LUDLOW, Vt. – With great sadness we inform you that on Oct. 22, 2023, Stephen Plunkard, at the age of 72, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, with his wife close by his side. He leaves behind his wife Becky, his sister Diana, sons Chris and Michael, and his four grandchildren.
He was Born in Romford, England, and moved to the U.S. at the age of 13. He met his wife Becky in Colorado, where they started their journey in life and were happily married for over 50 years. After graduating From LSU school of landscape architecture, they worked their way up north, eventually residing in a quaint town in southern Vermont.
Stephen was a distinguished businessman, landscape architect, urban designer, and a professor over the course of his career. He had an immeasurable passion for his work and his involvement in landscape architecture, was exemplified by what he accomplished in his decorated career and what he gave back to the professional community. He was part of countless organizations, fellowships, and committees that promoted integrity, change, and recognized greatness within the community. Stephen won awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects, American Institute of Architects, Urban Land Institute, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and was invited to the White House as winner of the Small Businessman of the Year for the State of Vermont. At the end of his career, his passion truly lied in teaching, where he was able to work with students at Norwich University and personally instill the fundamentals for future generations of landscape architects and designers.
He was a proud man. Proud to be a husband, father, grandfather and very proud of his British heritage. He took great pleasure in the finer things in life, a good cigar, a nice glass of scotch, a picturesque building, a breathtaking landscape, and nice cars. He never took a beautiful thing for granted. To anyone who knew Stephen, he was always the sharpest guy in the room. He was never a man that was afraid to speak what he truly felt. His sarcasm and dry sense of humor combined with educated and witty responses would often leave one speechless or laughing.
In life he was an amazing father that tried to be everywhere at once, from being a boy scout leader, to coaching and sponsoring sports teams while his kids were young, all while running a successful business. As a father, it was important to him to instill values in his children of working hard, being a good person, having a big heart, and putting family first. It was never hard for him to tell you how proud he was of you and what you had become.
It was important for him to be a great man and he was. He will truly be missed by all.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life ceremony on Dec. 2, from 3-6 p.m., at Calcutta’s restaurant at the Fox Run Golf course in Ludlow, Vt. All are welcome at this Celebration of Life, but RSVPs would be greatly appreciated and can be sent to celebrate.s.plunkard@gmail.com.