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R.I.P. Barry Chouinard

Barry Chouinard died last night of a massive heart attack while awaiting heart surgery.  He was a good friend and I’ll miss him, and he was a good friend to lots of folks that will miss him.

He sold his company Comfort Colors to Gildan about a year ago and was working on all kinds of business ventures. My favorite was that he was going to grow organic potatoes and make vodka up in near where he lived in Vermont. That would have been perfect for that hillbilly genius: part salty New Englander, a heavy dose of brilliant chemist, as sharp a business guy as you’ll ever meet, an old school environmentalist (as he said numerous times to me, “well, you don’t shit where you live…”) and add in plenty of drinks, one-liners and stories.

The man was a huge success in the garment business and we all know that is a damn tough business. The garment dyed shirt business is even more difficult, and he has really been the only person to master that. He also was about the most fun guy to hang out with. And he was definitely the guy with the most witty funny lines of anyone I’ve ever known.

He leaves his wife Bonnie and son Jeremy Drown and his good buddy Kevin Camisa. Also he leaves his stepdaughter Shawna Foran, son-in-law Patrick Foran, grandson Patrick Garrett Foran and his sister Terry Chouinard.  Our heart goes out to them. He also leaves a whole lot of other friends that are very sad today, me included.

Comments

  1. Barry was a kind hearted man who cared about his community and was a great friend to all who knew him. He was one of the most generous men I have ever met. Our heart aches at the Lyfords house tonight.

  2. wow, so sorry to hear sad news. barry was always cheerful and helpful to friends in need. he had many friends and created new friends thru his business. i had the pleasure of working for him and his wife bonnie. whom is also wonderful person. truly a wonderful man. God bless prayers be said..

  3. One of Northfields best. A friendly, and generous man who helped many people. We had our High School Class Reunions at his house and he and Bonnie worked hard to assure we had the best party ever. They just don’t come any better.

  4. Barry was a great guy and very generous to Norwich and the Northfield community. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace

  5. Truly an amazing guy. So generous to the community. And truly an environmental champion; doing everything necessary, at whatever price, to insure things were done right at Comfort Colors. Such a chemist at heart!

    I just never thought someone as big as life could ever leave us…
    I’ll miss that sharp wit and boyish grin.
    Here’s to you Barry!
    Now where’s my favorite pink hoodie…

  6. I have very fond memories of Barry. As a child my family and I would visit Barry at his business in Northfield when we were in town visiting my grandmother Loraina Pollard or my Aunt Joan. Barry was so proud of his business and would always love to show us around. Barry was a close family friend who I always looked forward to visiting. Rest in peace, Barry.
    -Kathy Ramsay Tevnan

  7. So sorry to hear about Barry,he was a true friend to many.
    He will be greatly missed,Rest in Peace Barry,
    A friend,

  8. Barry was a one of a kind, down to earth, wonderful, generous big-hearted man. He quietly did so much for the Northfield & cenral VT community. I will always remember the many times he donated his time & resources to fundraisers @ Northfield Middle High School.that would benefit the students.
    His love & devotion to Bonnie, Jeremy, Shawna, his son-in-law & grandchild were so evident in his actions. Barry will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him & everyone that admired him from a far. Deepest sympathy to Bonnie & all the family.

  9. Barry was generous to a fault, donating tee shirts to the Vermont Technical College annual golf tournament years ago.

    I remember him as I grew up in Northfield, as he played Ram brand clubs at the Northfield Country Club where I also played.

  10. Dear Bonny
    This is Braat from Aruba I got the sad news about my friend Barry , this is very hard to believe.Always when we spoke I reminded him that his rum and coke was in the fridge waiting for him to return to Aruba so we could sit down and watch the sunset, now we can’t do this no more but you guys will always be in memory. Bonny may Barry sleep quiet and peaceful.
    Your friend in Aruba
    Braat Eman

  11. Barry was a close family friend growing up. I will always remember his vibrant laugh, and the fun times playing “NH Bid Wist” with him, and my family. He will be missed by many as he touched so many lives. Rest in peace old friend.

  12. Miss you so much Barry, wish I could have given you one last hug, you did so much for our small town and for my family, I will forever see you as family, I hope we meet again someday

  13. Bonnie
    So sorry to here this sad news about Barry. Berry was a good guy. I no he will be missed by a lot of people. I will keep you and the Family in my Prayers and Thoughts. R,I,P my friend

  14. Went on a trip around the north shore of Lake Superior from Sault Ste. Marie, Canada thru Thunder Bay and picked up a long sleeve t-shirt in Minnesota on our way to Duluth. Shirt was unbelievably comfortable to the point that I looked at the tag to see who made it. I was pleasantly surprised to see Chouinard Comfort Colors. Wasn’t my first and certainly won’t be the last. A true testimony to the man and his work.

  15. sad to find out this news so late,
    i remeber when i started printing , i think he was dyeing tultex brand.
    i purchased my first order they were such a cool company no worries or stress about getting paid.

    i still have some of those original kids t-shirts that i use to buy from them.

    Rest In Purple my friend.

    peace and love to his loved ones.

    Julio

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