Benjamin B. FollettAge: 91 • BurlingtonBenjamin B. Follett III, 91, passed away on December 27, 2016. Ben was born on December 22, 1925 in Providence, Rhode Island, the youngest child of Sybil (Smith) Follett and Benjamin B. Follett Jr. He grew up in Rhode Island and graduated from Cranston High School. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps near the end of WWII and served as a flight engineer. After discharge, he married his sweetheart, Elsie M. Simonds, in 1946. He graduated from Rhode Island State College (now the University of Rhode Island) in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He and Elsie returned to Vermont, where he accepted a teaching position at Bellow Free Academy-St. Albans. When the General Electric plant opened in Burlington, he began a 33-year career there as an engineer and manager. During these years, he and Elsie raised five children. His volunteer work included service to the Burlington School Board, Starr Farm Beach Association, First Baptist Church (Burlington) and . He enjoyed skiing, tennis, golf, and tinkering in his workshop. He appreciated a freshly mowed lawn and a neatly shoveled driveway. In 1986, Ben retired and enjoyed several years of travel and consulting work. He suffered a serious stroke in 1989. After that day, his active lifestyle became a more challenging, quieter life blessed by summers at camp, winters in South Carolina, friends, and a growing family.Ben is survived by his wife of 70 years, Elsie, his brother Richard Follett of North Carolina, his five children and their spouses: Sally and Phillip Gullion, Andrew and Anne Follett, Nancy and David Hammond, Peter and Deborah Follett, and William and Barbara (Kim) Follett, eight grandchildren, Sarah Gullion, Stephen Gullion, Avery Follett, Alden Follett, Elisabeth Hammond, Fiona Follett, Benjamin Follett IV, and Jane Follett, step-grandson Phillip Gullion, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Warren Follett, and his sister, Josephine F. Perry.A memorial service for Ben will be held on January 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Burlington. Friends and family may call Friday evening, Jan. 6, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the VNA, UVMC or First Baptist Church of Burlington. Arrangements are under the direction of Corbin and Palmer Funeral and Cremation Service. Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.