Francis Churchill saw each day as an opportunity for connection. He nurtured the brightest parts of life through teaching, caring and volunteering. He welcomed all the joy and love and connection that came back to him. Francis knew that the magic lay in the experience of living and often remarked that “life, at its very best, is a series of ups and downs.” Francis’ intellectual curiosity informed his actions, resulting in a deeply purposeful and well-considered life. Francis made us feel seen and encouraged us to be our truest and weirdest selves. He loved us for who we are.
Francis was born on November 26, 1967, to Delores Howe and Rodney Churchill in Richmond, Vt. He graduated from Mount Mansfield Union High School in 1985, then attended the U.S. Air Force Academy for two years, before graduating from the University of Vermont with a degree in biology in 1990. Francis worked at UVM for 32 years, most recently as the director of environmental health and safety.
Francis had a deep connection to his home. He grew up with five older brothers, running wild in the rivers and hills surrounding the family home in Jonesville. He later raised his own family in the same house and passed on his love of the land. Even with 57 summers of diving into the same swimming holes, he still thought he was the luckiest person in the world to live across the road from the “healing powers of the Huntington River.” He loved exploring deep in the woods on his skis in search of untracked snow and other small wonders. He learned to ski at Cochran’s, taught his daughters to ski at Cochran’s and volunteered for 15 years on the Bolton Valley Ski Patrol. Francis celebrated his 50th birthday by hiking the Long Trail, relishing both quiet reflection and making new friends on trails and mountains he had loved all his life. He particularly enjoyed “taking a lichen” to everyone he hiked with. He was called to stewardship and took care of the rivershore trail in Richmond for many years: mowing, lopping, building bridges and rerouting the trail as yearly floods changed the path of the river. He rejoiced in sunrises, evening light and great blue heron sightings.
Franny was a really good friend. He deeply valued his lifelong friendships and delighted in meeting new people. Franny connected with his friends over bike rides, ski trips and local beer. He delivered still-warm blueberry muffins to neighbors on Christmas morning. His colleagues became like family through his years of service to UVM. He loved to linger in the company of friends, and he never rushed a conversation or moment of connection (which made for long trips to the Richmond market).
His playful spirit also made Francis a certified “funcle,” and he brought giggles and guidance to his many nieces and nephews at Churchill reunions in Vermont and at annual Dugan beach weeks in North Carolina. When they hosted an exchange student for a year, Gabby became a bonus daughter to Franny, and he loved her dearly.
In a life of many joys, Francis found his most profound happiness in his family. He married the love of his life, Molly Dugan, in the Round Church on a chilly April day in 1998. Over their 31 years together, they shared hikes and paddles and books and meals and road trips. He loved Molly’s sense of humor, her encouragement and her less-than-impressed reactions to his worst jokes (yes, Francis … you are a “fungi”). Francis and Molly were true partners, whose strength came from their differences and their deep respect and admiration for each other. Who else could convince Molly to try winter camping? Who else could convince Francis to raise backyard chickens? They chose, each day, to love each other.
When it came to his daughters, Francis was in 100 percent. He read every Harry Potter book. He baked every birthday cake. He attended — and more than that, actively participated in — every cross-country meet and basketball game. Francis was in awe of his girls’ pursuits of music. “They practiced!” he would exclaim. At every concert (and there were so many concerts), he would close his eyes, take in the music they made and puff up with pride during their solos. Francis took Ellie and Ginny rock climbing, skiing and hiking. He taught them how to change tires and use a table saw, tie knots and load the dishwasher — the correct way. Even when he played with them, he played 100 percent. Flying kites, swamping the canoe and constructing cavernous snow forts. He passed along his delight of sweets — and proper dental hygiene.
Francis loved Ginny and Ellie. He told them so and showed them so.
Francis died on October 11, 2025, after suffering a severe hemorrhagic stroke while on his morning run along the rivershore trail with his dog Roux. He was 57 years old. He is deeply missed by his wife of 27 years, Molly Dugan, and their daughters, Ginny and Ellie Churchill; his older brothers, Rodney (Madine), Oscar (Audrey), David, Nigel (Barb), and Herb (Laurie) Churchill and their children; the entire Churchill and Dugan families; and countless friends, colleagues and neighbors. He adored his mother and remained devoted to her through her death in 2024.
