Richmond, Vermont Mourns the Loss of Francis Churchill

RICHMOND, VERMONT (October 14, 2025) — The University of Vermont community and the town of Richmond are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Francis Churchill, the university’s longtime Director of Environmental Health and Safety, who passed away at the age of 57. His sudden death has left colleagues, friends, and family grappling with deep sorrow, as they remember a man whose professional excellence was matched only by his compassion, humility, and commitment to making the world a safer and better place.

For more than two decades, Francis served as a pillar of leadership and integrity at UVM. His work in environmental health and safety was not just a career, but a calling — one that reflected his deep belief in responsibility, stewardship, and care for both people and the planet. Under his guidance, the university made great strides in sustainability practices, laboratory safety standards, and environmental responsibility, all of which stand as part of his enduring legacy.

Colleagues at the University of Vermont described Francis as a steady, thoughtful leader who led with empathy and collaboration. “He had a rare ability to bring people together — from faculty to facilities staff — and make everyone feel valued,” said one colleague. “He wasn’t just a director. He was a mentor, a teacher, and a friend to so many.”

Known for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering sense of duty, Francis often went above and beyond his official responsibilities. Whether it was mentoring younger staff, assisting in emergency preparedness, or championing initiatives for sustainable energy and waste reduction, he always approached his work with purpose and pride. His dedication played a key role in shaping the university’s strong culture of safety and environmental consciousness.

Beyond his professional life, Francis was deeply loved for his warmth, humor, and grounded nature. He was a devoted husband and father, whose family was the center of his world. Friends recall that no matter how demanding his career became, Francis always made time for those he loved — coaching his kids’ teams, sharing weekend hikes through Vermont’s scenic landscapes, and spending quiet evenings by the lake with his family.

Those closest to him describe Francis as a man of gentle strength, guided by principle and kindness. “He lived by example,” said a close friend. “He taught us that leadership isn’t about power or recognition — it’s about service, about caring for others, and about doing the right thing even when no one’s watching.”

Outside of work, Francis was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and inspiration in Vermont’s natural beauty. Whether cycling along country roads, skiing in the winter months, or tending to his garden at home, he carried a deep respect for nature that was evident in both his personal and professional life.

His passing leaves an irreplaceable void — not only within the University of Vermont but across the entire community of Richmond, where he was admired as a neighbor, volunteer, and friend. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, students, and friends alike, all expressing profound gratitude for the legacy he leaves behind.

In a statement, UVM officials called Francis “a cornerstone of our community,” praising his decades of service and his commitment to safety, sustainability, and education. “His impact reaches far beyond campus. His values and leadership have shaped how we think about environmental stewardship for generations to come.”

As family, friends, and colleagues prepare to honor his life, there is comfort in knowing that Francis Churchill’s influence will continue to be felt for years to come — in the policies he helped craft, the people he mentored, and the principles he lived by every day.

He will be remembered not only as a dedicated professional but as a kind, genuine, and compassionate soul whose life embodied the very ideals he worked to uphold — safety, community, and care for the world around us.

In loving memory of Francis Churchill (1968–2025) — a leader, mentor, and friend whose legacy of integrity and service will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.