A Life of Service: Remembering Francis Churchill

The Richmond, Vermont, and University of Vermont (UVM) communities are mourning the loss of Francis Churchill, a beloved environmental health and safety leader who devoted over two decades to improving campus safety and fostering connections. Francis passed away recently, leaving a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him personally and professionally.

Born and raised in Vermont, Francis’s life and work were intrinsically linked to his state and the university he served. Francis’s journey with UVM began in 1993 when he first joined as a specialist in hazardous waste management and safety protocols—an area that gained increasing importance during that time. Over the years, his role expanded, and he became an integral part of the UVM community. As Director of Environmental Health, Safety, and Compliance, Francis not only brought technical expertise but also embodied leadership that was grounded in empathy and understanding.

Francis Churchill’s impact extended far beyond his professional responsibilities. His calm demeanor and steady leadership were often cited by colleagues as being crucial in resolving some of the most challenging issues faced by the university. Whether it was managing the risks of a campus lab or responding to a crisis, Francis approached every situation with a meticulous and compassionate outlook, making him a trusted figure both on and off campus.

A Legacy of Connection and Empathy

Francis’s role in UVM’s COVID-19 response in 2020 exemplified his extraordinary ability to unite people around a common cause. As the pandemic shook the world, he was one of the key figures leading the university’s safety protocols, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff were supported and protected. His commitment to the well-being of the university community shone through in those trying times. He didn’t just develop safety protocols; he ensured they were inclusive, accessible, and effective, providing guidance to everyone affected.

In 2023, Francis was awarded the UVM Our Common Ground Staff Award, a recognition of his tireless work to build bridges across campus and foster a safer, more collaborative educational environment. His colleagues often recalled how he treated every task—no matter how big or small—with equal care, professionalism, and empathy. Whether helping with safety concerns, offering mentorship, or sharing advice on life, Francis had a unique way of connecting with people, making them feel heard and valued.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Francis was a deeply devoted father and neighbor. He raised his two daughters in Richmond, where he lived in the same family home that he had bought from his mother. The local community has also shared stories of his quiet acts of kindness—how he would lend a hand to neighbors, listen to those who needed guidance, or simply offer a warm word to those in need.

️ Francis Churchill’s Lasting Impact

As friends, family, and colleagues grieve his passing, they also take comfort in the legacy Francis leaves behind. His work in environmental health and safety will continue to benefit UVM and the many students, faculty, and staff who were touched by his leadership. But it is his character—his integrity, his humility, and his deep sense of connection to others—that will endure long after his death.

Those who knew him best speak of a man who never sought recognition for his work but instead was motivated by a desire to serve, to protect, and to make the world a better place. His contributions to UVM, from refining safety protocols to mentoring colleagues, have helped shape the university into a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone. But it was his personal relationships—his ability to listen, to guide, and to offer comfort—that left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Francis Churchill’s memory will live on in the safer campus he helped build, the countless people he mentored, and the unshakable trust he cultivated throughout his life. His legacy reminds us of the profound impact one person can have in making a community stronger, safer, and more compassionate.

May Francis’s memory remain a blessing to all who knew him, and may his family and friends find peace in the love and respect he le