Earl Vinton Kniffin Jr, "Bub", passed away Friday, March 13, 2020 at his home in Thetford Center,
Vermont.

Earl was born May 19th, 1939, the 5th of 7 children born to Earl Vinton and Bernice (Reed) Kniffin of Guilford, Connecticut. He and his brothers were 7th generation stone masons and worked together in various configurations and partnerships throughout the years. Earl married Judith Wilbur on August 10th, 1963, living for many years in Killingworth, Connecticut before moving to Thetford, Vermont in the late 80's. They built their castle there, on Picknell Road where Judi was his queen. It was a home that displayed the artistic eye and creative skill of a man who had truly mastered his craft, replete with a three story tower, fireplaces, chimneys, cannons and gargoyles all "anchored" in stone. His demeanor could be as hard and gruff as the medium he worked in, but it served to protect a kind and loving heart with an especially soft spot for children and animals. To his many nieces and nephews he was known as the "playful, fun-loving Uncle".

His neighbors were all enriched by his giving nature, as he was by theirs, often saying they were the best a person could have. In his own words, he had a great life, with no regrets and
would not have changed any of it.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judith Kniffin of Thetford VT, brothers David Kniffin and his wife Marilyn of Windsor VT, Philip Kniffin of Waterford, Ohio and sister Ardel Whitaker of Hyde Park, Vermont, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 3 brothers, Peter, George and Henry Kniffin, as well as a brother-in-law, Neal Wilbur who up until his passing on February 1, 2019, made a yearly sojourn from California, for a lengthy autumn visit at their beautiful home.