An avid sports fan, he supported his children (and countless other young people) in their sporting events and other activities. He played recreational basketball and softball into his 50s. When he was 80, he participated in the Kingdom Challenge, a 5K race.

A 50+ year member of Grace United Methodist Church, he trained to be a Lay Speaker, conducting many church services in the area. He served East Thetford for a year and frequently led services in West Burke. A confirmed Republican, he served as town and county chairman. He also was a member and Chairman of the Board of North East Training Organization for several years.

The Ellises hosted all kinds of athletes, actors and musicians in their home. Very proud of their international family, they housed many “kids” who attended St. J. Academy. Most were “home stays” when the Academy closed for vacation. Berta (Barcelona), Doris (Ireland), Renate (Germany), Doris (Germany) and Shelly (Bermuda). Exceptions were Li Shu (China) who lived with them one year and his brother Han Shu, who lived with them three years. They became integral parts of the family and have continued to be sharers of love and support to this day. Durward and Kay were privileged to visit all of the home countries of their “kids.”

After he retired from store management, he sold insurance for the AON Company (like Aflac without a duck) making many fast friends. He made home visits for eight years, learning most of the roads in the north country. That prepared him for his next job as a volunteer driver for Rural Community Transportation (RCT) for another ten years. His range was from Montreal, Quebec to Boston besides schools from Wells River to Morrisville, Vermont.

Durward is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kay, his son Michael (Cathleen) of Westwood, MA, daughter Esther (Larry) Denham of Glenville, NY; Chinese sons Li Shu, (former daughter-in-law Little Li Shu) and Han Shu (Soundhari); grandchildren Laura, Heather and Karen Ellis; Jonathan (Annie) Denham, Christopher (Sarah) Ahmed-Denham and Susannah Denham; Toby and Abby Shu; Maya and Kiran Shu; and great-grand-children, Joy and Irene. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Faye Ellis, and his niece Amanda (Patrick) Phillips and their children Devin and Landen. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Keith Ellis.

The funeral service will be Saturday, March 21 at Grace United Methodist Church, St. Johnsbury, VT at 11 a.m. There will be time to greet the family at a lunch at the church following the service.

Donations in Durward’s memory may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 39 Central St. St. Johnsbury.

The family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care Durward received as a patient at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital.

Memories and condolences may be shared with family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com.