WESTMINSTER, Vt. — David Kissell, “Big Dave,” 58 passed away on Dec. 18, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. David was born July 11, 1960, in Bellows Falls, Vermont to Phillip F. Kissell Sr. and Marilyn (Sawyer) Kissell. He attended Bellows Falls Union High School. David worked with his father at Kissell Farm on Pine Banks Road, milking dairy cows, logging, and sugaring.
He married Tammy (Wilson) Kissell on June 19, 1993. Together they shared 37 loving years together. They had found their person, soulmate, and best friend in one another. Tammy feels that she would not be who or where she is today without the love and support of David by her side. “Thank you my love.” Together they had two children, Caroline and David Jr., and in 2006, together as a family, started their own beef and hay business at their home on Daigel Road in Westminster.
To say Dave was one of those all-American farmers would be an understatement. He was a John Deere man through and through. He had a laugh that was contagious, a smile that could warm any room and a heart three times as big as his hands … and they were huge! He was a gentle soul, had a willingness to help others, and a love for all things living. His heart seemed to expand even more when he was with his family, making memories with his children and grandchildren while watching them continue on with his passion.
He is survived by his daughter, Caroline (Kissell) Brodeur and her husband Robert Brodeur of Westminster, Vermont. Their three children, Olly, Sawyer, and Neil, were one of his greatest pleasures. He loved nothing more than being their Papa. You could always find him cheering on Olly and Sawyer, both 9, during their football and basketball games or while riding through the fields on their dirt bikes. Neil, who is 2 ½, has his Papa’s passion for tractors, cows, and all things farm. This made Dave so proud. Caroline will forever be grateful for the time they had together and never forget that sparkle in his eyes. He will always be her first love, and she will always be her Daddy’s little girl.
He is also survived by his son David Jr, also of Westminster, who shares his father’s passion for all things motorized, as well as an innate ability to find ‘diamonds in the rough’ at auctions. Junior, as he was fondly called by Senior, also shares his father’s infectious smile. He is proud to be his father’s son and will continue to keep his spirit alive for all to remember.
David was predeceased by his father, Phillip F. Kissell.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Connecticut Valley Peewee Football League, P.O. Box 703, Bellows Falls, VT 05101, or you can bring a dish and join the family in a Celebration of Life to be held on Jan. 12, 2019, at the American Legion Post 37 in Bellows Falls at 1 p.m. Please R.S.V.P. Ellyn Benson @ 603-931-6108 or Toni Perry @ 802-376-5905. P.S.: If you attend the celebration, wear your finest flannel in honor of David.
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