SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Alan Lawrence Pinders reached the end of his epic life on Sept. 14, 2023, at the age of 94. Alan was born in Benson, Vt., on Feb. 4, 1929, and moved to Springfield, Vt., as a young child. Alan attended school in Springfield before joining the Marine Corp at age 17 during World War II.
Alan married his first love Audrey Delong on Dec. 4, 1947. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, Alan returned to Springfield, working for P.J. Harrington Haberdashery as sales/apprentice tailor. Soon after that he was offered a job with Furman’s Department Store to become the men’s department manager, followed by store manager. Eventually, Alan became owner of Furman’s, where he worked happily for over 50 years. On Aug. 20, 1958, (Allison’s birthday) the new Furman’s opened on Main Street, and remained a fixture in downtown until its closing.
Alan’s greatest love was for his family, Springfield and its people, along with countless friends who he met along a trail, whether riding his motorcycle or snowmobile. His lifelong love of motorcycles took him throughout the country, and most passionately to Daytona Beach, Fla. Any rally, race, or ride, Alan was always ready to embark on the next adventure.
Alan was named Citizen of the Year in 2010, and was recognized as the “Honorary Mayor of Main Street Springfield” where he was a pillar of the community for many years. In his humble way, Alan performed innumerable good deeds for his fellow citizens, visitors, and people in need. Along the way, Alan was a member of countless clubs and organizations proudly serving as the longest serving Lion in Vermont’s history, a lifetime member of the American Legion, 70-year life member of the Springfield Elks, member of the VFW, and various business and community organizations.
His heart was forever Vermont strong; however, Alan spent his later years living in the Carolinas near his son Tom and his family, enjoying a longer motorcycling season.
Survived by a son Thomas Pinders and his wife Lynne of North Carolina; a daughter-in-law Ruby Pinders of Maine and her children Renee and Brian; a granddaughter Kati Pinders Lambert (Paul) and their children Benjamin, Gabriel, Jacqueline, and Meredith; and grandson Alan J. Pinders (Michelle) and their son Collin; Kati and Alan’s mother Mary Lacross; grandson Jeremy Pinders (Danielle) and their children Gage, Jace, and Wynn; Jeremy’s mother Susan Peterson; and granddaughter Dori Pinders Petriella (David) and their children Ryann and Emalyn.
Predeceased by his wife Audrey, his children Allison and Paul, great-granddaughter Isabelle Audrey Petriella, his sister Jayne Underwood, and brother Edward.
Calling hours will be held at the Davis Memorial Chapel on Sept. 29, from 5-7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Sept. 30, at 11 a.m.; burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Following the burial, a reception will be held at the Nolin-Murray Center.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield On The Move, 96-A Main Street, Springfield, VT 05156, www.springfieldonthemove.net; Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) P.O. Box 40307, Austin, TX 78704, www.cureangelman.org in honor of Jace Pinders (please add Jace/Alan Pinders in the memo), or a charity of one’s choice.