Ronald Edward Courtemanche, 73, passed peacefully but unexpectedly on January 16, 2023, at his home, relaxing in his favorite recliner, with his fiancée and lifelong partner Marilyn at his side.

He was born December 15, 1949, to Blanche and Raymond Courtemanche, Sr., the second of eight children.

He graduated from Hartford High School in 1968 and soon after, joined the Navy and was in the Construction Battalion (Sea Bees) for his two-year tour of duty.

Heavy equipment operation came naturally to him and being a Sea Bee served him well, as he later purchased a large piece of land in North Tunbridge, VT, and turned this forested land into an oasis of beauty. His love of farming and raising cattle became his focus. Logging roads were built, and land was cleared, and to access the trees that became his home. He loved trees. His professional career as a contractor and log home builder spanned over 40 years, and his reputation as a master builder was revered by all that knew him. His four brothers and a nephew all followed suit and became remarkable builders.

He was also a trophy winning dirt biker and for years, hosted Thursday Night Rides at his home which had approximately five miles of winding and very challenging trails. The lifelong friends that he made from this group of riders became the Thursday Night 'Snowmobilers' during the winter months. He had so many stories to tell no matter what the season, all with that twinkle in his eye. He was just plain fun to be with.

Growing up, he and his four younger brothers spent many hours in the woods scouting, tracking, and listening for the sounds of wildlife. They hunted together, doing what they loved with the brothers they loved.

Also, an avid fisherman, summer, and winter. When it was time to put the boat away, the ice shanties came out and ice fishing was now in full swing. He learned many tricks of the trade by watching as many hunting and fishing shows as he could, and he taught as much as he learned .

Ron is predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Michael and Raymond Courtemanche, Jr.

He leaves his fiancée Marilyn Bunker of North Tunbridge, VT; son Ashley Courtemanche (Johanna) of Barre, VT; siblings, Lin Courtemanche of Lebanon, Ed Courtemanche (Betsy) of West Bolton, VT, Suzan Courtemanche Condon of Marshfield, VT, John Courtemanche (Patricia) of West Hartford and Michele Blanchard (Brent) of Sharon, VT; 9 beloved nephews and  2 beloved nieces.

A graveside service will be held in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1001 Hartford Ave., White River Jct., VT on Tuesday January 24 ^th at 1PM with a reception to follow at the Hotel Coolidge in Downtown White River Jct.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, ATTN: GMCC Scholarships, 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620.