Granby Obituary: Walter Champagne, Sr., 66

Walter “Big Butch” Stephen Champagne, Sr., 66, of East Hartford, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017, at Hartford Hospital.

Born in Hartford on February 20, 1951, son of the late Walter Joseph and Mary Gertrude (Murphy) Champagne, he was raised in Bloomfield and had lived in Bristol, North Granby, and Vermont for many years. Walter worked in construction and with son in his landscaping business, Walt’s Lawn Service, for most of his career. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time in the great outdoors.

Walter loved Vermont and being close to nature. An animal lover, he was especially fond of dogs and routinely offered to watch and care for his family and friend’s pets while they were traveling or out of town. Most of all, Walter will be remembered as a kind and loving man who enjoyed helping others.

He leaves two sons, Walter Stephen “Butch” Champagne, Jr. of North Granby and Kevin J. Champagne of Manchester; two brothers, Ronald Champagne and his wife Joanne of Bristol and Merton Champagne of Bloomfield; two sisters, Debbie Gauvin of East Hartford and Cherie Norton of Surprise, AZ; four grandchildren, Katrina Marie Champagne, Amber Lynn Champagne, Hailey Champagne, and Shyanne Champagne; a cousin, Doug Seibert and his wife Dee of Southwick, MA; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Melody Champagne.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 1, 11 a.m., at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby. Burial will be private.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Lost Acres Fire Department, 206 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT 06035.