Robert W. Danforth passed away peacefully October 17th, 2022 at the Jack Bryne Center for palliative and hospice care surrounded by loved ones. After a 5 year testament to strength fighting lung cancer.
Robert was born May 11th, 1960 in Barre VT to William H Danforth and Grace Salomaa (LaBeau). He was the youngest of 5 children. He grew up in White River and Corinth VT. He was a graduate of Oxbow High School with the class of 1978.
After high school Robert started his career as a warehouse selector for P&C. He then followed in his father's footsteps as a truck driver. Robert drove for a few companies throughout his career including P&C, WRJ Trucking, and Webster Trucking. He also was an owner operator twice throughout his career. Robert was known as an old-school trucker. His nickname known throughout trucking community was Six Shooter.
In his younger years Robert looked forward to the tractor pulls every summer. Robert and his brother David would pull their John Deere tractors. For a period of time, he also owned Oxen which he enjoyed pulling at the fairs as well.
Although Robert was widely known for trucking, in his free time Robert also enjoyed playing on his excavation equipment with his boys and grandson. Robert had a passion for boating. In his free time you could find Robert and Annette on Lake Champlain hanging out on his boat. Most likely at the North Beach or Splash Boathouse. One of his most looked forward to events of the year was this July 3rd fireworks in Burlington VT. Robert was able to fulfill one of his dreams by watching the fireworks out on the water in his boat the summer of 2017 with his children and grandchildren. Other interests Robert had were fishing, hunting, and sugaring.
Robert was a huge family man. Robert married Annette (Miner) in a beautiful ceremony June 25th, 1988. They were married in Milton VT. Robert and Annette had three children Shawn, Casey, and Holly.
Robert raised his family in the house he built. This cozy little spot on Pike Hill Rd is where he lived until his last days. Robert also had three other children from a previous marriage (Jacquely Hastings), Johnathan, Luke, and Victoria. Robert was also not shy about being a mentor to others. He was always there for anyone who needed some advice or added support.
Robert was survived by his wife Annette Danforth of Corinth VT, his children Johnathan Danforth and his girlfriend Rhi of Corinth VT, Luke Danforth of Bath VT, Victoria Daniels and her husband Eric of Corinth VT, Shawn Danforth and his wife Nichole of Troy ME, Casey Danforth and his wife Sarah of Monkton VT, and Holly Clark and her husband Tyler of Calais VT. His grandchildren Connor, Mya, Braxton, Stella, Finn, Kenzie, Madison, Rylie, Douglas, and Austin. His brother Ivis Danforth and William Danforth of Greeneville TN, his mother-in-law Stella Slicer and her husband David of Hobe Sound FL. As well as many other family and friends.
Robert was predeceased by his brother David Danforth, his sister Shiela Danforth, his father William Danforth, his mother Grace Salomaa and his stepmother Betty Danforth.
A grave side service will be held Saturday October 22nd, 2022 at 11am. The service is being held at the Waits River Cemetery. A gathering of friends and family will be held immediately after at his residence 691 Pike Hill Rd in Corinth VT.
In honor of “six shooter” folks are invited to join in a truck convoy. The convoy will meet at the ball field and will leave at 10:30 to escort Robert to the Waits River Cemetery where the burial will take place.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Medical Center