Jacob Leonard White

Jacob Leonard White, 70, a lifelong resident of White's road in Wilmington, passed away on June 28, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. Jake's positive attitude and strength helped fight a courageous five year battle with cancer. Jake was born on October 13, 1950 in Brattleboro, to Stuart and Nellie White. His father unexpectedly passed away when he was three and he and his brother, Walter, were raised by their mother on their dairy farm. He attended Wilmington schools, graduating in 1968. He was a standout athlete in basketball and baseball and his classmates voted him "kindest" his senior year, an attribute that held true his entire life. He began working in the grocery business at O.O. Ware after school and continued his career with Grand Union and Shaws. He was known by all as the friendly face in the dairy aisle and enjoyed conversing with customers. He enlisted in the Vermont National Guard after high school. In 1976, he built a house on the family property. He picked a spot high on the hill with spectacular sunsets overlooking Haystack mountain. His house became a home when he married Monique Boisvert in 1980 and they raised two children, Michelle and Jeremy. Jake's legendary service to the Wilmington fire department as a dedicated member for nearly 50 years will never be forgotten. His passion for helping others will be forever engrained in the hearts of countless members throughout our community. He was very often the first to arrive on scene and most definitely the one with the air pack leading a team into the burning building. His knowledge of local trails made him the natural leader of search and rescue and usually the one to find the missing hiker. He carried his pager on his belt until the day he died, his heart forever ready to serve. Also known as "Mr. Haystack", Jake was passionate about the outdoors and hiking. In 2010, he and his faithful hiking partner, his grand-dog Cloe, hiked Haystack mountain over 100 times. He was a dedicated member of the Wilmington trails committee and donated countless hours mowing trails, putting up signs and creating new trails. He served as a Wilmington select board member, budget committee member and on Deerfield Valley Rescue. His service to our community was recognized in 2016 when he was awarded the American Legion Citizenship medal for his unwavering dedication to the valley. Jake was passionate about deer hunting and was lucky most years, harvesting many impressive bucks. He enjoyed the view from his stand and appreciated the hours he spent in the solitude of the woods. His passion for softball carried forward from high school and he played for many local teams in Readsboro, at Town Hill and Brattleboro Memorial park. He was known for his speed and his ability to outrun an infield hit to first base. He also loved rooting for his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox, and enjoyed many games at Fenway Park. Jake will be remembered as a kind and generous Vermonter, for his love of family and the outdoors, for his strong work ethic, leadership, simplicity, positivity and for his lifelong service protecting and supporting our community. He leaves his wife of 40 years, Monique Boisvert White, brother Walter White, daughter Michelle O'Neil, son in law Ryan and grandchildren Carter and Morgan, son Jeremy White, daughter in law Juliana and step grandchildren Anthony and Khloe. He was predeceased by his father, Stuart White, his mother, Nellie Visser White and his son Jason White. Services will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 2pm at Riverview Cemetery on Stowe Hill Rd in Wilmington followed by a gathering. Memorial gifts may be made to the Wilmington Firefighters Association in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home PO Box 215 Wilmington VT 05363.