It is with deep regret that NAMI Vermont shares the sad news that David Remington passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 21st. David was a kind, gentle, giving person who was dedicated and committed to helping other people.
David volunteered to be trained as a Connection support group facilitator for NAMI Vermont back in 2009. He was one of many Rutland facilitators who became like family to each other and served the Rutland community faithfully for over 5 years. Additionally, he became actively involved as a facilitator on the Rutland Psychiatric Unit since December 2012. So many people who attended the support groups at the hospital looked forward to joining the community support group to continue their recovery and support from the wonderful volunteer facilitators in the community. At times, David would co-lead both groups that each meet once a week for 60-90 minutes.
David was passionately involved in learning and growing as a person. There wasn’t a self-improvement class or workshop that would escape his attendance so that he could learn more and share his wealth of knowledge with others to help them improve their life and well-being. David was also very actively involved as a volunteer with several other non-profit organizations.
David’s family has scheduled a memorial service on Saturday, December 20th at 11:00 am at Christ the King on 66 South Main Street in Rutland, Vermont.
We are forever grateful for the wonderful contributions that David brought us. Here are just a few of the kind words from people whose life he touched:
I will never forget how committed David was to making sure that the Connections group on the Psych Unit at RRMC continued. He was very supportive of the group and was very disappointed when he could no longer co-lead on Friday mornings because of his new job. I will always remember him when I have some chocolate. He loved it so. He helped a lot of people in many, many ways. I was blessed by having him in my life. ~~~ Thelma
I first met David when we were trained to facilitate NAMI Peer Support Recovery Connection Group. David was instrumental in founding Rutland’s first Connection Group. Later, he helped to start the Connection Group at Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC). While facilitating, David was not only personable, he paid close attention to all of the members concerns. His input was insightful, considerate, and realistic. It was a pleasure to facilitate with David. After meetings at RRMC we would have lunch in the cafeteria. David always recognized someone from the community. The people he greeted were always pleased to see David. This is proof that David was a positive influence on his community. I learned a lot from David. At times, when facilitating, I emulate his style and approach. Knowing David was a beneficial experience. ~~~ Keith
David was the type of fellow who did his best to let you know that you mattered. He helped to remind the Connections that hope was on the horizon. The absence of David at our Sunday meeting is going to take awhile to get use to. God bless you, David. ~~~ Sarah
The thing that impacted me most about David is that he was so involved in many, many programs to help people in Need. He truly had a giving heart for others. ~~~ Cathy Blanchard
Did not have much of a chance to know David too well meeting with him usually within NAMI meetings. Good, good man reserved and led meetings exceptionally. His presence is sorely missed. ~~~ David B.
I met David in the hospital in 5/14 when I was very anxious with med change, he was kind, made me feel welcome at a time when I felt lost. I came to NAMI meetings in Rutland, I was glad he was there. He will truly be missed. ~~~ Hugh
He was a kind and giving soul. He always made people feel comfortable and at ease around him. I will miss him very much. ~~~ Jeffrey Field
David was the primary facilitator at the first peer recovery support group I attended. He made me feel at ease, welcome and I felt a strong sense of confidence that I was in a good place from the tone David set for the meeting. I was appreciative for his presence. ~~~Karen B.
David was the one that got me into NAMI. We had a lot in common. He was very supportive and understanding. NAMI has been a huge helps to me. I am at the meeting every week. ~~~ Sally B.
