Francis C. “Clem” Coburn

WARDSBORO- Francis Clement, “Clem” Coburn, 71, of VT Route 100 in West Wardsboro died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday morning, May 7, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center following a brief illness.
Mr. Coburn was born in Springfield on October 15, 1947, the son of Donald and Jean (Ingraham) Coburn, of Windham. He was raised and educated in Windham and was a graduate of Chester High School, Class of 1966. He went on to complete coursework for his CDL license at Community College of Vermont.
Mr. Coburn worked all of his career as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator, employed at Brattleboro Haulage, the town of Wardsboro, and Cersosimo Lumber Company. He also operated his own logging truck for several years. He was known for his strong work ethic.
Mr. Coburn liked to fish and hunt and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association. He also enjoyed camping and traveling the back roads of Vermont. He visited every town in the state. He loved listening to music especially “the oldies.”
A devoted family man, he cherished time spent with his family and close friends. He was also a very social person who enjoyed drumming up a conversation with anyone he met up with, from an acquaintance to a complete stranger. In addition to his spirit of friendship he was a generous and giving man, lending assistance to anyone in need.
On November 4, 1967 he was married to the love of his life, Cheryl Ballantine, who survives. The couple exchanged wedding vows during a simple ceremony for family and friends in Jamaica.
Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 51 years he leaves one son, Clement Coburn, of Stratton; two daughters, Carrie Coburn, of West Wardsboro; and Colleen Boutin and husband Gary, of Middlebury; four brothers, Roy Coburn, Butch Coburn, Rick Ballantine, and Roy Ballantine; two sisters, Dolly Osterman and Tracy DeCell; two grandsons, Trenton and Wilder; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Beers.
A memorial service in celebration of his life will be conducted Saturday, May 25, at 1 pm at the Stratton Town Hall with a reception to follow.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Rescue Inc., PO Box 593, Brattleboro, VT  05302. To sign an online register book or to send messages of condolence visit www.atamaniuk.com.