The University of Vermont (UVM) community and residents of Richmond are mourning the loss of Francis Churchill, a respected leader, mentor, and friend who devoted more than three decades to ensuring the safety and well-being of others. Churchill, who served as UVM’s Director of Environmental Health and Safety, passed away at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, integrity, and quiet leadership.
Born and raised in Vermont, Francis’s roots ran deep in the community he loved. After earning his degree in Biology from UVM in 1990, he began a lifelong career dedicated to environmental protection and workplace safety. By 1993, he had joined the university as a hazardous waste specialist, marking the start of a 30-year journey that would shape UVM’s safety culture and impact countless lives.
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A Life of Dedication and Leadership
For over three decades, Francis could be found working from his office on Spear Street, where he became a constant presence to colleagues and friends alike. Each spring, he looked forward to the return of an osprey nesting outside his window—a symbol of renewal that mirrored his own steady and dependable spirit.
Francis was known for his calm demeanor, intellectual curiosity, and hands-on approach. Whether addressing complex biohazard protocols or managing emergency response efforts, he did so with humility and heart. “There’s always something interesting going on, and it’s always different,” he once said—words that reflected his love for learning and his deep respect for the work he did.
Guiding UVM Through Challenge
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Francis played a pivotal role as co-leader of the UVM Health, Safety, and Resumption of Operations Committee. His ability to bring people together, think pragmatically, and communicate with empathy was vital in helping the university navigate an uncertain time. Under his guidance, UVM developed nationally recognized safety protocols that balanced science, collaboration, and care for the community.
Promoted to Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Francis spearheaded several key initiatives, including the creation of the campus safety officer program, which continues to influence UVM’s approach to safety and risk management today.
In recognition of his exceptional service, Francis received the Our Common Ground Staff Award in 2023—one of the university’s highest honors. True to form, he accepted the accolade with characteristic humility, preferring to celebrate his team’s achievements rather than his own.
Remembered for His Humanity
Colleagues describe Francis as a steady, compassionate leader who treated everyone with respect and fairness. “He had an incredible ability to listen, empathize, and make people feel safe,” one colleague shared. “Francis built an environment of trust that made everyone around him better.”
Outside of work, Francis cherished his role as a father. He raised his two daughters in his childhood home in Richmond, a place that remained central to his life. Friends remember him as a devoted parent, neighbor, and community member—someone whose warmth and humor made every gathering brighter.
A Lasting Legacy
Through his work, mentorship, and relationships, Francis Churchill embodied what it means to lead with heart. His dedication to safety, his belief in teamwork, and his genuine care for others leave a profound and lasting impact on UVM and beyond.
He is survived by his two daughters, extended family, and a wide network of friends and colleagues who will remember him not just for his accomplishments, but for his kindness, steadiness, and humanity.
Funeral arrangements and memorial details will be shared by the family at a later date.
May his memory continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps to lead with compassion and purpose.