Obituary: Dennis Willmott (Updated)
Accomplished blues guitarist known far and wide for his skill, friendship and mentoring. Wife, Marian, pens obituary, including a video of his "last gig" with friends.
Dennis Willmott, 80, an accomplished blues guitarist and a longtime Hinesburg resident, died Sunday, June 14, surrounded by friends and family.
He was born in Woodstock, NY to artistic parents, Cyril and Mary Garrity Willmott and grew up in Cambridge, MA. He was deeply inspired by Flamenco and blues music, and got to frequent and play in the local music venues around Cambridge with his close friend Shantu and younger brother, Robbie.
In 1968 he married Marian Howard and settled down in Vermont. He worked as a builder and then started a Design/Build Company with Michael Abate. He left the business to work as a designer for the architect Turner Brooks and later with the architectural firm, TruexCullins. He has tremendous gratitude for this opportunity and experience.
His life was enriched by his 58-year marriage to Marian and three amazing children, Milo, Leala and Brady, their spouses, Tyler Enfield, Kelly Willmott and Jada Barton and three grandchildren, Lucas, Anika and Indigo. He was fortunate to find land in Hinesburg with spectacular views in 1973 where he built a house and spent the rest of his years. Skiing (a special thank you to Cochran’s racing program), windsurfing and walking in the woods along with a number of cats, dogs and horses throughout the years added to the riches. He lived a life fueled by passion and humor.
Music was his love from the time he was young. In 1997 he established the blues band Left Eye Jump with his close friend, Dan Whalen. The band played in venues throughout the state and for many years played every Saturday afternoon at the Red Square in Burlington. He felt tremendous gratitude for the fantastic musicians he got to play with – particularly his band mates Jeff Salisbury, Kenny Bleckly, Tom Buckley, Bill Darrow, Joe Moore, Bill Mullins, Dwight Ritcher and Greg Izor along with many others, too numerous to name here. He also had the honor of playing with Big Joe Burrell.
He was passionate about keeping traditional blues alive and was active in the blues community, helping to revive the Vermont Blues Society and hosting many blues jams with his band, encouraging both seasoned and young players to perform. As one musician put it, “He lifts everyone up.”
Perhaps his biggest legacy is his natural love and connection to the people he interacted with, whether a waitress, a co-worker, a fan or a chance encounter. Nathaniel, who managed the sound at The Red Square for the band, expressed it well.
“You’ve always exuded kindness and radiated positivity, you bring out the best qualities in people and give them the confidence to be the best versions of themselves,” Marian wrote to The Record. “I think that’s a big part of what made Saturdays so special for all these years. We all got to share your light.”
There will be a celebration of life later in the summer.
One of Dennis’ last gigs with friends at his bedside (video courtesy of Marian Willmott):
Dennis co-founded the Vermont Blues Society with Marian, Charlie Frazier and Sandy Combs in 2018.
The group expressed its sadness on a Facebook post shortly after his passing:
“Today the State of Vermont mourns the passing of a man who dedicated his life to the music he loved. Dennis was instrumental in helping and encouraging so many great Vermont musicians to pursue their passion and love for the Blues. Dennis worked to keep the Blues alive in Vermont for decades. He always encouraged younger players to step right up and join in one of the hundreds of Blues Jam Sessions he organized.
”There is an irreplaceable hole left in the heart of the Vermont Blues scene and we will all miss him.”
More than 100 people responded with remembrances and condolences. Here are a few:
“I had a chance to meet Dennis when he came out to the Enosburg Opera House jam a couple months back. It was freezing night, but he was still on fire on stage, a perfect example of that extra touch that makes a performer great. He had an awesome energy, he was just about dancing while he was playing. I wish I got to see more of his music.” (Richard Durazo) 
“His blues jams were a gift to all who attended, and especially to the people he encouraged to get up and play. And a good soul, to boot. Rest in rhythm.” (Joe Tymecki)
“Dennis was the driving force for me to once again appreciate and love the blues. Dennis kept honing his craft and improving with age. We have lost such a great man.”(Ken Grillo)
“This is such a loss. Dennis was a one-of-a-kind musician and human being. Firm, but kind and a wicked sense of humor. No one picked a guitar and sang like this man. No one. He was the guitarist in my first band. We did a lot of “Ski for Heat“ shows. He was a real pleasure to work with. R.I.P. my friend.” (Bob Stannard)
“Man, I am just crushed by this. Dennis was a pro on the truest sense of the word. He was always a true pleasure to work with and the man KNEW how to play. I loved working with him. Much love and peace to his family and friends. The world is a sadder place without him.” (Thomas Carvey)
“So sad to hear. I met him in person (at a rest stop) last year when he sold me his 339. We spent about an hour trading war stories until his wife called and saved us from our own shaggy dog telling. RIP and condolences to all closer to him!” (Chris Stovall Brown)
“Dennis was the most heartfelt musicians I have ever seen! Proud to call him a friend! I believe every time I saw him play I learned something! What a loss to the music scene!! Praying for his family! Peace and Love, Big Al.” (Alan Lemery)
“So very sorry to hear this … One of a kind for sure. I will never forget his smile and the way he would light up when we walked into a gig. Made our wedding day extra special by singing Call on Me by Bobby Bland for ‘our song.’” (Jennifer Lynne)
“Oh my heavens - one of the most beautiful souls I know has left us. Dennis - your star will shine more brightly than most - and we will always hold you and your music in our hearts. Love you.” (Melinda Moulton)