FRANK W. WAY BURLINGTON - Frank Watson Way, 78, passed away peacefully in Starr Farm Nursing Center on Feb. 1, 2009, in the company of his loving wife.

Frank was born on Dec. 8, 1930, in Burlington, the eldest son of Frank and Miriam Watson Way. He graduated from Alburg High School in 1949, and received a B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College in 1953. He attended summer school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1960, and participated in many workshops and seminars during his career with the Vermont Department of Health.

 Frank is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sarah (June) Richardson Way, a graduate of the Fanny Allen Memorial School of Practical Nursing. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Lynn Way and their three children, Brandon, Tyler, and Lauren Way of Ohio; his two daughters, Laurie Way of New York and Debra Norris and her husband Randall of Colchester. Frank is also survived by his brother James Way and his wife Norma of Georgia; his brother Howard Way of Virginia; and his sister Shirley Dubuque of Winooski; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Lester Way.

Frank served in the U.S. Army from October 1953, to October 1956, during the Korean War. Most of his military career was as an Infantryman and Company Clerk with Co. D, 2nd Inf. (Prov.) Battalion, 3rd Inf. Division, Ft. Benning, Georgia. He received an honorable discharge upon completion of his service.

Early in his professional career, Frank served as Chittenden County 4-H Club Agent with the Vermont Extension Service. In 1966, he began his long tenure with the Vermont Department of Health. He spent the majority of his career traveling throughout the state working in the medical care and environmental health fields, assisting countless people and businesses to meet health and safety standards. He retired from the Department of Health in 1996.

Frank was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Burlington, serving in various capacities for over 40 years. He was a member of the Essex Center Grange and a member of the Columbus Lodge F & AM in Alburg, from which he received a 50 year pin.

Frank greatly enjoyed woodworking, gardening, flower growing, and drawing. He loved education, especially history and current events, and greatly enjoyed his Elder Enrichment Education classes in South Burlington. After his retirement he worked for five seasons as a guide for Visitor Services at the Shelburne Museum.

Frank was a dedicated member of his community and a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He will be remembered for his willingness to help, his easy conversation, and the long line of family, friends, and associates whose lives he touched.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Starr Farm Nursing Center for their loving care. A funeral service has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m., in the First United Methodist Church in Burlington. No visiting hours are scheduled. Arrangements are entrusted to Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be made in Frank's name to Friends of Burlington Gardens, P.O. Box 4504, Burlington, VT 05406, to support the Community Teaching Garden Program.