Whit Steen

Whit Steen, born in Littleton, New Hampshire on October 25, 2003, passed away October 11, 2025 in Burlington, Vermont.

From the earliest age, Whit had an adventurous spirit. A born daredevil, he began walking at nine months old and never looked back, leaving his parents Terha and Aric looking for ways to channel his energy. They found that outlet in athletics.

Whit was a gifted athlete. Agile and strong, he was a natural who excelled at every sport he tried at different points in his life–from gymnastics in early childhood to soccer, hockey, basketball, golf, and football later on. In recent years, he developed a deeper love for golf, especially when joining his father Aric on the course. However, his true passion was baseball, and he was known for having a particularly nasty curveball.

But beyond his physical gifts, Whit’s greatest virtues came through in his personality. While some learn leadership, others, like Whit, are born with it, and Whit’s magnetic personality drew people to him. There was a fire and sense of passion to Whit–a quality his mother Terha lovingly refers to as “spicy.” He was a young man who would not back down from a challenge and who was quick to defend anyone against another’s disrespect.

This passion was balanced by a gentler side coupled with a quick sense of humor. He could make just about anyone laugh, and typically did. From a young age, Whit showed an appreciation for art and a sensitivity for the work of artists. He asked his grandmother for a piece of original art as a gift for his 18th birthday and even talked of opening a gallery some day to give creators an outlet for their work. He was always willing to get up early for a sunrise, something he did even a few weeks ago (as long as it was someone else’s idea!). He could - and did - become friends with anyone and everyone. He enjoyed all different kinds of music, from country to bluegrass to heavy metal, and loved going to concerts with friends.

Some of Whit’s favorite places reflected his adventurous spirit and deep devotion to his family - the woods around his family’s home, where he explored new trails, rode dirt bikes, and watched for wildlife; his aunt and uncle’s pool deck in Florida, where he loved sharing stories and laughter; and anywhere at the Sanborn home, especially the fort, where he spent countless hours with his cousins and friends. Like his brother, Jack, Whit considered his cousins among the most important people in his life.

Over the last few years, Whit found himself drawn to another favorite place–the barber shop. After training and getting licensed in Florida, Whit moved his talents back to the Northeast Kingdom and found a home at Dan’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor in St. Johnsbury, where he excelled as a barber. Owner Dan Sweet referred to Whit as “someone who carried himself with the kind of maturity you don’t often see in men his age. He came in early every day. He kept his space clean and took pride in it. He paid attention to the details, never cut corners, and never let anything leave the shop unless it was right. He cared about the work, and it showed.” As a barber, Whit found not only an outlet for his creative energies but a chance to showcase his gift for connecting with people, sharing his humor, kindness, and warmth. At Dan’s, Whit found his place and made many friends, particularly among his youngest clients.

Whit’s life wasn’t always easy. In many ways, he was still in the process of recovering from his older brother Jack’s passing three years ago. The bond between the brothers was tight, and losing Jack was a wound that Whit found hard to heal from–one that was a source of deep pain, but also one that propelled him to be a better, stronger person.

In the end, Whit was a young man who was deeply loved for many reasons, but mostly, at least by those who knew him best, for being “just Whit”–someone true to himself and authentic to his core.

Whit is survived by his parents, Aric and Terha, Grandparents Janet and Brian Burnor, Elaine Skinner, and Don and Michele Steen. Aunts and Uncles, Jane and Mike King, D Steen and Elly Barksdale, Peter and Marina Steen, Chloe Torres, Heidi and Kevin Sanborn, Kim and Steve Gaboriault. Cousins Sheldon, James, Evan, and Madalyn Sanborn; Dillon and Carson Cloutier; Lauren Gray; Rio Steen; Millie Steen and Chase, Cullen, Jackson, and Zach King; Tatum and Lenore Steen. He is predeceased by his brother Jack, grandfather Ashley Gray and uncle Wayne Gray.

A gathering will be held in honor of Whit this Saturday, October 18, at Tempson Barn in Lyndon, Vermont. Pastor Diane Raymond will offer a few brief words at 1:00 p.m. after which family and friends will have an opportunity to share stories if they wish. While there will be no receiving line, the presence of loved ones coming together to share memories and console each other afterward will be a great comfort to Whit’s family and deeply appreciated.

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