Jules F. Eberhard, 85, died peacefully in his home on March 22, 2018, with his wife Francine and one of his sons, Felix, by his side, after a short battle with cancer. He was born the only child of Julius and Anna (Bucher) Eberhard in Zurich, Switzerland. After his studies and military service, at the age of 29, he came to the USA for a summer, but stayed. He became a US citizen in the 60’s and French by marriage in 1973. He lived and worked in Europe, the US and Morocco, with his wife and 2 sons in tow. His love for the mountains and skiing was a dominant thread: Ski school director at Killington, then at Mt Tom Ski Area in Ma; back in Switzerland,
Director of Tourism for the ski resort of Lenk. His proudest professional achievement was leading the construction and operation of Hoch-Ybrig, a new ski resort near Zurich. At the age of 49, he took up a very different challenge with the full backing of his wife, working for “SOS Children’s Villages”, a non- governmental, non- denominational worldwide organization for children in need . The family lived for 9 years in Marrakech (Morocco). What he liked and did best was to implement new projects, thus having 2 villages built and operating. In 1989, the organization asked him to do the same in the US, with one village in Florida and one in Illinois and the family moved to Vermont. He cherished the mountains and took his boys and wife on long hikes in the High Atlas of Morocco, skiing in the Alps and then in Vermont. After retiring, he founded the 55+ Club at Smugglers’ Notch, for “Seniors on the hill, not over the hill”, as he put it. Every spring, he took a group to ski the Alps in France, Switzerland, Italy or/and Austria. In 1999, Jules received the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) Life Membership Award.
Jules also loved the written word, did some journalism, got a MA (German) from Middlebury College .He was an engaging leader and at ease speaking in front of an audience; he knew how to use his “European” charm to his advantage. His main hobby was collecting posters related to skiing and tourism. He loved dogs and always had a 4- legged friend by his side. Last but not least, he was extremely loyal to his friends wherever they lived.
He is survived by Francine, his wife of 45 years, son Thomas and his wife Elena with their son Francis and twin daughters Aria and Solea of Emeryville, CA; and son Felix of Cambridge, VT with his son Ayden, as well as cousins in Switzerland and France.
The family would like to give special thanks to his doctor and the Lamoille Home Health and Hospice for their attentive care of Jules.
Per Jules’ wishes , there was no memorial. A celebration of his life for friends will take place later this year.
Contributions may be sent to the Lamoille Home Health & Hospice.