Hartland, Vermont - Alden P. Dana, 80, of Hartland, died peacefully after a long battle with kidney decease on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care surrounded by his family. He was born in Hanover, NH on November 25, 1940, to Paul and Alice (Putnam) Dana and began a lifetime of dedication to his family, community, and endeavors he loved, which meant he hardly ever stood still! He was married for nearly 60 years to the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Deana "Dede" McArthur in 1961 and together they raised three wonderful children in a home that he built himself. A talented tradesman at home on the farm as well as the machine shop, his career as a mechanical engineer at Cone Blanchard spanned 43 years. Throughout that time, he also was an original member of the Windsor Covered Bridge Credit Union and served on the board for quite some time, served as a Hartland Selectman for 9 years, and perfected the art of serving roast beef at the Hartland Congregational Church suppers.

He and Dede bought both of their family homes and lovingly restored them.  He carried on the generational Dana Brothers' Maple Sugaring operation, raised polled Hereford cattle, and took pride in keeping an extremely well-manicured lawn and forest. He always found time to share and pass on the knowledge he had accumulated, engaging and enthralling his family, school groups, and friends with the art of sugaring and the farm life.

In recent years when his body required that he slow down a bit, he still stayed involved in all that he could and found enjoyment in his great grandchildren who could always bring a smile to his face and a twinkle to his eye.

A celebration of Alden's life will be held at their home in Hartland on August 14, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to 4-H of Windsor County, VT, 307 South Street, Springfield, VT 05156; Bayada Hospice, PO BOX 1590 , Norwich, VT 05055; or a charity of choice.

He is survived by his wife, Deana "Dede" Dana of Hartland; three children, Barbara Murphy and husband Randy of White River Junction, Lisa Mayer and husband Ilerdon of South Royalton, and Larry Dana and wife Terri of Windsor; two brothers, Donald Dana and wife Pat of Weathersfield and Ronald Dana and wife Margo of Essex Junction; five grandchildren, Justin and wife Megan, Alicia and fiancé Stanley, Hannah, Jessica, and Laurel;  step-grandchildren and great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Harvey Dana.