Middlebury, VT Maxwell E. Eaton Sr. Maxwell E. Eaton Sr. passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, on Friday, January 11, 2008 at Helen Porter Health & Rehab. Max, as he was known by all, was born in Randolph, Vermont, on May 2, 1926. Max, a sixth generation Vermonter, was born to Pearl Henry Eaton and Estella Abare Eaton of Rochester, Vermont. A bright and capable young man, Max went to Rochester and Hancock Elementary Schools. Growing up in Rochester, Max learned the life of the great outdoors. While still a youngster his family moved to Proctor, VT, where Max graduated from high school. At age 16, Max began his study of Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University. He left Cornell to join the Navy at age 17, where he served on the U.S.S. Tarawa during WW II, after serving, he returned to Vermont to attend the University of Vermont where he received his engineering degree and met Roberta Ann Higgins, Bobbie" and Max were married at Christ The King Church, in Rutland, VT, on July 14, 1951. With the mind of an engineer, Max would tackle any challenge. His interests were diverse and many, he was a man with a fine sense of humor and extraordinary energy. He was a good and decent man who made friends with ease and had many. Max had a passion for boats, the sea, and exploration. Upon retirement, he and Bobbie lived aboard their trawler, the Bon Ami, for 5 years, it was while living on board he tutored math at schools on Hilton Head Island, SC and became a licensed U.S Merchant marine Officer. Max was an avid Long Trail Hiker and a charter member of the "Martini Mountain Club", he enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking (no one could bake a better chocolate chip cookie!) and almost anything mechanical, but most of all he enjoyed with great pride his family and dear friends. Always willing to lend a helping hand to provide a genuine smile, and a cheerful word, Max will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife Bobbie of 56 years along with his children and their spouses, Maxwell Jr. and Susan Eaton of Tucson, AZ, Nancy and Adrian Welch of New London, NH, Timothy and Lucinda Eaton of Bristol, VT, and Michele and Michael Koenig of Wilmot, NH., also by eight loving grandchildren, Maxwell and Alexander Eaton, Elizabeth and Emily Welch, Justin and Molly Eaton, and Madison and Morgan Koenig. Max was predeceased by his sister Winona Foster of Barre, Vermont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday January18, 2008 at 11 AM at St. Marys Catholic Church in Middlebury with the Rev. Justin Baker Officiating. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Elderly Services inc. at 112 Exchange St. Middlebury VT 05753 or to Addison County Home Health at P.O. Box 754, Middlebury VT 05753. Arrangements are under the direction of Sanderson Funeral Services. www.sandersonfuneralservice.com