CORNWALL — Leo Francis Hotte died unexpectedly, surrounded by his spouse and son and different members of the family on the UVM Hospital on Feb. 14, 2023.
LEO F. HOTTE
Leo grew up in Bridport, certainly one of 9 youngsters who labored and performed onerous on the household dairy farm. Between college and chores Leo discovered time for sports activities, searching, and adventuring. He graduated from Middlebury Union Excessive College and after attempting a few non-farming jobs, he returned to Bridport to take over the administration of the household farm. He labored the farm together with his brother Tim for a number of years, after which determined it was time for a brand new problem. Because of the numerous, many helpful abilities he acquired on the farm and his robust work ethic, Leo turned supervisor/caretaker of Middlebury School’s Bread Loaf Mountain Campus in Ripton, the place he remained for 26 years earlier than retiring in Cornwall.
Leo cherished sports activities; he performed a bit soccer in highschool, joined his brothers on the native Bridport softball group, and associates knew him as a ferocious ping pong participant. He later dazzled college students and workers on the College of English vs Ripton softball video games performed each Sunday.
At Bread Loaf Leo was admired for his boundless power, ability with all automobiles, deep data of the inside workings of campus buildings, and his capacity to bail anybody out of just about any jam, all completed with a straightforward grin. Along with retaining the bodily plant working, Leo additionally supervised the grounds and housekeeping workers, working alongside them and ensuring all teams utilizing the campus had the help they wanted for his or her session or occasion.
The writers and readers who turned associates throughout summers typically unfold Leo’s renown past Bread Loaf. A author for the short-lived Fame journal wrote about an off-road problem she threw down, pitting her new Jeep in opposition to Leo’s outdated beloved Land Rover (Leo needed to tow her Jeep out of the river). Extra just lately and affectionately, Leo was featured in a Middlebury journal cowl story written by a Middlebury and Bread Loaf alum. Leo was vastly amused when the bumpy tractor-driven hayrides he gave every summer season on the Writers’ Convention appeared on the “Phrase Loaf” episode of The Simpsons.
Respecting Leo’s needs, there shall be no formal memorial service. Household and associates will collect to rejoice his life and friendship privately. Later within the spring there shall be a graveside service for household.
Leo is survived by his spouse of 43 years, Sandy LeGault of Cornwall; his sons, Leo Hotte Jr. of Granville and Jean Paul Hotte of Auburn, Wash.; siblings Lucien Hotte Jr., of Bridport, Barbara Gleeson of Florida, Julia Benoit of Bridport, Timothy Hotte of Bridport, Jesse Hotte of Bridport, Laura Altman of Mayetta, Kan., and Lisa Taylor of Bridport; and lots of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his dad and mom, his daughter Terry Hotte, and his sister Roseanna Lesser. ◊