A celebration of life will be held on November 1, 2025, 3 p.m., at the Ponds at Bolton Valley. Donations can be made to the Warmth program of CVOEO and the Green Mountain Club.
Please remember Francis through caring for your community and outdoor spaces. Talk (and listen) to your neighbors, pick up litter, annihilate knotweed, put a smile on someone’s face. Do all that you can to rejoice in the good in this world, because it is there, and Francis knew that.
This article appears in The Tech Issue.
I am sorry to hear of this loss. Francis was a good guy, and a fun one to be around. Godspeed to his friends and family at this time.
I am very sad to read of the loss of such a lovely human being. I have enjoyed knowing Francis since 1991. It was a pleasure to get to know him better when our paths crossed at various Higher Education conferences and meetings. You will be missed by the EHS Community.
What a beautiful and special man who brought so much light and love into our world. Sending my condolences and love to his amazing family, friends and community.
Many thoughts and prayers to his family. We crossed paths quite often when his Ellie and my Amelia were in school together and his Mom and I went to church together. He was an amazing human being and will surely be missed by all in the circles he travelled.
I’m shocked that someone I haven’t spoken with since high school still has the ability to cause such heartache with his passing. Your MMU brother in Texas sends love to your family for a loss felt by so many. You were, are and will always be greatness.
Nicely said, Andy.
Francis spoke with me at Jesse & Chloe’s wedding, that was the last time we spoke, he was so kind and generous with words of appreciation and gratitude. Francis was always my favorite ex- brother in law. He was kind and generous with words and action. We will miss you much.
Will miss his fun loving mischievous smile! Always enjoyed how welcomed you felt at family events in Bakersfield and how he loved competing in the outdoor games and witted banter! My heartfelt best to Molly, Ellie, Ginny and to all his siblings and their families! Truly loved by all and will be greatly missed! 💝
I am so sorry for the loss of Francis. I was a good friend of his mother’s and was so impressed at his care and attention that he showed at the end of her life. What an incredible family. Molly, Ellie and Ginny, you are in my prayers.
I am so sad to hear of Francis’s passing. I always enjoyed our chance meetings around town, and our time at Richmond Rescue. I will miss him.
My condolences to Molly and the whole family.
What a heart-wrenchingly beautiful tribute to Francis, who brought so much to this world. Molly and family, my heart breaks for your loss. I know the community in Richmond and far beyond are mourning the loss of this kind and generous soul, gone far too soon and far too suddenly. Sending love and my heartfelt condolences to Francis’s family and all who knew and loved him.
As an MMU classmate of Francis’, it was his smiling eyes that we all felt seen by him. He was a friend to everyone. Truly, a warm and genuinely kind soul gone far too soon. My sincerest condolences to his wife, daughters, family and his dear friends.
I had the honor of working with Francis at UVM. He made my job easy. A master teacher and all-around great person. You will be missed Francis, blessed to have called you my friend.
Francis and I started at The University of Vermont on the same day that mid-May morning. I remember thinking to myself in orientation that this is a good guy — “true blue.” Over the years at UVM, Francis and I crossed paths many times from an environmental perspective. He was wise. He was lighthearted. He was a joy to be around in meetings and social gatherings. RIP dear Francis. You will be sorely missed. Please say “hi” to Stan Parker (UVM co-worker) in heaven for us …
I met Francis in my last year or so at UVM and hung out with him most during our first few years after college. We laughed and sang at many an Irish Happy Hour at the Last Chance, and it was during that time I remember Francis first meeting Molly and then watching their relationship grow. I’m lucky to have an awesome memory of a trip to Tuckerman’s Ravine with him with another friend – I looked back at the photos since learning of his passing and found he was behind the camera for most of them. Francis, you lived your life to the fullest. You will be missed.
