KENNETH W. ATKINS

WINOOSKI — Kenneth W. Atkins passed away on January 11, 2025 surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Ken was born in Burlington on June 21, 1940, the son of Anita (Carrier) and Willard Atkins.

He graduated from Winooski High School and the University of Vermont with a bachelor's degree in Education.

Ken was an elementary teacher for 34 years in Essex and Winooski. After retiring from teaching, he went on to serve as one of Winooski's State Representatives for 14 years. Ken was a beloved educator who dedicated his life to nurturing young minds with unwavering compassion and boundless enthusiasm. His genuine care for each student left a lasting mark on countless lives, inspiring a love of learning and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. His classroom was a space where every student felt valued and empowered to reach their full potential. His legacy will continue to resonate through the generations of students he taught.

Ken was a three-sport athlete, playing basketball, football, and baseball in high school, and basketball and football at UVM. In high school, he was the first person to score 1,000 points at Winooski High School. He was later inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. During his teaching years, Ken coached football and basketball to inspire his love of sports in others. He was also an avid fisherman and a Master Pistol Shooter. You could often find him fly fishing at his favorite location, Lake Willoughby, or at the shooting range preparing for shooting competitions in Vermont and New England.

Above all else, Ken was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His number one priority was always taking care of his three girls and their families. He was always there to provide love and support in any way possible for his loved ones; whether it was attending numerous sporting events, concerts, school events, making house repairs, or sharing his love of fishing.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Judith, of Winooski; his daughters, Randi-Kay Arbo (Tim Arbo), of Winooski; and Jessica Perrotte (Steven Perrotte), of Winooski; his grandchildren, Michaela Metivier (Andrew Decarreau), of Winooski; Mariah Metivier (Quintin Sylvia), of Winooski, William Perrotte, of Winooski, and Elizabeth Perrotte, of Winooski; his Brother-in-law, Randall Miller (Mary Jo Miller), of South Burlington; nephew, Michael Miller (Killian Miller), of South Burlington; niece, Maggie Miller (Theo McDowell), of Dallas; great-niece, Vivienne Miller, of South Burlington; half-brother, Tom Atkins, half-sister, Ann Atkins, and step-mother, Laurette Atkins. Ken was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, David and Betty Atkins and his parents Willard and Anita Atkins.

A wake will be held on Friday, January 17th from 4-7 p.m. at LaVigne's Funeral Home in Winooski. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 18th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Church in Winooski. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the funeral; location to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to The McClure Miller Respite House or the Green Mountain Nursing Home; both in Colchester, Vermont.