Edward "Sam" Kaiser

Edward “Sam” Kaiser, 78, from Stowe, VT passed away at The Arbors in Shelburne on July 30, 2024 following a long period of declining health.  His acquaintances called him Ed; friends and those who really knew him called him Sam.  It didn’t matter to him just as long as you stopped to chat or listen to one of his tales.

It’s hard to know what he was notable for because he touched so many lives. He was born August 15, 1945 to Avis (Taylor) and Glen Kaiser. After graduating from Stowe High School in 1964, he enrolled in the US Air Force and began his career in communications.  His training landed him on military bases from Germany to Alaska.  He was very proud of his military time. Honorably Discharged as a Staff Sergeant, he remained active in the American Legion Donald McMahon Post #64 for many years.  In between Basic Training and deployment to Germany, he returned to Stowe in 1966 to marry his high school sweetheart, Gail Rhodes.  She was able to join him on base in Germany where they began their 57+ year marriage.

After returning to the States, he jumped into his telecommunications career with New England Telephone & Telegraph Company where he earned the handle “Sam, Sam the telephone man”.  In retirement he would make house calls to fix a phone.  When he wasn’t working, he could often be found “holding court” or stirring the pot at one of many of his local hangouts - Mt. Mansfield Garage, Stowe Quick Mart, the Car Wash a/k/a Dunkin’ Donuts and The Commodores to name a few.

Simultaneous to his professional career, he continued to lead a life of service to others through active membership for over 50 years in the Mystic Lodge #56 as well as serving as Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He was an active volunteer for many years with the Vermont Auto Enthusiasts and always looked forward to the Annual Antique Car Show.  

His final job in retirement was driving a school bus for Percy Transportation.  One of his greatest enjoyments was transporting high school sports teams - so much so, that some even called him their lucky charm.

He was most proud of his family; daughter Alison, her husband Franz Jaremczuk and their son Aiden as well as his son Eric - really they were the best of friends, hunting and fishing pals, travel companions  and always there for each other.

For nearly the past 2 years, The Arbors in Shelburne was his home.  He continued to make friends, always kept the staff up to speed about the other residents and maintained his sense of humor through his final days.  The family cannot express enough gratitude to the numerous staff members at The Arbors as well as the UVM Hospice care team for the quality care, love and compassion they have provided.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Most Holy Name of Jesus Church  located at 301 Brooklyn Street in Morrisville.  The family invites all to join them for a reception in The Crosby Center behind the church immediately following the service.  Burial and Military Honors will take place at 3:00 pm at Riverbank Cemetery in Stowe.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Most Holy Name of Jesus - Building Fund and mailed to 301 Brooklyn Street, Morrisville, VT 05661.

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