Patrick “Pat” Palmer of New Haven, Vermont, passed away on October 20, 2026. Born in Middlebury on March 17, 1947.

He was a loving father and dedicated husband and is survived by his wife of 55 years, Catherine Palmer, his three children Carolyn Elliott, Michael Palmer, and Andrew Palmer, and his grandchildren Brody Palmer and Skye Elliott.

As a young man, he was E6 in the Army and served in Germany where he was a radio operator and avid collector of Volkswagen Bugs.

For 25 years he and his team of horses collected the recycling and trash in the town of Bristol, Vermont. Pat Palmer and his horses were a cherished and much photographed weekly event. He was generous with sharing his love of horses and mentored many young people in the Green Mountain Draft Horse Community who honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award this past March. His enterprises with horses were featured on Good Morning America and preserved by the Library of Congress, ensuring that his own voice remains part of the record of American working life.

Pat helped create cherished occasions through horse-drawn wedding carriages, holiday trolley rides, and winter sleigh rides. For more than two decades, he guided visitors through the woods and fields of Shelburne Farms, sharing his pleasure in Vermont’s winter beauty. He also brought festive rides to Maple Tree Place, where contributions collected during the outings supported the Children’s Miracle Network. His work placed him amid celebrations, marriage proposals, and moments of simple enjoyment.

He will be sorely missed. The community is invited to a Celebration of Life Potluck Gathering on Friday, October 30th from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Bristol Legion Hall, 56 Airport Dr, Bristol, VT 05443.

In Lieu of Flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association or to the Green Mountain Draft Horse Association.