Wilfrid L. d'Anjou

SOUTH CANAAN, VT — Mr. Wilfrid L. d’Anjou, 86, of South Canaan, Vt., passed away at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook early on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, after a long period of declining health. He was born in Paquetteville, Québec, on Aug. 26, 1927, the eldest son of Omer and Alida (Gagne) d’Anjou. He left school at an early age to help on the family farm, and he later moved to South Canaan to work on a farm there. At the age of 19, he met the love of his life, Therese Arpin, at a convenience store in Canada, and the next year he married her in Sherbrooke. The d’Anjous first moved to Norton, Vt., and later bought a dairy farm in South Canaan. Wilfrid worked for a time for Ethan Allen while also running the family farm, and he later established the d’Anjou Christmas Tree Farm at the base of Todd Hill where his sons and grandsons still operate the business. After retiring from farming, Wilfrid was passionate about his home in Port Saint Lucie, Fla., where he enjoyed his fruit trees and gardens full of tomatoes and pineapple; and he enjoyed being able to swim in his pool and throw parties for his friends and family. In the summer months, the d’Anjous journeyed back to Canaan to help trim the Christmas trees. Wilfrid enjoyed dancing at the Northland with his sisters and friends, and he loved to sing French folk songs and laugh. He cherished all his grandchildren and his very large family and circle of friends, all of whom will miss him dearly. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Therese (Arpin) d’Anjou of Colebrook; three sons, Alain d’Anjou and wife Lise Dionne of Sherbrook, Que., Loic d’Anjou and wife Wendy Mae of Canaan, and Yves d’Anjou and partner Theresa of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; two daughters, Francine d’Anjou and husband Real Jubinville of Sherbrooke, and Caroline d’Anjou and husband David Hipkins of Stamford, Conn.; a brother, Henrie d’Anjou of Manchester, NH; two sisters, Rita d’Anjou of Coaticook, Que., and Armande d’Anjou of Bradenton, Fla.; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by three brothers, Gilles, Ernest, and Albert; and by a great-granddaughter, Beatrice. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook, NH. A memorial Mass and committal service will take place at a later date in the spring of 2014, of which notice will be given. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. d’Anjou may be made to the Colebrook Area Food Pantry, 55 Pleasant St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Wilfrid L. d'Anjou

August 26, 1927 - October 19, 2013