CHELSEA, VT — Norman C. Button passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 14th, 2019. He was born October 5th, 1938 in Barre, VT.

Norm grew up in Chelsea on his family’s farm. He started his lifelong employment at HEB manufacturing in Chelsea right out of high school as a tool and die maker. He just retired this past year from HEB’s after 60 years. He also plowed many driveways with his whole family in tow.

Norm was an active member of the Chelsea Fire Department for 50 years. He also was a member of the George Washington Lodge #51, F. & A.M. in Chelsea. He spent time with his family in a jeep club as well.

Norm had a love for speed. He raced snowmobiles and his competitive side usually won. He also competed in truck pulls at many local fairs. He spent many years owning and working on a racecar #98 and traveled Vermont, Canada, and New York at dirt track raceways. He loved ACT and watching his grandson Derrick win many championships at Thunder Road. Every winter he spent time with good friends snowmobiling and his friend’s camp. In the summertime, he enjoyed riding his Harley.

Norm was never still. He split 100’s of cords of wood. He was a MacGyver. He could make anything and never threw anything out that could be “fixed.” He never bought anything that could be made. He spent many hours in his shop/garage working on projects. He loved traveling with his wife Betsy and especially loved his cruising!

Norm leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth (Betsy) Button. His former wife, Virginia (Ginny) Button of Chelsea. His two daughters, Cheryl O’Donnell and husband Cris of Bradford and Brenda Vermette and husband Mark of Chelsea. His sisters Mary Jane Hayward and husband Don of East Barre and Grace Korzun of Cuttingsville. His sister-in-law Ione Battels, husband Jim, Florida. His brothers, Rich Button and wife Roberta (Bunny) of Chelsea, Joseph (Bill) Button and wife Lucia of Bradford, John Button and wife Starr of Brookfield, and Peter Button of Tunbridge. He was predeceased by his brother Edward and his parents Glenn and Irene Button.

He leaves his grandchildren, Tyler Vermette and Wife Lauren of Hingham MA, Jonathan Vermette and partner Jackie of Chelsea, Derrick O’Donnell and wife Abby of No. Haverhill, NH, and Ashley Osgood and husband Chad of Fountain NC. His great grandchildren, Beaux, Aidyn, Landyn, Claetyn, Brantley, and Byrklee. He has many nieces and nephews who he enjoyed spending time with.

He leaves his step children Melanie Fioravanti of Canaan, NH and David Joslin and wife Maryann of W. Virginia. His step grandchildren Ryan, Cody, Autumn, Gavin and step great grandson, Liam.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, December 21st at 2:00 pm at the United Church of Chelsea. There will be no public calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Chelsea Fire Department, P.O. Box 264, Chelsea, VT 05038.

A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at boardwayandcilley.com. The Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea, VT is in charge of arrangements.