Steven L. Daby

On March 12, 2024, we unexpectedly lost a cherished man, Steven L. Daby, born on March 29, 1965 and a lifelong resident of Buckland. His devoted wife of nearly 32 years, Lori (Holmes) Daby, held his hand as he said goodbye with the love from his family surrounding him.

Steve fought a long and courageous fight against cancer. He survived Hodgkin's disease (twice) in his twenties and was diagnosed with both prostate cancer and lymphoma in 2020. Despite his relentless fight against the lymphoma, it tragically persisted and he finally succumbed to the illness. 

Steve devoted 25 years of unwaivering commitment to his role as Highway Superintendent for the Town of Buckland, overseeing the long-awaited completion of a highway garage. Following his tenure in Buckland, he transitioned to the position of Highway Superintendent for the Town of Colrain, where he dedicated the last 16 months of his career.

Steve will be sadly missed by an extraordinary group of friends he and Lori met through Bob Perry (RIP) of Bicycles Unlimited, who organized weekly mountain bike rides which usually culminated in a gathering for a pint or two. Mountain biking evolved into Steve's foremost passion. He also took pride in completing a 100-mile bike ride at Hampton Beach and participating in the Bridge of Flowers Road Race twice.

Steve and Lori also enjoy hiking and camping and have made many equally wonderful friends while enjoying their favorite camping spot on Lake Willoughby in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

Besides his wife he leaves his father, Norman (Pete) Daby, Sr., his brother Norman Daby, Jr. and very special sister-in-law, Christine Daby. Also grieving his loss are his aunts, Dot Parker and Barb Turcotte, along with his cousins who will cherish many wonderful memories, Jeff Wells (Amanda), Russell Turcotte (Ellen), and Lisa Floeck (Jim). He is lovingly remembered by his brother-in-law, Randy Holmes, Sr., his nephews Casey, Alexander, Randy Jr. and niece, Kristin as well as his grand-nephews Parker and Maverick. Steve also leaves behind his adored furbabies, Tugger, Finnegan and Jaxon, who will give Lori much comfort in the days ahead. He is predeceased by his mother Sandra (Wells) Daby in 2022.

A wake will be held at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church Street, Shelburne Falls on Friday, March 22, 2024, from 4 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Steve’s memory to Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield MA 01101-6307, or Wheeling for Healing c/o Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut Street, 6th Fl., Springfield MA 01199.

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