John Rand Dyke Jr.passed away suddenly on March 19th from unexpected health complications. John was a longtime resident of the Burlington area and formerly owned the Vermont Pawn Shop in Winooski, VT.

John was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, January 17, 1945. He graduated from Hanover High School Class of 1962. John attended Bridgton Academy and Hobart College prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1965.

John served as a Green Beret in the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) from 1966-1968. He was a decorated Vietnam Veteran and recipient of the Combat Infantryman's Badge. Following his service in Vietnam, John attended and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1971, where he met his former wife, Paula Jean (Lapidow) Sargent.

John also worked as a social worker at the "Weeks School" in Vergennes, VT in the early 1970s. John worked for New York Life and at the estate of famed artist Maxfield Parish, "The Oaks." John was a resident of the Burlington area for over 30 years and also worked at several Burlington area car dealerships after the closing of the Vermont Pawn Shop in the mid 1990s. John's former wife, Paula, maintained a long standing Child Care Center in Burlington, "Kid's Place," in which John was an active participant and supporter. John was an active member and advocate of Burlington area Vietnam Veterans support groups. John lived the last three years of his life in St. Albans, VT where he befriended many members of the local community.

John is survived by his former wife, his two sons, Lieutenant Colonel John R. Dyke III, also of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Bryan Louis Dyke of Sheldon, VT a veteran of 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment (Airborne), his daughters-in-law Katie Dyke and Corinne Dyke, and his three adoring grand children: John William age 9, Benjamin age 4, and Mayve Rose age 1. John is also survived by his three sisters Judy Currier (John), Linda Borofsky (Steve), and Karen Clark-Dyke and his two younger brothers Jeff Dyke (Deborah) and Tony Dyke (Susan). He was predeceased by his mother Rose Zerra Dyke and father Dr. John R. Dyke of Norwich, VT. John is also survived by his former mother-in-law, Charlotte Lapidow, and was predeceased by his former father-in-law, Louis Lapidow both former residents of South Burlington, VT. John had many nieces and nephews with whom he loved spending time and giving sage advice. He especially loved the holidays at the Dyke family home in Norwich and summers at Crystal Lake in Enfield, New Hampshire.

A memorial service for John is planned for May 5th, 2012 at a location and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in John's memory to the White River Junction Veterans Administration Medical Center at 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Rand-Wilson Funeral Home of Hanover, NH.