Claus H. Colm, 83, beloved father, grandfather, friend to many, and well-known figure in the community, died unexpectedly Friday, August 16, 2013 at his home on Lake Bomoseen. Born in Kiel, Germany on May 14, 1930, he was the youngest son of the late Gerhard and Hanna (Nicolassen) Colm. Claus studied at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey before joining the Air Force, serving in Reykjavk, Iceland during the Korean War. While in Iceland, Claus established an import/export business, the first of many entrepreneurial endeavors that continued until his death. Having an interest in finance, his varied professions included real estate, advertising, sales, and banking. After living in Toronto and New York City, he settled in Vermont, where as a child he had spent summers with his parents and siblings. Locally, Claus was active in the community as a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Planning Commission, Development Review Board, Zoning Board, and Lake Bomoseen Association. He was also a six-decade member of the Odd Fellows. Claus enjoyed travel, but he was happiest when spending time with his extended family and pets, and on the lake and in his boat. A clever, witty man with a fondness for gadgets and an inquisitive and sociable nature, Claus was a singular, unforgettable character who will be dearly missed. It is impossible to summarize his life in a few short paragraphs; anyone who knew him knows this to be true. Surviving family members include his children, Christopher Claus Colm, Leslie Colm, Greg Colm, Susan Colm and son-in-law Carlos Greene, Jason Ahern, and Matthew Colm; grandchildren Hanna Colm, Julian Greene, Ethan Colm, Nicholas Colm, Morgan Colm, and Violet Colm; his brother Peter Colm and sisters Anne Repaske and Stine Levy, and their children; his former wives Barbara Pallotta and Faye Colm Alsop; and dear friends Scott and Stephanie Barker. Claus was predeceased by his beloved wife Joan Pratt Colm. Calling hours for family and friends will take place from 2 to 4 PM Saturday, August 24, 2013 at Prospect Point Restaurant, 111 Prospect Point Rd., Lake Bomoseen. A private burial will take place at a later date at Mechanicsville Cemetery in Belmont.