"Say not in grief 'he is no more,' but live in thankfulness that he was."

Our beloved Patriarch, Glen J Critchlow, Jr., took leave of his beautiful home on the shores of Marble Island and answered the call to return to his eternal home on July 4th, 2024. We can only imagine the celestial fireworks that beckoned him as he stepped over the threshold of the Heavenly Gates, seeing Mom's blue eyes and stunning smile, surrounded by cherished souls gone before him, welcoming Dad with fluttering sparklers in hand!

Dad's farewell was abrupt, an emotional storm for us all. He was determined and vowed to live to be 100! But, we all knew his love affair with our Mom didn't end when she bade her own farewell on February 24th, 2023. Theirs was a love story that was immeasurable – and his broken heart mourned her loss every day.

Born on June 16th, 1931 – Dad lived to be 93 years young, and never grew old! His youthful looks and gregarious personality rightfully diminished a good 20 years - we were mandated to introduce him as our 'brother' in public! He was the only son of Glen J Critchlow, Sr., and Rose S. Critchlow, and younger brother to Barbara C. DeForge – all who have departed this life.

His youth was spent in the 'Old North End' – several neighborhood streets tolerating his antics and newspaper tosses that didn't always make it to a dry landing! His education, both grammar & high school, shared attendance at Cathedral High. Interestingly enough – Dad's faith guided him with being an active participant in the Catholic church, once inspiring to study for the priesthood. He was an altar server and an aide to both his pastor and bishop. He trusted in his faithfulness and conveyed that throughout his life.

Dad joined the Marines right out of high school, was called up to active duty during the Korean War, but wasn't deployed. He was discharged in 1952. He was a proud Marine and sang the 'Marines Hymn,' with such pride, coupled with pitch-perfect quality. His 'Perry Como' crooning vocals entertained us all!

Dad was active in sports, both as a player, coach and mentor. Softball, baseball, tennis was included on his roster. When his sons came to be, he was their coach for youth flag football, little league, Cub & Boy Scout leader and chauffeur for numerous early morning hockey practices. Dad's hobbies were endless - his creativity and skills morphed him into a perfectionist! In his sons' scouting years, there wasn't a Soapbox derby that the brothers didn't win or place (GJ took the lead!). His children, grandkids and even great-grands, were honored as Dad and Mom in hand, attended just about every sport, every game that they participated in, whether it was in-state or out-of-state…the sideline was reserved for him. He was so proud!

His employment history was just as impressive - starting with a legit pay-check from VT Confectionary Company, a fireman within the Burlington Fire Department (his son, Tom and grandson Thomas following suit years later), on to General Electric ('Generous Electric' as he called it), then New England Telephone ('Ma Bell'), rising through the ranks until his retirement. Dad's definition of 'retirement' was unique to him! He may have left his professional career, but shortly thereafter, he started his own business 'Cedar Glen Memorials,' and in collaboration with his son Mark – they guided numerous families with commemorating lives of loved ones with empathy and professionalism.

During his 'retirement era,' Dad found hobbies in the form of volunteering to cultivate his social connections. His 'snowbird' trips to their home in Palm Harbor, Florida, allowed him to volunteer at Mease Countryside Hospital, which he loved, just as much as they loved him! You could find him marshaling on the first tee at the Valspar Golf Tournament in the Tampa Bay area for over 20 years! Keeping with the golf theme, he worked as a 'Starter' at Highland Lakes. If you knew Dad, maintaining tee time schedules and ensuring golfers kept an even flow onto the course, was his niche. His Vermont 'Cuscadee' weekly golf crew, consisting of 12+ couples, descended on just about every golf course they could find. He bragged how they perfected tailgating after 18 holes! From land to water - 'Captain Glen' piloted pontoon boat tours: mid-morning to a luncheon location or afternoon sight-seeing cruises, always startling passengers with fake alligator sightings, most likely dating back to his passion of owning every color Lacoste shirt on the market! Back home at Marble Island, Dad moored his boat a stone's throw from their deck, aptly named 'Par-Tee-Time.' His Lake Champlain tours with family and friends, scheduled or impromptu, was the highlight of his summer days!

There was Burlington, Winooski, where our family of seven children were raised, winter home in Florida, and lastly - dropping anchor cove-side, at Marble Island in Colchester (once a 9-hole golf course resort!). Each residence defined home and family for all of us, regardless of location. Dad was unofficially dubbed the 'Mayor of Marble Island,' and there is no doubt it would have been a victorious election, if such a position existed!

