Paul A. Sargent

Paul A. Sargent, 86, and lifetime resident of Fairlee, Vermont, passed away December 1st after a brief illness. He was born on September 6,1937 in Hanover, Nh., To Harold and Blendina Sargent of Fairlee, Vt. Paul was the middle child of 3 sons Harold and Blendina would have together. Paul leaves his Wife Joan Tyler Sargent, a stepdaughter Kate Grant with husband Charlie of Bradford, a stepson Chuck Clifford with Wife Sheri of Orford NH, as well as 4 step- grandchildren whom he loved. Paul also leaves an Ex wife Barbara Sargent of Gulfport Florida. Together they had 3 boys, Mark, Scott and Matthew. Paul lost his oldest son Mark in 2021.Son Scott and wife Robyn of Fairlee and his brother Matthew of Fairlee survive Paul. He has 2 grandchildren, Megan, Born to Scott and Robyn, and John Paul, born to His deceased son Mark and ex-wife Cynthia Escobar of Texas. Paul leaves his older brother Ernest Sargent of Randolph, Vermont, and was predeceased by his younger brother Benson Sargent of Barre ,Vermont. Paul leaves many nieces and nephews, as well as friends and business acquaintances from all over.
Paul graduated from Bradford Academy in 1955 and moved to Cactus Arizona with his parents, due to his dads health issues. Paul attended Arizona State University in Tempe for about 2 years. Harold subsequently died and Paul and His mother Blendina moved back to Fairlee where he took over the operation of his dads business, the Harold e. Sargent co. The House construction business evolved into a successful excavation and swimming pool installation and maintenance business that Paul ran, and his boys were his crew.
Paul had joined the Vermont National Guard in the 60s and became a lieutenant and garnered awards for his marksmanship. He became The Fairlee Fire chief and sat on the planning board as well as becoming a Selectman. He Was a Mason and member of The Mt. Cube Lodge #10 in Orford, NH. He had recently received his 60-year pin. Paul was also a 50-year member of the Early Ford V8 club of America.
Paul’s big passion was collecting, preserving and driving his v8 fords throughout the summers and especially in the 4th of July parade. In the 80’s, Paul had joined the Twin State Early Ford V8 Car club which served Vermont and New Hampshire. This was a regional group tied to the larger national V8 Ford club. Paul worked his way up through the ranks and became the president of the club and was quite passionate about orchestrating the yearly car show around July 9th, and on the green in Orford. He did this for many years tirelessly and it became one of his favorite events. The phrase,” We Buy But Never Sell,” was coined by him and on his business card. He had many friends throughout the USA because of this hobby and had attended the Stowe car show for over 50 years as well as attending the Fall AACA gathering in Hershey, Pa. for over 30 years. He loved his fords and collected about every model of the 1934 year model 40,his favorite. He often joked that he wanted to be buried in his prized 34 cabriolet. To that we would reply, ‘Oh, you will be buried for sure, but we are keeping the car out of the ground!’
Paul hunted deer some 50 years ago and would take his boys to hunting camp in the fall and in the Spring, it was off to northern Maine for trout fishing. Many memories were made during these times. He also never stopped playing baseball or softball throughout his life, he had a great eye when up to bat. He loved watching baseball or football on tv, rooting for his favorite teams or player.
Paul was a big cat person, he had a few dogs in the past but he was never without a favorite cat, most called ‘Tiger. He had quite a” yodel” of a call when calling about for his cat to come home from being outside.
Paul’s other passion was history. He read books throughout his life, whether it be on politics, or wars, cars, Truman or Lincoln, It didn’t matter, he never stopped learning. We have never known anyone more well-read. He studied his family tree and knew the complete history of his roots. He enjoyed reciting poetry at any given moment, especially with his brothers.
Another passion was purchasing undeveloped land and purposely keeping it undeveloped for timber, hiking and hunting, but not to add more housing and to change the character of the town. If you were in Fairlee from the 60s to late 90’s, you would have met Paul at some point. He was always around to lend a hand or advice, that was Paul. He had a great sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye and was a fair and honest person, full of integrity.
In lieu of a formal church service, a private ceremony in the late spring will be held at graveside with a following reception, for family and close friends. We will all miss him.
Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home in Bradford. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com