Obituary: Bill LeConte Haddock, 1940-2024
A quintessential extrovert and lifelong Georgia Bulldogs fan spent 55 years teaching, counseling, and assisting people in Vermont.
Bill Haddock passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024, surrounded by family and dear friends. Despite the many challenges of Alzheimer’s disease over the past five years, Bill retained his sense of humor and frequently brought smiles to those around him. He continued to enjoy watching children play, just as he did when his sons, Haynes, Luke, and Matt, were young. A quintessential extrovert, Bill engaged in conversations with his unique, warm style. His passion for music remained strong, and he continued to sing with the Richmond, Vt., senior group, a dementia singing group, and with family and friends. His beautiful voice could still belt out “You Are My Sunshine” almost until the end. Bill found his true home in Richmond, where he enjoyed walks on Snipe Ireland Road, often accompanied by friends and his loyal dog, Luna.
Born in Charleston, S.C., Bill was proud of his Southern roots. He grew up in Atlanta and attended the University of Georgia, becoming a lifelong Bulldogs fan. He later earned an MA in counseling psychology from Antioch University New England.
Bill spent summers at Blackrock, a family home in the north Georgia mountains, where he created many happy memories.
His passion for music began early when he was selected to join the Apollo Boys’ Choir, a prestigious choir in Palm Beach, Fla., modeled after the Vienna Boys Choir. The choir toured nationally and played a key role in developing Bill’s love for classical music.
After college, he spent several years in New York City, working as a social worker with minority groups. In 1969, he relocated to Vermont, where he dedicated the next 55 years to assisting others in various capacities. This included serving as a social service consultant for the State of Vermont and later establishing his own business, Lifetypes, which provided personal and vocational counseling to individuals and couples. He also held adjunct faculty positions at the University of Vermont, New England Culinary Institute, and Burlington College, teaching courses on personality theory and learning styles. During his retirement, he found fulfillment in substitute teaching, often sharing his firsthand experience of meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while studying at the University of Georgia. Additionally, he contributed to Richmond’s local newspaper, Times Ink, for many years by writing the Business Beat column.
In his free time, Bill cherished outdoor activities such as camping, fly-fishing, canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and astronomy, as well as passionately following Georgia football. He passed on these loves of nature to his three sons.
Bill is survived by Gina, his beloved wife of 34 years; his sons Haynes (Dana) of Bowling Green, Ky., Luke (Emily), and Matt (Hope); grandchildren Anna and Daniel; niece Ashley LeConte Campbell; nephews Scott Campbell, Stewart, and Karl Haddock of Atlanta; and numerous close friends who were like family to him.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 10, at 1 p.m. at the Richmond Congregational Church. Those who wish to honor Bill’s memory are encouraged to perform a random act of kindness or share a hug with a loved one. Donations in his memory can be made to the Richmond Congregational Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.
