Jay Merrill Chandler

Jay M. Chandler Richmond Jay Merrill Chandler, 77, passed away at his home in Richmond on Thursday, September 3, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Fairlee on July 12, 1938, son of the late Merrill and Catherine (Tullar) Chandler. Jay married Janice Chase on December 29, 1962 in Bradford, Vermont. Jay spent his life in Vermont, attending schools in Fairlee and Post Mills while growing up. He graduated from Bradford Academy in 1956 and from Lyndon Teachers College in 1960 with a B.S. in Education. After graduating from college, Jay met Janice while he and his buddies were out cruising in his '57 Chevy convertible in Bradford. Within the next year they were married. They were living in Fairlee when they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Lesley. They moved to Derby Line where their daughter, Carla was born and then to Richmond where their son, Douglas was born. In Richmond, Jay and Jan bought a piece of land with a scenic view of Camels Hump. Here, Jay designed and built their “house on the hill”, where they lived for 45 years. Jay taught and coached sports at the middle school level for thirty-five years, retiring in 1995. He taught in Plainfield, Thetford and Derby Line. He spent the last twenty years of his teaching career in Richmond, first at the Elementary school and then at Camel’s Hump Middle School until retirement. Jay did a lot of moonlighting through the years, including working as a farm hand and driving milk truck for the dairy farms of his Tullar aunts and uncles. He was also self-employed as a builder and contractor, building houses, home additions, porches, decks and gazebos, often with his partner in C&C Construction, Doug Churchill. Most recently, he enjoyed working part-time for the Town of Williston for ten years as a groundskeeper/ maintenance worker. Jay was an athlete who participated in many sports including skiing, baseball, basketball, golf, snowmobiling and hiking. He treasured his many years of hunting in West Fairlee with his uncles, and for nearly forty years at the Straw's camp in Vershire. At camp, they even designated one of the two bedrooms as Jay’s room. He also enjoyed cruising the winter trails throughout the Northeast on his snowmobile with good friends. He played golf in many locations, ultimately joining the men's league at Cedar Knoll where he also met some wonderful friends. Since childhood, Jay was a downhill skier and was on the ski patrol at Jay Peak back in the 60's. He also taught ski lessons at Cochran's Ski Area in Richmond in the after-school ski program. He passed his passion for skiing onto his children and grandchildren. He loved going to South Pond to the Churchill camp. Jay was fortunate to also be close to his family - both immediate and extended. His siblings and in-laws meant the world to him. He was able to enjoy the trip of his lifetime with Jan's siblings/spouses, which was an Alaskan Cruise back in 2011. Jay and Jan also traveled to many of our National Parks, and to the Caribbean, Florida, Arizona, California, Colorado, Canada, England and Scotland/Wales. Jay was a loving and involved father and grandfather who attended many games and events of his children and grandchildren. He always had a keen interest in everything they were doing and assisted in countless home projects for all. He particularly enjoyed offering advice when asked. Jay was a selfless man whose passing leaves a huge void, yet he will live on in all those he touched. Throughout his last 25 years, Jay faced many health challenges with bravery and determination. This started with a diagnosis of leukemia in 1990 when he made a courageous decision to have an experimental autologous bone marrow transplant at Dartmouth Hitchcock Memorial Hospital. This leading-edge procedure saved his life and brought him a remission - a true miracle. However, other health challenges arose that he tackled with the same stoic qualities. He continued to live a full life with his everlasting, loving caregiver, Jan, by his side. Jay was truly the Comeback King, thanks to his will to live and the constant support he received throughout the years, as well as his countless friends and family who stuck by his side through thick and thin, steadfast as can be. The family would like to extend special thanks to his incredible medical team which included his beloved family practitioner, Dr. Dan Goodyear, Dr. Varun Agrawal, Dr. Joe Winget and NP Nancy Strong, as well as many other doctors, nurses, VNA specialists, Physical and Occupational Therapists. Jay is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Janice Chandler of Richmond, a son Douglas Jay Chandler and wife Michelle of Huntington, two daughters Lesley Alexander and husband Paul of Waterbury Center, Carla Jan Chandler and husband Chuck Landry of Meriden, NH, a brother Paul Chandler and wife Beverly of Verona, NY, three sisters Janice Woodard of Wilton, NH, Rebecca Chandler of Montpelier, Catherine Chandler of Fairlee, four grandchildren Jordynn Chandler, Jay L. Chandler, Chelsea Alexander and Lauren Alexander, brother-in-law Dean Chase and wife Debbie, three sisters-in-law Charlotte Chase, Muriel Nutting and husband Lester, Terry Chase and husband Stephen Lang, his Aunt Frances Tullar, two uncles-in-law Herbert Verry, H. Horton Washburn and wife Gerry, his aunt-in-law Joyce Flint, many nieces, nephews and cousins. A Celebration of Life Service for Jay will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the West Monitor Barn, 1949 East Main St., Richmond, VT 05477. The family invites you to visit www.awrfh.com for further updates and to share your memories. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Richmond Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 20 Church St., P.O. Box 302, Richmond VT, 05477 (or visit http://www.rccucc.org), Richmond Rescue, P.O. Box 404, Richmond, VT 05477 (or visit www.richmondrescue.org), or the charity of your choosing.