He held everyone to the highest standard, encouraging us to give it our all, pay it forward, pay it back, never expect anything in return except respect and kindness. He was the beholder of many quips and self-created quotes: "Remember your morals and virtues," resonated the most with us – others, brought us eyerolls! Dad was the 'polyonymous king' – a man of many titles: Glen, Dad, Boppa (to his grands & greats), Mr. 'C', Critch, Captain & Hey, Kid! He answered proudly to each one!

Dad was profoundly immersed in his Catholic faith - he modeled, embraced and lived his life as a devout Christian. Those distinctive qualities were shared and passed down to generations of his family. He was a dedicated parishioner of Saint Francis Xavier Church here at home and St. Luke Catholic Church, when residing in Florida. His affiliation with Saint Francis Xavier Church & School had a revered place in his heart. In 1991, Dad was blessed to establish a longtime friendship with Monsignor Lavalley & eagerly welcomed Reverend Yvon Royer & Deacon Tom McCormick to 'the flock,' as he captioned it. Sharing Sunday masses with granddaughter Molly, and other family members, followed with after-church bagel stops, will be a tradition that will surely leave a void.

So deeply grieving Dad's absence are his children and spouses: Karen & Jeff Davis, Gayle & Oliver Gardner, Susan & Robert Pepper, Tom & Cynthia Critchlow, Glen & Wendy Critchlow, Mark & Patricia Critchlow and Robin & Gary Bourdeau.

Mourning their 'Boppa' are his 17 grandchildren & their loves: Jeffrey & Kelly, Whitney & Max (Bobby!), Hayley & Brad, Benjamin & Stacy, Molly & Ryan, Andrew & Michelle (Monique!), Abby & Seth, Ryan & Alex, Tyler & Whitney, Tom & Tenylle, Glen & Amber, John & Cassie, Meghan & Steve, Emily & Michael, Madison, Kiley & Colin, Olivia & Michael.

Missing his presence are his 12 Great-Grandchildren: James, Harper, Kinsley, Hayden, Wyatt, Ezra, Reina, Reed, Eve, Marley, Vivian & Charlie and two infant souls Boppa is rocking until their predicted November arrivals.

And then there's Zeus…who served as Dad's trusted and so loved canine confidant. Zeus now resides with Gayle & Oliver, and life for him will be just as special!

Leaving behind is both Dad & Mom's lifelong and cherished friend, Mary McClintock. Her friendship and gentle conversations brought such solace and peace. Left to preserve his memory as well are sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, cousin Jane Wheeler, numerous nieces and nephews from both sides of our family, and many friends that he held close to his heart. It would be remiss of us if we did not share the vital role of Tom Lavigne's lifelong friendship, our family's 'surrogate' 4th son and brother, and our trusted guide in all things eternal.

There is no doubt that the welcoming committee of Angels at the gates of Heaven included his beautiful and so deeply missed wife - our Mom, Kay Critchlow, his parents, Glen & Rose Critchlow, sister and brother-in-law, Barbara & Norman DeForge, infant granddaughter Kelsey Critchlow Pepper, recent passing of his special nephew, Jim DeForge and the many souls of his numerous friends and relatives, that have made their own journey to eternal rest.

Visitation will take place at the LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main Street, Winooski, VT on Thursday, July 18th from 4PM - 7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church on Friday, July 19th at 11AM. Burial will immediately follow at Resurrection Park Cemetery, 200 Hinesburg Rd., South Burlington, VT. To send online condolences to his family please visit www.vtfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, our family would be grateful if your expression of sympathy would include a donation in memory of Glen Critchlow to 'The Msgr. Lavalley Endowment for Saint Francis Xavier School' 5 St. Peter Street, Winooski, VT 05404 or online at https://www.sfxvt.org/giving/thanks-a-million-monsignor.

In closing, our Dad always had the last word…whether it be on the phone or in person. Dad - we know you're not physically here anymore, no longer in your doorway or on the front porch to wave goodbye, but you will always and forever be in our hearts. And now we say back to you - "We're here if you want to chat!"

"What is mistaken as 'moving on' is really 'moving forward.'

You learn to live with loss.

It's a life that can hold great joy, but it will always hold grief too.

And that's okay."