Kenneth Gile

Kenneth Gile, a former resident of Pownal, VT, passed away following a brief illness at the Rutland Regional Medical Center on Dec. 18, 2022 at the age of 90. He was the eldest son of the late Albert and Sara Gile of Rochester, New Hampshire. Throughout his early years, Kenneth enjoyed working alongside his father in their home furniture making business, learning many fine woodworking skills. Upon graduation from Spaulding High school in 1950 in Rochester, Kenneth served in the Navy, where he was an aircraft mechanic during the Korean War. He and his best friend Maxie, drove his 1932 Model A to Florida for enlistment. After his service, he enrolled at Keene State Teachers College as an Industrial Arts major. While a student at Keene, he met his wife, Patricia. They married in 1957 and after graduation made Southern Vermont their home. He began his teaching career in 1958 at the former Benn High. He then transferred to Mt. Anthony Union High School and later to the Jr. High, where he retired in 1993. He taught a variety of subjects, including woodworking, automotive, electricity, aeronautics and plastics, graphic arts and many others for over 33 years. He inspired many of his students to pursue careers in the industrial arts. Kenneth had many talents and interests and would often be involved in a variety of building and mechanical pursuits. One of his special projects was to make furniture for his wife Patricia's kindergarten classroom, when she began her teaching career. He was always quick to help any family member or friend who needed his expertise or an extra hand. Kenneth loved gardening, fine woodworking, beekeeping, fly-tying and fishing. He and Patricia had a fond appreciation for Maine and would take frequent trips to visit his aunt Audrey, who resided in Wells. One of Kenneth's memorable fishing excursions was with his brothers Leslie and Albert to the inland passage of Alaska, where they caught salmon, king crab and halibut. He and his wife Patricia vacationed in Hawaii, where they paid their respects at the site of Pearl Harbor. then travelled on to Japan to visit their youngest daughter Pam, who was stationed in the Navy. Kenneth was a past member of the Bennington County Beekeepers Club, and served as a Boy Scout leader in the Bennington area. He directed the Manpower program in the 1970's which worked on various projects, including the Seth Warner shelter on the Long Trail. His professional teaching experience included adult woodworking classes that were taught at the High School. Kenneth held several positions in the local teachers association, as well as state and national boards of the Industrial Arts Association. In his later years, Kenneth enjoyed reading, cooking, spending time with family, visits to Maine, and taking his great grandchildren to the local Veterans Home fish pond. Kenneth is survived by his daughters Kimberly Gile Face (late David), Nichole (Joseph) Forest, and Pamela (Greg) Shughart; sisters Linda (Denny) Pittman, Marilyn (Aris) Brenner and brother Albert Gile; his grandchildren and great grandchildren who he cared for deeply; and many friends and colleagues. Kenneth is preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia, and brothers William and Leslie Gile. Calling hours for Kenneth will be held January 7,2023 from 11am-2pm at Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home 213 West Main St Bennington, VT 05201. A Celebration of Life will be held during the calling hours at 1pm. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Kenneth's memory may be made to the Bennington Free Library, Solomon Wright Public Library, Bennington Beekeepers Club, or charity of your choice, in c/o Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home. P.O. Box 957, Bennington, VT 05201. To send the family personal condolences please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com or cards may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 1224, Bennington, VT 05201. The family would like to especially thank the doctors and nurses in the ICU at Rutland Regional Medical Center for their excellent and respectful care of Kenneth. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, 213 West Main Street, Bennington, VT.