West Fairlee, VT – Harry Walter Ecker, 81, passed away on September 26, 2026, in West Fairlee, Vermont. A steady anchor, a devoted family man, and a selfless neighbor, Harry was a true “port in a storm” for all who knew him.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1944, Harry attended Hall High School before matriculating at the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. After serving his country during the Vietnam War, Harry settled in Vermont, where he built a life, raised a family, and called the Upper Valley home for more than 50 years.
Harry led a prolific life as an athlete, military serviceman, builder, hiker, outdoorsman, husband, father, and grandfather. Respectful, compassionate, and dependable, he lived with a deep sense of duty to others and the planet. An avid hiker for many years, he was just shy of completing all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers. He was particularly fascinated by birds, viewing them as harbingers of hope for the future of the planet, and was passionate about leaving the Earth better than he found it through lifelong efforts to reuse and recycle.
Harry was a voracious reader, a patient problem-solver, and someone who was always willing to share his knowledge with others. Few pastimes engaged him as deeply as talking about sports. Harry was a huge sideline fan not only of his own children and grandchildren, but of every local athlete. A daily reader of the Valley News, he knew the names of virtually every student who played a sport in the Upper Valley over the years and enthusiastically celebrated their successes. He was a mainstay at Nighthawks and Thetford Academy games, and remained fiercely loyal to his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.
Harry had a profound impact on those around him. Quietly giving back, he donated his time to local people and causes, and was always the first to step forward at a moment’s notice to help a neighbor or stranger in need – never expecting anything in return. Though he was the type of person who didn’t need to be noticed for his kind gestures, his thoughtfulness was widely recognized. He invested time and deep intention into finding just the right card, gift, or action, devoting as much effort as it took to bring joy to someone else.
Above all his pursuits, Harry believed his greatest accomplishment was the family he made possible. He was extremely proud of his three children, Jennifer, Sara, and Gage. Yet, there was no greater joy in his life than his four grandchildren: Ty, Kait, Piper, and Robby. As “Grampy,” he treasured the simple moments reading books, playing games, taking walks, or just having a chat with patient, loving kindness.
Through his humor, generosity, and compassion, Harry created a vibrant community for himself in West Fairlee and beyond. He was genuinely interested in people, taking a deep, sincere interest in their lives, families, and stories. Harry had a rare gift for remembering the smallest details someone shared with him, and he checked in regularly just to see how they were doing. The remarkable outpouring of love, admiration, and support received since his passing stands as a testament to the lives he touched. He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In Remembrance & Continuing His Legacy:
A small, quiet gathering will take place at the Last Chance General Store in West Fairlee on Friday, November 13th, between 4 and 6pm. If you are able, please stop by to celebrate his life and share a story or memory of Harry with others who loved him.
Harry’s family asks that you honor his memory in the ways he lived his life every day: by helping out a neighbor or stranger, caring for the planet, or reading a good book and passing it along to someone else.
For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, donations in Harry’s name may be made to some of his favorite organizations:
– The Upper Valley Haven
– LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
– Not in Our House (through WISE in Lebanon, NH)
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes