Michael Bruce Vance

            St. Johnsbury, VT: Michael Bruce Vance, age 75, of Pleasant Street, died at his home Saturday evening, November 18, 2023, surrounded by his beloved family, following a recent decline in health.

            Mike was born in Newport, VT, on September 24, 1948, son to the late Francis Edward and Blendine Esther (Webb) Vance.  He grew up in North Troy, Newport and St. Johnsbury, graduating from St. J Trade School in the Class of 1966.  Mike joined the U.S. Army and served two tours in Vietnam and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. In later years he joined the Lyndonville VFM and the American Legion and held the position of Commander.  Following his discharge, he worked as a mechanic in St. Johnsbury at the Datsun Garage and later at Wayne Ford, and in 1983 he started at VT. Aerospace until retiring in 2018. 

            Mike was a beekeeper and for many, many years, the only queen breeder in Vermont.  He was an outdoorsman without question, loved camping his “Redneck Mansion, enjoyed deer hunting and loved to go ice-fishing on Willoughby Lake.  Mike had many little sayings, but a favorite was, “It’s a long way from you heart, rub some dirt in it!”

            He is survived by his 5 children: Kandy Jarry (Richard) of St. Johnsbury, Jesse Vance ( Maria) of Concord, VT, Michelle Vance of Lyndonville, Dawn Vance of Leland, NC, Jason Isham of St. Johnsbury, 3 siblings: Don Vance (Pam) of Lyndonville, Robin Ishak (Andy) of MD, Brenda Tessman (Jim) of Williston, VT, 14 grandchildren: Felicia, Daniel, Darius, Sarah, Katelyn, Corey, Jason, Jonathan, Tyra, Kristin, Moriah, Ashley, Brian, Cody, Taylor, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

            Mike was predeceased in 2019 by his beloved wife of 39 years, Kathleen “Kat” Vance.

            Services will be held at 2PM, Sunday November 26, 2023 at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, with John Sleeper officiating.  Burial will take place on May 3, 2024 at 10am at the St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery.

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