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Francis’ passing. I was friends with Francis from elementary school through high school, although I lost touch with him in college and after, which I regret. However, I always enjoyed seeing his FB posts on his skiing, hiking and outdoor adventures — he truly knew how to enjoy life. Through his posts, I could see his deep love for his family and what fine daughters he and Molly raised. He was a true gentleman and authentically kind. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. My sincerest condolences to the entire Churchill family.
Francis always had a special place in my heart. As I grew up spending a lot of time with Uncle Rodney and Aunt Madine I got to know all of the Churchills. I remember playing card games with Francis when I was younger and the best parts I remember is his sense of home and he was always happy and outgoing. My sympathies to Molly and the girls and all of the Churchill family. ❤️
What a wonderful tribute to a kind and gentle soul who was always so giving of his wisdom. I met Francis when I was at Dartmouth doing similar work, and we bonded as Vermonters, fathers, and professionals. His smile was captivating and welcoming, and I loved to catch up at our professional meetings. Sending my love and prayers to the entire family. You have many memories to cherish. I will do my part to make the most of each day as Francis most certainly did.
Rest in Peace, dear cousin Francis. I’m am saddened that you left this earthly plane so young. My prayers to Molly and your daughters as well as your brothers. 🙏😪
My sincerest condolences to all who has been blessed to have known Francis Churchill. I have never had the pleasure of meeting this young man, but reading about his wonderful Spirit in life, truly wish I had. Praying for all of his family and friends . Blessings
I have had the good fortune to cross paths with Francis when I worked at UVM’s Office of Sustainability. Francis was one of the folks on the hiring committee and as a colleague, I appreciated his calm demeanor and his thoughtfulness. It was also a delight to catch him at Bolton Valley while he was on ski patrol. My condolences to Molly, Ginny, and Ellie. We were all so lucky to work and cross paths with Francis.
Francis was such a friendly man and an all-around good guy. I am going to miss seeing him around the CSHEMA conferences and his smile lighting up a room. He has left a lasting legacy for those who knew him and for that, we are forever grateful. All the best to his family – thank you for sharing him with us.
Francis has been our neighbor for nearly two decades. He was more than just any neighbor though—he was our dog, Zoey’s, favorite person in town.
As many have shared here, Francis was a friend to all and a generous, radiant soul. Animals are naturally drawn to genuinely good energy, and so it was no wonder that whenever Zoey would see Francis, she’d light right up and bolt towards him. He’d open his arms, in anticipation of her supercharged greeting. We couldn’t help but smile at their mutual joy and adoration for one another. Francis was never too busy to kneel down and give Zoey his full attention—even if it meant having to put down a bag of groceries, dismount his bike, or turn off his electric lawn mower—he lovingly welcomed Zoey. As many of us know, Francis had a way of connecting and making those around him feel special.
His love and care of the rivershore trail is most appreciated and we will feel his presence there, always.
Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with Molly, Ellie, Ginny, Roux, Francis’ brothers, and Francis’ many other loved ones.
~Tiffany, Zoey, and Matt Wilcox
Francis was just a gem! To all that he touched. At the morning meeting for Bolton Ski Patrol he was always the brightest bulb in a room full of sleepy ski patrollers. We will miss his cheerful voice on our radios.
Sending my deepest condolences to all the family. Francis was such a joy to work with at UVM and we are shaken to the core at his sudden loss.
I enjoyed all of my interactions –conversations, emails, meetings and hellos! Francis always took the time to help in big and small ways. He always had time for a hello as I ran into him on campus and was such a positive force at UVM. He was approachable, creative, kind and simply a treasure of a human being. May warm memories fill your hearts today and in the days ahead.
I didn’t know Francis! I came upon his obituary as I was reviewing recent emails. His obituary reflects a testament to the wonderful life he and his family lived… and to the extraordinary person he was. His life, as revealed in his obituary, portrayed a gentle, intelligent, thoughtful, caring, and loving man, who revered nature. Those of you who knew him, were very likely given a great gift! An admirer of such a life. Thank you for sharing! My condolences to all!
Stunning loss. What a fantastic person.