We are sad to share that Dick Desautels passed away on September 2, 2024. Dick worked with Colchester Fire District #2 and served on Vermont Rural Water’s board of directors from 2003 to 2023, including as Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President.
Vermont Rural Water board members (left to right) Margaret Dwyer, Rod Lamothe, Dick Desautels, Jon Thornton, and Ray Counter celebrating Dick’s retirement in 2023.
A few of us in the water industry would like to share some memories of Dick.
From Liz Royer (VRWA Executive Director):
Dick was a stalwart on the Vermont Rural Water board for two decades. He was always quick to offer to help with anything we needed, whether it was a last-minute meeting with a bank or inspecting the fire extinguishers at the office. Dick’s presence, knowledge, friendship, and dedication will be greatly missed by all of us in the Rural Water family.
From Margaret Dwyer (Winhall-Stratton Fire District #1 & VRWA Board Member):
I was very sad to hear of Dick’s recent passing. I had the pleasure of working with Dick on the VRWA Board of Directors for many years and always appreciated his dedication and wealth of knowledge in the industry. My sympathies go out to his friends and family and to the community he served. Dick will be greatly missed.
From Eric Blatt (DEC Water Investment Division & VRWA Board Liaison):
I was saddened to hear of Dick’s recent passing. I had the pleasure of working with Dick on the VRWA Board of Directors since joining as a Board liaison in 2014. Dick always brought a pragmatic voice to the Board and a strong commitment to the VRWA organization. Dick had a can-do spirit, which is so characteristic of all the people who work in this great industry. Dick will be missed.
From Joe Duncan (Champlain Water District):
I had the pleasure of working with Dick Desautels starting in 2000 when he was early on in his career as the Colchester Fire District #2 administrator. Although he came from a fire service background, he was very passionate about the water industry. As a young engineer at the time, I learned a lot from him about being a community partner and the responsibilities that come with keeping the water flowing. I can’t ever recall him being mad or frustrated and he handled all things with a smile and a can-do attitude. Dick was a tremendous colleague and an even better friend in the industry.
From Shaun Fielder (former Vermont Rural Water Executive Director):
I am very sorry to learn Dick recently passed away, this news is truly saddening to me. I considered him a friend and mentor and was lucky enough to report to him during his many years as a VRWA director. Dick offered hundreds of hours of volunteer time to the Rural Water cause to include hosting training at Colchester Fire District #2, attending NRWA WaterPro conferences, and to go on many trips to Washington to advocate for rural water program funding. I never caught him in a bad mood, he was an excellent listener, and had a very calculated and calm approach. He always was focused on the goal of ensuring Vermont Rural Water Association had what was needed to get the job done. To Dick’s family and close friends my sincere condolences. I know he will be missed. Godspeed Dick.
Vermont Rural Water’s 2006 board members (left to right): Dick Desautels, Joe Voci, Rod Lamothe, Ed Savage, Gilles Blais