Kenneth Allen Hier, Sr.

Rutland    Kenneth Allen Hier Sr., 71, of Rutland, passed away peacefully on January 14th, 2024 at his home with family by his side after a long illness.
Ken was born on June 15th, 1952 in Chippenhook, VT, and was the third child of Roger Hier and Doris (Hewitt) Hier. He attended Clarendon schools and started working at the age of 12 to support his family. In 1973, Ken met the love of his life, Linda (Lethbridge). They married the following year in Rutland on March 14th, 1974 and together raised four children: Jean, Stephanie, Courtney and Ken Jr.
In 1976, he was hired at Casella Waste Management as their first employee and began driving a commercial truck route where his customers knew him as the ‘Man on the Mountain’. One of his greatest points of pride was working for Casella for over 40 years, eventually retiring in 2019 due to his health. In 1996, he was recognized by the NWRA as driver of the year and in 2017 Casella recognized him as the Driver of a Lifetime. He was even featured in Casella’s ‘The Man on the Mountain’ commercial in 2018 before retiring.
Ken was a family man and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He believed Ford was the best vehicle brand, had a knack for taking a nap just about anywhere you could imagine, and was very talented at sneaking the dogs table scraps without anyone noticing. He was an avid hunter with his hunting buddies and loved any animal he ever crossed paths with, particularly his dogs Shiloh and Bella.
He is survived by his wife Linda Hier; daughters Jean Hier McGinness of Granville, NY, Stephanie Murray of Rutland, Courtney Hier (Jim Willis) of Rutland, and son Ken Hier Jr. (Yulia Smith) of Castleton. Six grandchildren Kendra, Tyler, Avery, Ryleigh, Hayley, Miranda and three great grandchildren Elana, Travis and Scarlett.
Ken was predeceased by his father Roger in 2003; his mother Doris in 2016; sisters Linda Roberson in 2004 and Bonnie Hier in 2014; and brother Teddy Hier in 1960.
He was a strong, passionate family man and provider who will be missed dearly. To honor and celebrate Ken’s life calling hours will be on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Clifford Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Mt. St. Joseph Academy Gymnasium, 127 Convent Ave., Rutland at 4:00 pm. A reception will follow. A burial will take place at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in Rutland.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.